SS-Totenkopf: The History of the 'Death's Head' Division 1940-45

Waffen-SS Divisional Histories

by Chris Mann

The divisions of the Waffen-SS were the élite of Hitler’s armies in World War II. SS-Totenkopf is an in-depth examination of one of the most famous – or rather, infamous – of these divisions: the ‘Death’s Head’ division. The book explores the background to the unit’s formation from the early concentration camp guards; the men it recruited and the level of brutalisation to which they became accustomed; the key figures involved in its history, such as Theodor Eicke, its founding commanding officer; and the division’s organization. It also looks at the training regimen of the Waffen-SS, and the uniforms and insignia that members of the division wore. SS-Totenkopf also provides a full combat record of the division, which fought on both fronts during World War II, increasingly serving as a ‘fire brigade’ unit as the war turned against Germany, plugging gaps wherever they appeared in the front. The book outlines the unit’s involvement in the invasion of Poland, the fall of France, the invasion of the Soviet Union, the battle of Kharkov, the defence of Warsaw, and the final fruitless attempt to relieve Budapest in the last days of the Reich. Illustrated with rare photographs and written by an acknowledged expert, SS-Totenkopf is a definitive history of one of Germany’s leading fighting units of World War II.

Genres: World War II, History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2001

About the author

Chris Mann is a lecturer at RMA Sandhurst, Surrey. He is the author of Norwegian Forces in Exile: 1940-45. He lives in London.

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fourth book in this series of Schutzstaffel (SS) warfighters and I appreciate these books. They give in-depth history of the SS, its beginnings, and overall involvement in the war.

This particular division was created initially at Dachau to administer the entire concentration camp system. As a branch of the armed Waffen-SS they were guards part of the organization called SS-Totenkopfverbände (Death's Head Units). The book explained the training, indoctrination, and overall function in the concentration camps. Eventually men hardened from camp life, disciplined, and readied were transferred to form the combat unit 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf for the remainder of the war.

The next chapter talked about the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf and their engagements from 194o-45. These include pushing east into Poland, rolling over west into the Netherlands and France, pushing up through the Baltics, Operation Barbarossa, Kharkov and Operation Citadel, Kursk, and their final actions against the unstoppable Soviet offensive.

The last chapters gave short summaries of the key leadership players within the division and an overview of the weapons and firepower systems.

Overall a really good book on the unit without overkill on details. The pictures alone are worth viewing. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Waffen-SS. Thanks!

[Sean Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to read a book on one of the most bloodthirsty military outfits of World War II, but the book was a gift and I am glad I read it. Lots of images here and a good analysis of why the unit was successful.

[Kristof · Rating 2 out of 5]

It gives you a glimp of the reality, in a common anglo-american way.