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[[File:Recruitment posters of the Waffen-SS.gif|thumb|right|270px|Waffen-SS recruitment and propaganda posters from across Europe]]
{{infobox military unit
|unit_name= Waffen-SS
|image=Recruitment posters of the Waffen-SS.gif
|caption= Waffen-SS recruitment and promotion posters from across Europe
|dates= 1940–45
|allegiance=[[Nazi Germany]]
|branch= ''[[Schutzstaffel]]''
|type=
|role=
|size= 39 divisions
|command_structure=
<!-- Commanders -->
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|commander2=
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|commander3=
|commander3_label=
|commander4=
|commander4_label=
|notable_commanders=
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=
|identification_symbol_label=
|identification_symbol_2=
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}}


The [[Waffen-SS]] ("Armed SS") was created as the armed wing of the [[Nazi Party]]'s ''[[Schutzstaffel]]'' ("Protective Squadron"; SS).{{sfn|Bender|Taylor|1971|p=23}} It grew from three [[regiment]]s to over 38 [[division (military)|divisions]] during [[World War II]], and served alongside the ''[[German Army (Wehrmacht)|Heer]]'' (regular army) but was never formally part of it.{{sfn|McNab|2009|pp=56, 57, 66}} By 1945, the Waffen-SS had developed into a multi-ethnic and multi-national [[military]] force of [[Nazi Germany]], its divisions manned by volunteers and conscripts from across [[Europe]].{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
The '''Waffen-SS''' ([[German language|German]] "Armed SS"; [[literal translation]] "Arms-SS") was the [[combat]] arm of the ''[[Schutzstaffel]]'' or ''SS'', an organ of the German [[Nazi Party]]. The [[Waffen-SS]] saw action throughout [[World War II]] and grew from three regiments to a force of over 39 divisions, which served alongside the regular army. It is not to be confused with units of the [[Allgemeine SS]] subordinate to the [[Wehrmacht]]. The Waffen-SS was never formally part of the regular army. Although operational control of the Waffen-SS units on the front line was given to the Army's [[OKH|High Command]], in all other respects they remained under the auspices of [[Reichsfuhrer-SS]] [[Heinrich Himmler]]'s SS, and behind the lines these units were an instrument of political policy enforcement. It was [[Adolf Hitler]]'s will that the Waffen-SS never be integrated into the army. In 1940, Hitler gave permission for the first non-German Waffen-SS formation and by the end of the war, twenty five of the thirty eight Waffen-SS divisions were formed from foreign volunteers or conscripts, or around 60% of Waffen-SS members were non-German.


When [[Adolf Hitler]] and his Nazi Party came to power in 1933, a number of paramilitary organizations already existed, namely the ''[[Sturmabteilung]]'' ("Storm Detachment"; SA) and ''Schutzstaffel'' ("Protection Squad"; SS).{{sfn|Kershaw|2008|pp=306-313}} Together, these two groups numbered more than three million men, a fact which deeply troubled the traditional officer corps of the German Army.{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}}{{sfn|Kershaw|2008|pp=306-313}} In 1933, a group of 120 outstandingly loyal SS men were chosen to form the ''[[Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler]]''.{{sfn|Flaherty|2004|p=144}} A year later, Hitler approved the formation of the ''[[SS-Verfügungstruppe]]'', which, together with the ''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'', made up the early elements of what would eventually became the Waffen-SS.{{sfn|Flaherty|2004|p=144}} It was Hitler's wish that unit should never be integrated into the army nor the state police, but remain an independent force of military-trained men at the disposal of the Führer in times of both war and peace.{{sfn|Reitlinger|1989|p=84}}{{sfn|McNab|2009|pp=56-66}} It was commanded by [[Heinrich Himmler]] in his capacity as ''[[Reichsführer-SS]]''.{{sfn|Lumsden|2002|p=14}}
In late 1940, the creation of a multinational SS division, the SS Division Wiking, was authorised. It consisted of foreign volunteers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands and Belgium under the command of German officers. In 1942, SS units were created using Croats, Ukrainians, Estonians, and Latvians. There were also SS units made up of Spanish, French, and [[British Commonwealth]] troops, with the latter unit being a significant propaganda tool.


Initially, only men belonging to the [[Nazism and race|Aryan race]] were allowed to join the Waffen-SS, but this policy was more or less eliminated as the war began to turn against the [[Axis powers]], although people regarded as "sub human", such as ethnic Poles and [[Jews]], were never allowed to join.{{sfn|Goldsworthy|2010|p=51}}{{sfn|Langer|Rudowski|2008|p=263}} The Waffen-SS was initially given the lowest priority for recruits and its members were regarded as "amateur soldiers" by the regular army.{{sfn|Flaherty|2004|p=145}} The Germanic Waffen-SS divisions had extremely tough entry requirements; out of every 100 applicants, only 7 were accepted.{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}} [[Josef Dietrich]], a high ranking SS general, insisted that all men of the Waffen-SS would had to be mature, a minimum height of 180 cm, between the ages of 23 to 35, in superb physical condition, and have a perfect ancestry record, with no hint of Jewish blood.{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}}{{sfn|Flaherty|2004|p=145}}
After the war, in the [[Nuremberg Trials]], the Waffen-SS was condemned as a [[criminal organisation]] owing to its essential connection to the Nazi Party and its involvement in [[war crimes]] and [[the Holocaust]]. Waffen-SS conscripts sworn in after 1943 were exempted from the judgement owing to their conscription.


For all its expenditure and training, the Waffen-SS did not see actual combat until Germany [[invasion of Poland|invaded Poland]], effectively starting [[European theatre of World War II|World War II in Europe]]. It was then only about 10,000 men stong.{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}} When Germany next turned West to [[Fall of France|conquer France and the Low Countries]] in 1940, the Waffen-SS had expanded to 100,000.{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}} That same year, Himmler opened up membership for people he regarded as being of "related stock", which resulted in a number of rightwing Scandinavians signing up to fight in the Waffen-SS. When the Germans turned East and invaded the [[Soviet Union]] in the [[Operation Barbarossa|biggest military operation in history]], further volunteers from [[France]], [[Spain]], [[Belgium]], [[Holland]], [[Czechoslovakia]], and the [[Balkans]] signed up to fight for the [[New Order (Nazism)|Nazi cause]].{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}} Recruitment from the occupied territories accelerated between 1942-45, when the war turned decisively against the [[Nazi Germany]].{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}} Eventually units consisting of Russians, Indians, Arabs and even Britons were created.{{sfn|The Waffen-SS 2015}} At its peak, the Waffen-SS numbered almost a million men (38 divisions) from across Europe.{{sfn|McNab|2009|pp=56-66}} After the war, the unit was banned and declared a [[criminal organization]] for its heavy involvement in [[war crimes]].{{sfn|Flaherty|2004|pp=144-145}}
==SS ''Wiking''==
In late 1940, the creation of a multinational SS division, the [[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking|SS Division ''Wiking'']], was authorised and command of the division was given to [[Brigadeführer]] [[Felix Steiner]]. The 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking was one of the elite Panzer divisions of the thirty-eight Waffen SS divisions. It was recruited from foreign volunteers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands and Belgium under the command of German officers. Steiner organized the volunteer division, and soon{{Citation needed|date=November 2011}} advocated for an increased number of foreign units.

