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Waffen-SS Dutch, Belgian, and Danish Volunteers
“This book is a treasure trove of inspiration for models, vignettes, and dioramas.” ― IPMS/USA
Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union, numerous Dutchmen, Belgians and Danes volunteered for the Waffen-SS. The largest division, SS Volunteer Legion Netherlands operated in Yugoslavia and then Northern Russia. It was later re-designated 23rd SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nederland.
Fighting alongside the Nederland formation was the SS Volunteer Legion Flanders, manned mainly with Dutch speaking recruits from occupied Belgium. After being disbanded it was later reformed as the SS Assault Brigade Langemarck (SS-Sturmbrigade Langemarck).
The SS Volunteer Legion Walloon, recruited from French-speaking volunteers from German occupied Belgium, was sent to Russia and later integrated with the SS Assault Brigade Wallonia (SS-Sturmbrigade Wallonien).
Finally some 6,000 Danes served in Free Corps Denmark which went to the Eastern Front in May 1942. Within a year the formation was disbanded into Division Nordland, known as `Regiment 24 Danemark`
Drawing on a superb collection of rare and often unpublished photographs, this fine Images of War book describes the fighting history of each formation, notably the 1944 battle of Narva, which was known as the battle of the European SS. As its forces were pushed further back across a scarred and burning wasteland it describes how these Dutch, Belgian and Danish units became cut off in the Kurland Pocket until some were evacuated by sea. The remainder were killed or captured in front of Berlin in April 1945.
Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union, numerous Dutchmen, Belgians and Danes volunteered for the Waffen-SS. The largest division, SS Volunteer Legion Netherlands operated in Yugoslavia and then Northern Russia. It was later re-designated 23rd SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nederland.
Fighting alongside the Nederland formation was the SS Volunteer Legion Flanders, manned mainly with Dutch speaking recruits from occupied Belgium. After being disbanded it was later reformed as the SS Assault Brigade Langemarck (SS-Sturmbrigade Langemarck).
The SS Volunteer Legion Walloon, recruited from French-speaking volunteers from German occupied Belgium, was sent to Russia and later integrated with the SS Assault Brigade Wallonia (SS-Sturmbrigade Wallonien).
Finally some 6,000 Danes served in Free Corps Denmark which went to the Eastern Front in May 1942. Within a year the formation was disbanded into Division Nordland, known as `Regiment 24 Danemark`
Drawing on a superb collection of rare and often unpublished photographs, this fine Images of War book describes the fighting history of each formation, notably the 1944 battle of Narva, which was known as the battle of the European SS. As its forces were pushed further back across a scarred and burning wasteland it describes how these Dutch, Belgian and Danish units became cut off in the Kurland Pocket until some were evacuated by sea. The remainder were killed or captured in front of Berlin in April 1945.
160 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2023
6 people want to read
About the author
Ian Baxter
132 books20 followersIan Baxter is a military historian who specializes in German twentieth-century military history. He has written more than forty books and over 100 articles about the World War II era.
He has reviewed numerous military studies for publication and supplied thousands of photographs and important documents to various publishers and film production companies worldwide.
He has reviewed numerous military studies for publication and supplied thousands of photographs and important documents to various publishers and film production companies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 2, 2023
One wonders what the exact draw was for young men of the Nazi Occupied European countries who joined the Waffen SS's Volunteer units. Was it the snappy uniforms, the opportunity to join the great Anti Soviet Alliance, the chance at glory, the possible extra benefits for one's family, national pride, racial pride, or just the extra opportunity to take part in the Nazi Holocaust- the "Final Solution" to the "Jewish Problem".Whatever it was- and it may have been any or all of these and more-Waffen SS was able to raise Dutch, Belgian, and Danish Volunteers - units that fought alongside the other more famous Waffen SS and Wehermacht divisions, mostly on the Eastern Front. Ian Baxter bring us a curated selection of photos of these Collaborators/Fascists/Volunteers at work, training, war and play- all in the usual Images of War Series style - a little history of each country's contributions to the Thousand year Reich- then a slew of b/w pics to follow the prose. A very interesting book that will enlighten many about the European Fascist/Collaborators who aided and abetted the Nazis.
The Nazi dream was that the "Germanic" countries on her borders - especially Belgium, Holland and Denmark would rejoice at being part of the Reich- throwing their racial lot in with the Master race. The reality of a two front war with a largely unenthusiastic majority of occupied Europeans led them to try to get a more pan- European Army to fight the Soviets. They had in mind more than three three brigade sized groups this campaign raised- and were perenially disappointed with the units they had. Those young men would also tire of being second class troops all too often when it came to the doling out of the best gear and logistics. Most of these soldiers got to the front in time for the great retreats of 1944 and 1945, so there was little if any glory to be had. It's sort of a sad tale- but these people joined up with the Nazis, they clearly were not great decision makers nor arbiters of justice. Obviously they often faced summary judgement if captured by their countrymen in wartime, although some would survive the war.
There are some adult themes, mostly political , and some action shots that may be edgy- also possible romanticism of Nazi symbolism, so this book is best read by the Junior Reader over 13/14 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast this is an interesting trove. For the Gamer- a chance for a little change from the regular Wehermacht and Waffen SS units- but not that much as they wore the same basic uniforms. Still with today's love of playing specific units- these groups are pretty unique. The Modeler gets a lot fo interesting build and diorama ideas- but will probably need some colour pics or resources to help out. The Military Enthusiast gets a good introductory work on Collaborator/European Fascist forces allied with the Nazis. I think more general readers will also find this aspect of WWII intriguing.
The Nazi dream was that the "Germanic" countries on her borders - especially Belgium, Holland and Denmark would rejoice at being part of the Reich- throwing their racial lot in with the Master race. The reality of a two front war with a largely unenthusiastic majority of occupied Europeans led them to try to get a more pan- European Army to fight the Soviets. They had in mind more than three three brigade sized groups this campaign raised- and were perenially disappointed with the units they had. Those young men would also tire of being second class troops all too often when it came to the doling out of the best gear and logistics. Most of these soldiers got to the front in time for the great retreats of 1944 and 1945, so there was little if any glory to be had. It's sort of a sad tale- but these people joined up with the Nazis, they clearly were not great decision makers nor arbiters of justice. Obviously they often faced summary judgement if captured by their countrymen in wartime, although some would survive the war.
There are some adult themes, mostly political , and some action shots that may be edgy- also possible romanticism of Nazi symbolism, so this book is best read by the Junior Reader over 13/14 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast this is an interesting trove. For the Gamer- a chance for a little change from the regular Wehermacht and Waffen SS units- but not that much as they wore the same basic uniforms. Still with today's love of playing specific units- these groups are pretty unique. The Modeler gets a lot fo interesting build and diorama ideas- but will probably need some colour pics or resources to help out. The Military Enthusiast gets a good introductory work on Collaborator/European Fascist forces allied with the Nazis. I think more general readers will also find this aspect of WWII intriguing.
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