The SS 'Wiking' Division in World War II

Sure to appeal to all those interested in Germany’s armed forces in World War II, this book investigates the SS ‘Wiking’ Division, from its origins to its ultimate role as a Panzer division. One of the most famous divisions in the Waffen-SS, ‘Wiking’ was the first officially to accept non-German volunteers in unit strength. ‘Wiking’ was committed to the June 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, making rapid advances until the Wehrmacht was halted that November. In 1942 the division took part in Germany’s advance in the south-east, before spending winter in the Caucasus mountains. The Red Army’s victory at Stalingrad in February 1943 prompted a major German withdrawal into Ukraine. January 1944 found ‘Wiking’ encircled in the Cherkassy (aka Korsun) ‘Pocket’, where the division led the breakout in the following month. By August, rebuilt as a Panzer division, ‘Wiking’ was back in action in Warsaw. In December, the division was sent towards encircled Budapest, but was driven back in early 1945. Defeated again in March, ‘Wiking’ retreated into Austria, the remnants surrendering in May. All aspects of the division’s combat service are described and illustrated in this absorbing study, drawing upon the latest scholarship. Eight plates of specially commissioned full-colour artwork depict uniforms, personal equipment, weapons, personalities and insignia relating to this formidable Waffen-SS division at war in World War II.