The 5th SS ''Wiking'' was committed to combat several days after the launch of the invasion of the [[Soviet Union]] ([[Operation Barbarossa]]), proving itself an impressive{{Citation needed|date=November 2011}} fighting unit. It became both one of the established elite divisions and a model for what might be achieved through careful recruitment and training. Its ranks, however, never exceeded 40% "foreign" troops, relying heavily on German officers, [[non-commissioned officer]]s and technical specialists to provide the major part of its strength.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2009-11-03|title=THE SS: HITLER'S INSTRUMENT OF TERROR|author=Williamson, Gordon|publisher=Motorbooks International.|url=http://www.wiking.org/topics/wikdata.htm}}</ref>

==Further volunteers==
Soon [[Danes|Danish]], [[Belgians|Belgian]], [[Norwegians|Norwegian]], [[Swedes|Swedish]], [[Finnish Volunteer Battalion of the Waffen-SS|Finnish]] and [[Dutch people|Dutch]] volunteer formations were committed to combat, generally proving their worth despite their limited numbers. Before long, Himmler was allowed to create his new formations, but they were to be commanded by German officers and [[Non-commissioned officer|NCO]]s. Beginning in 1942-43, several new formations were built up from [[Croats]], [[Latvian people|Latvians]], [[Estonians]] and [[Ukrainians]]. Himmler ordered that new Waffen-SS units formed with men of non-Germanic ethnicity were to be designated ''Division der SS'' or Division ''of'' the SS rather than ''SS Division''. In some of these cases, the wearing of the SS [[runes]] on the collar was forbidden, with several of these formations wearing national insignia instead.<ref>{{cite book|accessdate=2009-12-03|title=Hitler's Foreign Legion: Waffen SS Non German Units in the Waffen SS During World War Two|author=Eger, Christopher}}</ref>

A separate group in Dutch Waffen-SS volunteers were formed by the Dutch-Indo's. 70% of these [[Eurasians]] were members of the [[National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands|NSB]], The National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands. Early 1933 Dutch-Indo's erected the Netherlands Indies Fascist Organization (Nederlandsche Indische Fascisten Organisatie NIFO), which had strong ties with the NSB.<ref>Mussert & Co -Tessel Pollman, ISBN 9789461055477</ref>

[[Gottlob Berger]] sought to gain control of all foreign volunteer forces serving alongside Germany's Wehrmacht. This put the Waffen-SS at odds with the Army, as several volunteer units had been placed under Army control, for instance volunteers of the Spanish [[Blue Division]]. In several cases, such as the [[Russian Liberation Army|ROA]] and the [[5th SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade Wallonien|5.SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade ''Wallonien'']], he was successful, and by the last year of the war most foreign volunteers units did fall under SS command.

While several volunteer units performed poorly in combat, the majority acquitted themselves well. [[French people|French]] and [[Spanish people|Spanish]] SS volunteers, along with remnants of the [[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland|11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division ''Nordland'']] formed the final defense of the ''Reichstag'' in 1945.

Among the more unusual units to exist in the Waffen-SS was the [[British Free Corps]], a unit composed of former prisoners of war from British Commonwealth countries: the [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], [[South Africa]] and [[New Zealand]]. It numbered around 60 soldiers,<ref name="Williamson-118" /> with special insignia, and had considerable propaganda potential. Initial efforts at organizing the BFC were made by [[John Amery]] in the spring of 1944,<ref name="Williamson-118" /> and then taken over by the Waffen-SS. Amery was tried and convicted of [[treason]] by the British government after the war, and was executed in December 1945.<ref name="Williamson-118">{{cite book | url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=7gv7yPIdQdsC&lpg=PA118&dq=British%20Waffen-SS%20Free%20Corps&pg=PA118#v=onepage&q=British%20Waffen-SS%20Free%20Corps&f=false | title=The SS: Hitler's Instrument of Terror | publisher=Zenith Press | author=Gordon Williamson | year=2004 | page=118 | isbn=0760319332}}</ref><ref name="Thorpe-2008">{{cite news | last = Thorpe | first = Vanessa | title = Oscar winner reveals the secret of pro-Nazi traitor | pages = | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | date = 17 February 2008 | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2008/feb/17/theatre.secondworldwar |accessdate=2008-08-18}}</ref>

Additionally, there were SS units and entire SS "Foreign Legions" consisting primarily of Indian, Tartars/Cossacks amongst others. A special case was the [[SS-Sturmbrigade Dirlewanger]] that unofficially accepted common criminals on probation, including Russians, Ukrainians and political prisoners willing to renounce their previous views.

Ultimately, a significant majority (approximately 60%) of men who volunteered and fought with the Waffen-SS over the course of the war were not ethnic Germans. The Waffen-SS even made allowances for religious traditions and beliefs with specialised uniforms and insignias, as well as providing spiritual guidance and service in non-Christian religions.

==Conscript divisions==
Soldiers from [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)|Estonia]] and [[Latvian Legion|Latvia]] were not volunteers<ref name=florence>{{cite news|title=Strange Guerilla Army Hampers Nazi Defence of Baltic|location=Florence, Alabama|newspaper=Times Daily|date=10 February 1944|author=Robert Sturdevant}}</ref> but conscripts which the German authorities had denied their wish to form national military units allied to Germany. Under such circumstances, these had either volunteered to the Wehrmacht and had later been forced into the Waffen-SS or were [[Hague Conventions (1899 and 1907)|illegally]] conscripted by general mobilisations.<ref name=laar2>{{cite book |pages=32–59|chapter=Battles in Estonia in 1944|title=Estonia in World War II |last=Laar |first=Mart |year=2005 |publisher=Grenader| authorlink=Mart Laar|location=Tallinn}}</ref> In an April 13, 1950 message from the U.S. High Commission in Germany (HICOG), signed by General Frank McCloy to the Secretary of State, clarified the US position on the "Baltic Legions": they were not to be seen as "movements", "volunteer", or "SS". In short, they were not given the training, indoctrination, and induction normally given to SS members. Subsequently the US Displaced Persons Commission in September 1950 declared that<blockquote>The Baltic Waffen-SS Units (Baltic Legions) are to be considered as separate and distinct in purpose, ideology, activities, and qualifications for membership from the German SS, and therefore the Commission holds them not to be a movement hostile to the Government of the United States.<ref name="laar2"/></blockquote>

