World War II German Women's Auxiliary Services

Osprey Men at Arms #393

by Gordon Williamson, Ramiro Bujeiro (Illustrator)

Under the Nazi regime, Hitler's conservative views on the place of housewives and mothers in society limited German women to a much less active role in World War II (1939-1945) than their British and Allied counterparts. Nevertheless, the demands of a prolonged war did see German women in a range of uniforms as auxiliaries with the Army, Navy, Air Force and SS, particularly in the signals and air defence services. This unique book explains and illustrates these organisations and their uniforms and insignia, as well as Red Cross nurses, and auxiliaries of the Labour Corps, Customs Service, National Socialist Women's Organisation, and League of German Maidens (Hitler Youth).

Genres: World War II, War, Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2003

About the author

Gordon Williamson (born 1951) is a military history writer and author based in the United Kingdom. Williamson spent seven years with the Military Police in the British Territorial Army and resides in Scotland. Williamson's works focus primarily on German military forces during the Second World War.

Williamson has worked with several publishers but is perhaps best known for his continuing partnership with Osprey Publishing, with whom he has produced over 40 books.

Reviews

[KOMET]

This book provides a comprehensive view of the varieties of uniforms and badges that were worn by German women who served in a variety of roles in the German Army, Navy, Luftwaffe (air force), SS, and civilian sectors during the Second World War.

[Cami Clark]

Comprehensive overview of the various German women’s auxiliary roles during World War II. Extremely thorough about the uniform breakdowns of each service, as well as the pins and other minutia required to achieve the “look.”

This book doesn’t contain much information on the services themselves, providing just enough for context. This is meant to be a uniform guide, but I wish there had been a tad more information included.

Photos were good and very clear, making this an excellent resource for anyone needing to know more about WWII women’s auxiliary services.