==List by nation and unit==
[[File:Dutch Indo.jpg|thumb|[[Dutch East Indies|Indo-Dutch]] member of SS Volunteer Grenadier-Brigade Landstorm Nederland ]]
'''An estimated 325,000 to 500,000<ref>Many joined the SS with a false name, others asked to be ''germanized'', still others destroyed all papers, therefore the true numbers of foreign volunteers could be substantially higher. In the last days of the war, the Waffen-SS burned division records and gave out workers' passports to volunteers who wanted them.{{Attribution needed|date=September 2013}}</ref> non-ethnic German volunteers and conscripts served in the Waffen-SS:'''


==List of foreign volunteers and conscripts by country==
===Albania===
===Albania===
*[[Albania]]: 9,000+ in the
* [[Albania]]: 9,000+ volunteers and conscripts
**[[7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen]]
** [[7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen]]{{sfn|Tomasevich|2001|p=77}}
** [[21st Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Skanderbeg (1st Albanian)|21st Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Skanderbeg]]{{sfn|Judah|2002|p=28}}
***SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 14 "Skanderbeg"<ref>The name comes from an Albanian national hero and military leader [[Skanderbeg|Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg]] (born approximately 1405, died on January 17, 1468), who led the anti-Turkish freedom fight.</ref>
**[[13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar (1st Croatian)]]
*** 50th Waffen Gebirgsjäger Regiment of the SS{{sfn|Nafziger|1992}}
***1st Battalion of the 28th Waffen Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Infantry) Regiment of the SS (I/28)
*** 51st Waffen Gebirgsjäger Regiment of the SS{{sfn|Nafziger|1992}}
**[[21st Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Skanderbeg (1st Albanian)]]
** [[13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar (1st Croatian)]]{{sfn|Tomasevich|2001|p=496}}
***50th Waffen Gebirgsjäger Regiment of the SS
*** 1st Battalion of the 28th Waffen Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Infantry) Regiment of the SS{{sfn|Lepre|1997|pp=321, 329}}
***51st Waffen Gebirgsjäger Regiment of the SS


===British Commonwealth===
===British Commonwealth===
*[[British Commonwealth]]:
* [[British Commonwealth]]: 50+ volunteers and conscripts
** [[British Free Corps]]{{sfn|Thurlow|1998|p=168}}
**[[British Free Corps]] (54 men belonged to this unit at one time or another, some for only a few days - no more than 27 were members at any one time). See also [[List of members of the British Free Corps]].
**[[1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler]] - [[Hiwi (volunteer)|Hiwi]] James Conen ‘a London taxi driver,’ and [[Hiwi (volunteer)|Hiwi]] William Celliers (South African) – ‘a policeman from [[Windhoek]] in Namibia,’ were ‘sent to join the [[British Free Corps|BFC]]. Neither was interested and, presumably, both were returned to the Stalag population.’ ‘Neither was punished after the war.’ <ref>Weale, Adrian (2014-11-12). Renegades (Kindle Location 2318-24). Random House. Kindle Edition.</ref>
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]
***[[Roy Courlander]] (New Zealander) (former BFC member - joined in order to reach Allied lines)
***SS-Untersturmführer Railton Freeman (sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after the War),<ref>Weale, Adrian (2014-11-12). Renegades (Kindle Location 2621). Random House. Kindle Edition</ref>
***[[John Leister (British Free Corps)|Dennis John Leister]] (former BFC member - joined in early 1945),
***[[Francis Paul Maton]] (former BFC member - joined in order to reach Allied lines),
***[[Walter Purdy]] (interpreter),<ref>Sean Murphy. [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Xg03GwAACAAJ&dq=inauthor:Sean+inauthor:Murphy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=poXBVOyEDMSuU-zog6AE&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBTgU ''Letting the Side Down: British Traitors of the Second World War''], P 97; London: The History Press Ltd, 2005. ISBN 0-7509-4176-6</ref>


===Belgium===
===Belgium===
*[[Flemish people|Flemish]]: 20,000 to 22,000 in the
* [[Flemish people|Flemish]]: 20,000+
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
** [[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=144}}
**[[23rd SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division Nederland]]
** [[23rd SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division Nederland]]{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
***4th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Brigade Nederland
*** 4th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Brigade Nederland{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
***SS-Freiwilligen-Standarte Nordwest
*** SS-Freiwilligen-Standarte Nordwest{{sfn|Kurowski|2014|p=Chapter X}}
**[[27th SS Volunteer Division Langemarck]]
** [[27th SS Volunteer Division Langemarck]]{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
***[[6th SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade Langemarck]]
*** [[6th SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade Langemarck]]{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
**[[28th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Wallonien]]
** [[28th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Wallonien]]{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
***[[5th SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade Wallonien]]
*** [[5th SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade Wallonien]]{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
**[[Algemeene-SS Vlaanderen]]
** [[Algemeene-SS Vlaanderen]]{{sfn|Bruyne|Rikmenspoel|2004|p=75}}
* [[Walloons]]: 20,000+
***General SS Flanders
** [[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=144}}
***Germanic SS in Flanders
** [[28th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Wallonien]]{{sfn|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
*[[Walloons]]: 20,000 to 22,000 in the
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[28th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Wallonien]]


===Bulgaria===
===Bulgaria===
*[[Bulgaria]]: 700 in the
* [[Bulgaria]]: 700+
**[[Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (1st Bulgarian)]]
** [[Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (1st Bulgarian)]]{{sfn|Merriam|1999|p=8}}


===Czechoslovakia===
===Czechoslovakia===
*[[Czechoslovakia]] (the exact number of ethnic Slovaks and Czechs can not be determined) in the
* [[Czechoslovakia]] (the exact number of ethnic Slovaks and Czechs is unknown)
**[[14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian)]]
** [[14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian)]]{{sfn|Abbott|2004|p=41}}


===Denmark===
===Denmark===
Line 116: Line 52:
***[[Schalburg Corps]]
***[[Schalburg Corps]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
***SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 24 Danmark
***SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 24 Danmark

===Estonia===
*[[Estonia]]: 20,000<ref name="Thomas">{{cite book|last=Thomas|first=Nigel|title=Germany's Eastern Front Allies (2): Baltic Forces|year=2012|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781780967349|page=15}}</ref> in the
**[[Estonian Legion]]
***[[3rd Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade]]
***[[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)]]
***See also: [[Finnish Infantry Regiment 200]]


===Finland===
===Finland===
Line 130: Line 59:
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
***[[Finnish Volunteer Battalion of the Waffen-SS]]<ref>The battalion was praised by many Waffen-SS commanders, even [[Heinrich Himmler]], for its combat performance. Himmler said "Where a Finnish SS-man stood, the enemy was always defeated."{{Attribution needed|date=September 2013}} Neither the unit nor any of its members were ever accused of any "''war crimes''".</ref>
***[[Finnish Volunteer Battalion of the Waffen-SS]]<ref>The battalion was praised by many Waffen-SS commanders, even [[Heinrich Himmler]], for its combat performance. Himmler said "Where a Finnish SS-man stood, the enemy was always defeated."{{Attribution needed|date=September 2013}} Neither the unit nor any of its members were ever accused of any "''war crimes''".</ref>
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
** [[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]


===France===
===France===
*[[France]]: 18,000 to 22,000<ref name="Source 2004">Source: Tim Ripley, ''The Waffen-SS At War: Hitler's Praetorians 1925–1945'', 2004, ISBN 978-0760320686</ref> in the
*[[France]]: 18,000 to 22,000<ref name="Source 2004">Source: Tim Ripley, ''The Waffen-SS At War: Hitler's Praetorians 1925–1945'', 2004, ISBN 978-0760320686</ref> in the
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
** [[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
***Fenet battalion (see: [[Henri Joseph Fenet]])
***Fenet battalion (see: [[Henri Joseph Fenet]])
**[[17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen]]
**[[17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen]]
Line 147: Line 76:
*[[Hungary]]: 40,000 in the
*[[Hungary]]: 40,000 in the
**[[7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen]]
**[[7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
**[[25th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS Hunyadi (1st Hungarian)]]
**[[25th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS Hunyadi (1st Hungarian)]]
**[[26th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (2nd Hungarian)]]
**[[26th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (2nd Hungarian)]]
**[[31st SS Volunteer Grenadier Division]]
**[[31st SS Volunteer Grenadier Division]]
***'Szálasi' Hungarian SS Grenadier Battalion
***'Szlasi' Hungarian SS Grenadier Battalion
**[[33rd Waffen Cavalry Division of the SS (3rd Hungarian)]]
**[[33rd Waffen Cavalry Division of the SS (3rd Hungarian)]]
**[[37th SS Volunteer Cavalry Division Lützow]]
**[[37th SS Volunteer Cavalry Division Lützow]]
Line 160: Line 89:


===Ireland===
===Ireland===
*[[Ireland]]: [[James Brady (SS)|James Brady]], Frank Stringer [[SS-Jagdverband Mitte]]
*[[Ireland]]: Irish Brigade, SS Jagdverband


===Italy===
===Italy===
Line 168: Line 97:
***[[1. Sturmbrigade Italienische Freiwilligen Legion]]
***[[1. Sturmbrigade Italienische Freiwilligen Legion]]
**[[31st SS Volunteer Grenadier Division]]
**[[31st SS Volunteer Grenadier Division]]

===Latvia===
*[[Latvia]]: 55,000<ref name="Kasekamp">{{cite book|last=Kasekamp|first=Andres|title=A History of the Baltic States|year=2010|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=9780230364516|page=155}}</ref> in the
**[[Latvian Legion]]
***[[15th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Latvian)]]
***[[19th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (2nd Latvian)]]


===Luxembourg===
===Luxembourg===
Line 182: Line 105:
===Netherlands===
===Netherlands===
*[[Netherlands]]: 45,000 to 55,000<ref name="Source 2004"/> in the
*[[Netherlands]]: 45,000 to 55,000<ref name="Source 2004"/> in the
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]] ([[III (Germanic) SS Panzer Corps]])
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
**[[14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian)]]
**[[14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian)]]
**[[23rd SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division Nederland]]
**[[23rd SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division Nederland]]
Line 193: Line 116:
===Norway===
===Norway===
*[[Norway]]: 6,000 to 15,000 in the
*[[Norway]]: 6,000 to 15,000 in the
**[[Norwegian Legion]] ({{lang-de|Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen}}) (Norwegian: Den Norske Legion)
**[[Norwegian Legion|Volunteer Legion Norway]] ({{lang-de|Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen}})
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[6th SS Mountain Division Nord]]
**[[6th SS Mountain Division Nord]]
***SS-Skijeger-Bataljon Norge
***The Norwegian Ski Company (Norwegian: Det Norske Skikompani)
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
***[[SS Ski Jäger Battalion "Norwegen" ]] (Norwegian: Den Norske Skijegerbataljon)
***SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 "Norge" (1st Norwegian)
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
***SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 "Norge"
**[[36th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS|36th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Dirlewanger"]] (SS-Sonderbrigade "Dirlewanger")
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]
**SS Röntgenstürmbann
**SS Jagdverband


===Romania===
===Romania===
*[[Romania]]: 55,000 in the
* [[Romania]]: 55,000 in the
**[[17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen]]
** [[17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen]]
**[[Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (1st Romanian)]]
** [[Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (1st Romanian)]]
**Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (2nd Romanian)"
** Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (2nd Romanian)"
***SS Panzer-Zerstörer-Regiment (rumänische Nr. 2)
*** SS Panzer-Zerstörer-Regiment (rumänische Nr. 2)
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
** [[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
**7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen
** 7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division Prinz Eugen{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=148}}
**8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer
** 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=149}}


===Spain===
===Spain===
*[[Spain]]: 18,000 in the
*[[Spain]]: 3,000 in the
**[[Blue Legion]]
**[[Blue Legion]]
***[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
***[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
****Spanische-Freiwilligen-Kompanie der SS 101
****Spanische-Freiwilligen-Kompanie der SS 101
****Spanische-Freiwilligen-Kompanie der SS 102
****Spanische-Freiwilligen-Kompanie der SS 102
Line 227: Line 146:
*[[Sweden]]:<ref>The number of Swedes who served in the SS is disputed, with estimates ranging from 180 to roughly 500. Gyllenhaal and Westberg in ''Swedes at War'' put the number of Swedes who fought for Germany at 200, the majority in the Waffen-SS.{{Attribution needed|date=September 2013}}</ref> 180 to 500 in
*[[Sweden]]:<ref>The number of Swedes who served in the SS is disputed, with estimates ranging from 180 to roughly 500. Gyllenhaal and Westberg in ''Swedes at War'' put the number of Swedes who fought for Germany at 200, the majority in the Waffen-SS.{{Attribution needed|date=September 2013}}</ref> 180 to 500 in
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
***3rd Mechanized Infantry Company of the SS Armoured Reconnaissance Detachment 11 (known as ''Swedenzug'' = ''Sweden Platoon'')
***SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 11
****3rd Mechanized Infantry Company(known as ''Swedenzug'' = ''Sweden Platoon'')
**[[23rd SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division Nederland]]
**[[23rd SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division Nederland]]
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]
**[[SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers]]
Line 237: Line 155:
**[[SS-Hauptamt]]
**[[SS-Hauptamt]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[5th SS Panzer Division Wiking]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]
**[[11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland]]{{sfn|Mitcham|2007|p=155}}
***SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 11
***SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 11
**[[33rd Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS Charlemagne (1st French)]]
**[[33rd Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS Charlemagne (1st French)]]
Line 257: Line 175:
**[[Azeri SS Volunteer Formations]]
**[[Azeri SS Volunteer Formations]]
***Stab Waffen-Gruppe Aserbeidschan
***Stab Waffen-Gruppe Aserbeidschan

====Estonia====
*[[Estonia]]: 20,000<ref name="Thomas">{{cite book|last=Thomas|first=Nigel|title=Germany's Eastern Front Allies (2): Baltic Forces|year=2012|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781780967349|page=15}}</ref> in the
**[[Estonian Legion]]
***[[3rd Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade]]
***[[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)]]
***See also: [[Finnish Infantry Regiment 200]]


====Georgia====
====Georgia====
*[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]:<ref>At least 30,000 Georgians served in the German armed forces during World War II. The Georgians served in thirteen field battalions of up to 800 men, each made up of five companies. Georgians were also found in the [[Wehrmacht]]'s North Caucasian Legion and in other Caucasian ethnic legions. The Georgian military formations were commanded by Shalva Maglakelidze, Michel-Fridon Zulukidze, Col. Solomon Nicholas Zaldastani and other officers formerly of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–21).</ref> 3,000 to 10,000 in the
*[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]:<ref>At least 30,000 Georgians served in the German armed forces during World War II. The Georgians served in thirteen field battalions of up to 800 men, each made up of five companies. Georgians were also found in the [[Wehrmacht]]'s North Caucasian Legion and in other Caucasian ethnic legions. The Georgian military formations were commanded by Shalva Maglakelidze, Michel-Fridon Zulukidze, Col. Solomon Nicholas Zaldastani and other officers formerly of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–21).</ref> 3,000 to 10,000 in the
**SS-Waffengruppe Georgien<ref>SS-Waffengruppe "Georgien" was formed on December 11, 1944 and commanded by Waffen-Standartenfuhrer der SS Michail Pridon Tsulukidze.</ref>
**SS-Waffengruppe Georgien<ref>SS-Waffengruppe "Georgien" was formed on December 11, 1944 and commanded by Waffen-Standartenfuhrer der SS Michail Pridon Tsulukidze.</ref>

====Latvia====
*[[Latvia]]: 55,000<ref name="Kasekamp">{{cite book|last=Kasekamp|first=Andres|title=A History of the Baltic States|year=2010|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=9780230364516|page=155}}</ref> in the
**[[Latvian Legion]]
***[[15th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Latvian)]]
***[[19th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (2nd Latvian)]]


====North Caucasus====
====North Caucasus====
Line 292: Line 223:
***Aserbeidschanisches Infanterie-Bataillon I/111 (commissioned to the ''[[Oskar Dirlewanger|Dirlewanger]] Brigade'' in the summer of 1944 for about 3&nbsp;months)
***Aserbeidschanisches Infanterie-Bataillon I/111 (commissioned to the ''[[Oskar Dirlewanger|Dirlewanger]] Brigade'' in the summer of 1944 for about 3&nbsp;months)


====Ukraine====
====Ukraine====
====Ukraine====
*[[Ukraine]]: 20,000 in the
*[[Ukraine]]: 20,000 in the
**[[14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian)]]
**[[14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian)]]
**[[24th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS]]
**[[30th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS]]
***Schutzmannschaft-Brigade Siegling
**[[36th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS]]
**SS-Kampfgruppe "Beyersdorff"


===United States===
===United States===
Line 321: Line 258:
*[[Slovenia]]: 6,000 in the (among others)<ref>Source: Heimdal "''Dictionnaire historique de la Waffen SS''", 1998.</ref>
*[[Slovenia]]: 6,000 in the (among others)<ref>Source: Heimdal "''Dictionnaire historique de la Waffen SS''", 1998.</ref>
**[[24th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS]]
**[[24th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS]]

==Post war==
[[File:Baltic guards at Nuremberg.jpg|thumb|right|Former Baltic Waffen SS conscripts, wearing black uniforms with blue helmets and white belts, guarding Hermann Goering, Rudolf Hess and other top Nazis during the Nuremberg Trials.]]
After the surrender, many volunteers were tried and imprisoned by their countries. In several cases, volunteers were executed. [[Henri Joseph Fenet]], one of the last recipients of the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross|Knight's Cross]] was sentenced to 20&nbsp;years of forced labour and released from prison in 1959.<ref>{{cite web|title= Ritterkreuzträger Henri Joseph Fenet|url= http://www.ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Waffen-SS/F/Fenet-Henri-Joseph.htm | accessdate=10 November 2008 | language=German}}</ref> Some were far less lucky and were shot upon capture by the French authorities. [[Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque|General Leclerc]] was famously presented with a defiant group of 11 or 12 captured [[33rd Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS Charlemagne (1st French)|33rd SS ''Charlemagne'']] men. The [[Free French Forces|Free French]] General immediately asked them why they wore a [[Nazi Germany|German]] uniform, to which one of them replied by asking the General why he wore an [[United States|American]] one; the Free French wore modified US Army uniforms. The group of French Waffen-SS men was then [[summary execution|promptly executed]] without any form of military tribunal procedure.<ref>This incident took place May 8, 1945, at [[Bad Reichenhall]] in [[Bavaria]]</ref>

[[Walloons|Walloon]] renowned leader [[Leon Degrelle]] escaped to [[Spain]], where, despite being sentenced to death ''in absentia'' by the Belgian authorities, he lived in exile until his death in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|author=Encyclopædia Britannica|title=Leon Degrelle|accessdate=2009-12-03|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/156009/Leon-Degrelle}}</ref>

146 Baltic soldiers from [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Estonia]] who fought against Soviets and escaped to [[Sweden]] were [[Swedish extradition of Baltic soldiers|extradited to Soviet Union in 1946]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Virtual Museum OCCUPATION OF LATVIA|url=http://www.occupation.lv/#!/en/eksponats/05VII.2}}</ref>

The men of the XV SS Cossack Corps found themselves in [[Austria]] at the end of the war and surrendered to [[United Kingdom|British]] troops. Even though they were given assurances that they would not be turned over to the Soviets, they nevertheless were forcibly removed from the compound and transferred to the [[USSR]]. This event became known as the [[Betrayal of the Cossacks]]. Most of the Cossacks were executed for treason.<ref name="Rodina">{{citation|author=Chereshneff, Colonel W.V. |title= The History of Cossacks|year=1952 |publisher=Rodina Society Archives}}</ref><ref name=blood>{{citation|author=Roberts, Andrew |title=BLOOD ON OUR HANDS;|date=June 4, 2005|publisher=The Daily Mail|accessdate=2009}}</ref>

After the war members of Baltic Waffen-SS Units were considered separate and distinct in purpose, ideology and activities from the German SS by the [[Western Allies]]. Subsequently in the spring of 1946, out of the ranks of Baltic conscripts who had surrendered to the Western allies in the previous year, a total of nine [[Company (military unit)|companies]] were formed with a mission to guard the external perimeter of the [[Nuremberg Trials|Nuremberg International Tribunal]] courthouse and the various depots and residences of US officers and prosecutors connected with the trial. The men were also entrusted with guarding the accused Nazi war criminals held in prison during the trial up until the day of execution.<ref name="laar">Mart Laar, ''Eesti Leegion sonas ja pildis'', Grenader Grupp, 2008, ISBN 978-9949-422-61-6</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eesti.ca/?op=article&articleid=3313|publisher=Eesti Elu|title=Esprits de corps - Nuremberg Tribunal Guard Co. 4221 marks 56th anniversary}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Commons category|Waffen-SS}}
{{Commons category|Waffen-SS}}
* [[List of Waffen-SS units]]
* [[List of Knight's Cross recipients of the Waffen-SS]]
* [[Germanic-SS]]
* [[Wehrmacht foreign volunteers and conscripts]]
* [[Wehrmacht foreign volunteers and conscripts]]
* [[Schutzmannschaft]]
* [[Selbstschutz]]
* [[Hiwi (volunteer)|Hiwi]]
* [[Kapo (concentration camp)|Kapo]]
* [[Brandenburgers]]: German Special Forces of the Wehrmacht ([[Abwehr]])
* [[HIAG]]: SS-Help-Society
* [[List of Knight's Cross recipients of the Waffen-SS]]
* [[Remi Schrijnen]]


==Notes==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|15em}}


==Further reading==
==Sources==
{{refbegin|30em}}
*Kenneth W. Estes. [http://www.gutenberg-e.org/esk01/esk00.html A European Anabasis — Western European Volunteers in the German Army and SS, 1940–1945]
* {{Cite book | last = Abbott | first = Peter | title = Ukrainian Armies 1914–55 | publisher = Osprey Publishing | year = 2004 | isbn = 1-84176-668-2| ref = harv}}
*Christopher Bishop: ''SS Hitler's Foreign Divisions: Foreign Volunteers in the Waffen SS 1940–1945'', 2005, ISBN 978-1904687375
* {{Cite book | last = Bender | first = Roger James | last2 = Taylor | first2 = Hugh Page | title = Uniforms, Organization, and History of the Waffen-SS | publisher = R. James Bender | year = 1971 | ASIN = B000NKNJ1Y | ref = harv}}
*Jonathan Trigg: ''Hitler's Jihadis: Muslim Volunteers of the Waffen-SS (Hitler's Legions)'', 2012, ISBN 978-0752465869
* {{cite book | author1-last = Bruyne | author1-first = Eddy | author2-last = Rikmenspoel | author2-first = Marc | title = For Rex and for Belgium: Léon Degrelle and Walloon Political & Military Collaboration 1940-1945 | year = 2004 | publisher = Helion | isbn = 978-1874622321 | ref = harv}}
*Robert Forbes: ''For Europe: The French Volunteers of the Waffen-SS'', 2010, ISBN 978-0811735810
* {{cite book | last = Flaherty | first = T. H. | title = The Third Reich: The SS | publisher = Time-Life | year = 2004 | isbn = 1-84447-073-3 | ref = harv}}
*Thorolf Hillblad: ''Twilight of the Gods: A Swedish Waffen-SS Volunteer's Experiences with the 11th SS-Panzergrenadier Division 'Nordland', Eastern Front 1944-45'', Helion (2004)
* {{cite book |last = Goldsworthy | first = Terry | title= Valhalla's Warriors: A History of the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front 1941–1945 | year= 2010 | publisher= Dog Ear Publishing | isbn = 978-1-60844-639-1 | ref = harv}}
*Marko Jelusić: "Das „British Free Corps“ in der SS-Schule „Haus Germanien“ in Hildesheim." In: H. Kemmerer (Hrsg.), St. Michaelis zu Hildesheim. Geschichte und Geschichten aus 1000 Jahren, Veröffentlichungen der Hildesheimer Volkshochschule zur Stadtgeschichte Hildesheims 15 (Hildesheim 2010) 197-206. ISBN 978-3-8067-8736-8 ([http://www.academia.edu/2941758 Online] in academia.edu)
* {{cite book |last = Judah | first = Tim | title= Kosovo: War and Revenge | year= 2002 | publisher= Yale University | isbn = 978-0-300-09725-2 | ref = harv}}
*Hendrick C. Verton: ''In the Fire of the Eastern Front: The Experiences of a Dutch Waffen-SS Volunteer, 1941-45'', 2010, ISBN 978-0811735896
* {{cite book | last = Kershaw | first = Ian | title = Hitler: A Biography | publisher = W. W. Norton & Company | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-393-06757-6 | ref = harv}}
*Lars Larsson: ''Hitler's Swedes: A History of the Swedish Volunteers in the Waffen-SS'', 2013, ISBN 978-1909384118
* {{cite book | last = Kurowski | first = Franz | title = Panzergrenadier Aces: German Mechanized Infantrymen in World War II | publisher = Stackpole Books | year = 2014 | isbn = 978-0811743488 | ref = harv}}
*Lars Gyllenhaal and Lennart Westberg: ''Swedes at War: Willing Warriors of a Neutral Nation, 1914-1945'', 2010, ISBN 0977-756319
* {{cite book | last1 = Langer | first1 = Howard J. | last2 = Rudowski | first2 = Marek | title = Księga Najważniejszych Postaci II Wojny Swiatowej | year = 2008 | publisher = Bellona | language = Polish | isbn = 978-83-11-11111-0 | ref = harv}}
* {{cite book | last= Lepre | first = George | title = Himmler's Bosnian Division: The Waffen-SS Handschar Division 1943–1945| year = 1997 | publisher = Schiffer Publishing | isbn = 0-7643-0134-9 | ref = harv}}
* {{cite book
| last = Lumsden
| first = Robin
| title = A Collector's Guide To: The Allgemeine SS
| publisher = Ian Allan Publishing
| year = 2002
| isbn = 0-7110-2905-9
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite book | last = McNab | first = Chris | title = The SS: 1923–1945 | year = 2009 | publisher = Amber Books | isbn = 1-906626-49-9 | ref = harv}}
* {{cite book | last = Merriam | first = Ray | title = Waffen-SS | year = 1999 | publisher = Arsenal Publishing | isbn = 978-1576381687 | ref = harv}}
* {{cite book | last = Mitcham | first = Samuel | title = German Order of Battle: Panzer, Panzer Grenadier, and Waffen SS divisions in World War II | year = 2007 | publisher = Stackpole Books | isbn = 978-0811734387 | ref = harv}}
* {{cite journal
| last = Nafziger
| first = George
| year = 1992
| title = Organizational History of the German SS Formations 1939–1945
| publisher = Combined Arms Research Digital Library
| url = http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/CGSC/CARL/nafziger/939GXWA.pdf
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite book | last = Reitlinger | first = Gerald | title = The SS: Alibi of a Nation, 1922–1945 | publisher = Da Capo Press | year = 1989 | isbn = 978-0-306-80351-2 | ref = harv}}
* {{cite AV media
| title = The Battle for Germany
| publisher=[[Channel One Russia]]
| series = [[Soviet Storm: World War II in the East]]
| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUFHAYCAD70
| accessdate =26 April 2015
| ref = {{sfnRef|The Battle for Germany 2015}}
}}
* {{cite AV media
| title = The Waffen-SS
| publisher=[http://www.worldmediarights.com/ World Media Rights]
| series = Gladiators of World War II
| url=http://www.worldmediarights.com/index.php?hidAction=episode&eid=50
| accessdate =26 April 2015
| ref = {{sfnRef|The Waffen-SS 2015}}
}}
* {{cite book| last = Thurlow | first = Richard | title = Fascism in Britain: A History, 1918-1945 | year = 1998| publisher = I.B. Tauris | isbn = 978-1860643378 | ref = harv }}
* {{cite book| last = Tomasevich| first = Jozo| title = War and Revolution in Yugoslavia, 1941–1945: The Chetniks | year = 1975| publisher = Stanford University| isbn = 0-8047-0857-6| ref = harv }}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.nazi.org.uk/military%20pdfs5/UniformsOfTheSS-Volume2-GermanischeSS1940-1945.pdf Uniforms of the SS]
* [http://www.nazi.org.uk/military%20pdfs5/UniformsOfTheSS-Volume2-GermanischeSS1940-1945.pdf Uniforms] of the Waffen-SS
*[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1393224/SS-veterans-in-Britain-hold-secret-reunions.html SS veterans in Britain hold secret reunions]
* [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1393224/SS-veterans-in-Britain-hold-secret-reunions.html The Telegraph] on the Waffen-SS
*[http://www.mourningtheancient.com/truth.htm Adolf Hitler and the Army of Mankind]
*[[:da:Frontkjemper|''Frontkjemper'']], Wikipedia in Danish
*[[:no:Frontkjemper|''Frontkjemper'']], Wikipedia in Norwegian

<!--spacer please do not remove -->


{{SS organizations}}
{{SS organizations}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Waffen-SS foreign volunteers and conscripts}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Waffen-SS foreign volunteers and conscripts}}
[[Category:Waffen-SS foreign volunteers and conscripts| ]]
[[:Category:Waffen-SS foreign volunteers and conscripts| ]]
[[Category:Foreign volunteer units of the Waffen-SS]]
[[:Category:Foreign volunteer units of the Waffen-SS]]
[[Category:Military history of Germany during World War II]]
[[:Category:Military history of Germany during World War II]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Waffen-SS]]
[[:Category:Military units and formations of the Waffen-SS]]

Revision as of 16:45, 15 September 2015

File:Recruitment posters of the Waffen-SS.gif
Waffen-SS recruitment and propaganda posters from across Europe

The Waffen-SS ("Armed SS") was created as the armed wing of the Nazi Party's Schutzstaffel ("Protective Squadron"; SS).[1] It grew from three regiments to over 38 divisions during World War II, and served alongside the Heer (regular army) but was never formally part of it.[2] By 1945, the Waffen-SS had developed into a multi-ethnic and multi-national military force of Nazi Germany, its divisions manned by volunteers and conscripts from across Europe.[3]

When Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party came to power in 1933, a number of paramilitary organizations already existed, namely the Sturmabteilung ("Storm Detachment"; SA) and Schutzstaffel ("Protection Squad"; SS).[4] Together, these two groups numbered more than three million men, a fact which deeply troubled the traditional officer corps of the German Army.[5][4] In 1933, a group of 120 outstandingly loyal SS men were chosen to form the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.[6] A year later, Hitler approved the formation of the SS-Verfügungstruppe, which, together with the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, made up the early elements of what would eventually became the Waffen-SS.[6] It was Hitler's wish that unit should never be integrated into the army nor the state police, but remain an independent force of military-trained men at the disposal of the Führer in times of both war and peace.[7][8] It was commanded by Heinrich Himmler in his capacity as Reichsführer-SS.[9]

Initially, only men belonging to the Aryan race were allowed to join the Waffen-SS, but this policy was more or less eliminated as the war began to turn against the Axis powers, although people regarded as "sub human", such as ethnic Poles and Jews, were never allowed to join.[10][11] The Waffen-SS was initially given the lowest priority for recruits and its members were regarded as "amateur soldiers" by the regular army.[12] The Germanic Waffen-SS divisions had extremely tough entry requirements; out of every 100 applicants, only 7 were accepted.[5] Josef Dietrich, a high ranking SS general, insisted that all men of the Waffen-SS would had to be mature, a minimum height of 180 cm, between the ages of 23 to 35, in superb physical condition, and have a perfect ancestry record, with no hint of Jewish blood.[5][12]

For all its expenditure and training, the Waffen-SS did not see actual combat until Germany invaded Poland, effectively starting World War II in Europe. It was then only about 10,000 men stong.[3] When Germany next turned West to conquer France and the Low Countries in 1940, the Waffen-SS had expanded to 100,000.[5] That same year, Himmler opened up membership for people he regarded as being of "related stock", which resulted in a number of rightwing Scandinavians signing up to fight in the Waffen-SS. When the Germans turned East and invaded the Soviet Union in the biggest military operation in history, further volunteers from France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Czechoslovakia, and the Balkans signed up to fight for the Nazi cause.[5] Recruitment from the occupied territories accelerated between 1942-45, when the war turned decisively against the Nazi Germany.[5] Eventually units consisting of Russians, Indians, Arabs and even Britons were created.[5] At its peak, the Waffen-SS numbered almost a million men (38 divisions) from across Europe.[8] After the war, the unit was banned and declared a criminal organization for its heavy involvement in war crimes.[13]

List of foreign volunteers and conscripts by country

Albania

British Commonwealth

Belgium

Bulgaria

Czechoslovakia

Denmark

Finland

France

Hungary

India

Ireland

  • Ireland: Irish Brigade, SS Jagdverband

Italy

Luxembourg

  • Luxembourg: 3,000+[31] in the
    • Conscripts of the Waffen-SS (until September 1944)
    • Volunteers of the Waffen-SS

Netherlands

Norway

Romania

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Soviet Union

Armenia

  • Armenia: 2,000 to 4,000 in the
    • Kaukasische Waffen-Verband der SS
      • Stab Kaukasischer Waffen-Verband der SS
      • Stab Waffen-Gruppe Armenien
      • Stab Waffen-Gruppe Nordkaukasus
      • Stab Waffen-Gruppe Georgien
      • Stab Waffen-Gruppe Aserbeidschan

Azerbaijan

Estonia

Georgia

Latvia

North Caucasus

Russia

Ukraine

Ukraine

United States

Yugoslavia

Croatia and Bosnia

Serbia

Slovenia

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Waffen-SS.

References

  1. ^ Bender & Taylor 1971, p. 23.
  2. ^ McNab 2009, pp. 56, 57, 66.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i The Battle for Germany 2015.
  4. ^ a b Kershaw 2008, pp. 306–313.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g The Waffen-SS 2015.
  6. ^ a b Flaherty 2004, p. 144.
  7. ^ Reitlinger 1989, p. 84.
  8. ^ a b McNab 2009, pp. 56–66.
  9. ^ Lumsden 2002, p. 14.
  10. ^ Goldsworthy 2010, p. 51.
  11. ^ Langer & Rudowski 2008, p. 263.
  12. ^ a b Flaherty 2004, p. 145.
  13. ^ Flaherty 2004, pp. 144–145.
  14. ^ Tomasevich 2001, p. 77.
  15. ^ Judah 2002, p. 28.
  16. ^ a b Nafziger 1992.
  17. ^ Tomasevich 2001, p. 496.
  18. ^ Lepre 1997, pp. 321, 329.
  19. ^ Thurlow 1998, p. 168.
  20. ^ a b Mitcham 2007, p. 144.
  21. ^ Kurowski 2014, p. Chapter X.
  22. ^ Bruyne & Rikmenspoel 2004, p. 75.
  23. ^ Merriam 1999, p. 8.
  24. ^ Abbott 2004, p. 41.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Mitcham 2007, p. 155.
  26. ^ The battalion was praised by many Waffen-SS commanders, even Heinrich Himmler, for its combat performance. Himmler said "Where a Finnish SS-man stood, the enemy was always defeated."[attribution needed] Neither the unit nor any of its members were ever accused of any "war crimes".
  27. ^ a b Source: Tim Ripley, The Waffen-SS At War: Hitler's Praetorians 1925–1945, 2004, ISBN 978-0760320686
  28. ^ This unit, the 8th SS Volunteer Sturmbrigade France was led by a former Foreign Legionnaire, Obersturmbannführer Paul-Marie Gamory-Dubourdeau. The 1st battalion of about 1000 men was attached to SS Division Horst Wessel and sent to Galicia to fight the Soviet advance. In fierce fighting the battalion suffered heavy casualties.[attribution needed]
  29. ^ 1 motorised infantry regiment (3 regiments from October 1944, but with French, Belgians and Spanish volunteers)
  30. ^ In the later stages of World War II Lainé decided to separate from Bagadou Stourm and integrate with the SS in the face of the assassination of several leading figures of the Breton cultural movement. One of those assassinated was priest and Breton language defender Abbé Jean-Marie Perrot, murdered by the communist terrorists of the French Resistance. The militia had originally been named Bezen Kadoudal, after the anti-Jacobin Breton rebel Georges Cadoudal. The 1943 assassination of the priest prompted Lainé to change the organization's name in honor of Perrot during December of that year. It had already been envisaged by German strategists that in the event of Allied invasion the Breton nationalists would form a rearguard, and that further nationalist troops could be parachuted into Brittany. [1] However, the rapid American advance from Normandy into Brittany forced the group to retreat along with the German army. In Tübingen many members were provided with false papers by Leo Weisgerber. [2] Following the war many of the organization's members, including Lainé, Heusaff and the nationalist poet Fant Rozec fled to Ireland.[attribution needed]
  31. ^ Until September 1944, Luxembourg was part of the German Empire, therefore the men were drafted into all German armed branches, no records were kept as "foreign fighters" because they were considered German.[attribution needed]
  32. ^ Mitcham 2007, p. 148.
  33. ^ Mitcham 2007, p. 149.
  34. ^ The number of Swedes who served in the SS is disputed, with estimates ranging from 180 to roughly 500. Gyllenhaal and Westberg in Swedes at War put the number of Swedes who fought for Germany at 200, the majority in the Waffen-SS.[attribution needed]
  35. ^ The thousands of Swiss, who fought for Germany, mainly entlisted in the Wehrmacht instead of the Waffen-SS. The numbers for members of the Waffen-SS range between 300 and 2,000 depending on the source.
  36. ^ Thomas, Nigel (2012). Germany's Eastern Front Allies (2): Baltic Forces. Osprey Publishing. p. 15. ISBN 9781780967349.
  37. ^ At least 30,000 Georgians served in the German armed forces during World War II. The Georgians served in thirteen field battalions of up to 800 men, each made up of five companies. Georgians were also found in the Wehrmacht's North Caucasian Legion and in other Caucasian ethnic legions. The Georgian military formations were commanded by Shalva Maglakelidze, Michel-Fridon Zulukidze, Col. Solomon Nicholas Zaldastani and other officers formerly of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–21).
  38. ^ SS-Waffengruppe "Georgien" was formed on December 11, 1944 and commanded by Waffen-Standartenfuhrer der SS Michail Pridon Tsulukidze.
  39. ^ Kasekamp, Andres (2010). A History of the Baltic States. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 155. ISBN 9780230364516.
  40. ^ At least eight American volunteers are known to have been killed during their service in the Waffen-SS. They were Francesco Mattedi, a soldier in the Italian SS Division who was killed in Nettunia, 30 April 1944; Charles MacDonald, KIA near Johvi/Estonia, 14 March 1944; Raymond George Rommelspacher, died in Normandy/France, 6 October 1944, Edwin/Erwin Peter, KIA in Latvia, 2 July 1941; Andreas Hauser, died in Welikij in Ukraine, 18 January 1945; Lucas Diel, died on 9 December 1944 in Hungary; and Andy Beneschan, KIA in Bosnia, 16 April 1945. There were also numerous German-Americans who served in the Wehrmacht and as Waffen-SS officers during World War II. Among others were SS-Hauptsturmführer Josef Awender, a medical doctor in the SS ‘Frundsberg’ Division who was born in Philadelphia in 1913; SS-Untersturmführer Robert Beimes, a signal officer in the SS ‘Hitlerjugend’ Division, born in San Francisco in 1919. His father was a translator in the SD; SS-Hauptsturmführer Eldon Walli, born in New York City in 1913 in the SS-Kriegsberichter Abteilung (war reporters); and SS-Hauptsturmführer Paul Winckler-Theede, born in New York City in 1912 and served as a military judge in the SS ‘Das Reich’ Division.[citation needed]
  41. ^ Source: Heimdal "Dictionnaire historique de la Waffen SS", 1998.

Sources

External links


Category:Foreign volunteer units of the Waffen-SS Category:Military history of Germany during World War II Category:Military units and formations of the Waffen-SS

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