Totenkopf

The first of two volumes on one of the most famous Waffen-SS divisions, this work by two long-time SS research colleagues is their largest and most detailed unit study to date. Following an illustrated Introduction a lengthy chapter examines the parameters of researched topics in this work, the ten categories of personnel it includes, and how the data is presented as well as why. The Waffen-SS awards system is detailed by individual decoration including new data on Abteilung P5 Ordensangelegenheiten. Divisional firsts are noted along with comparisons to the other units of the Waffen-SS. A chapter on the Totenkopfverbande follows, detailing these numerous prewar units from their creation in 1933 through frequent title changes and their physical development until "Totenkopf" assimilated parts of four as half its initial cadre. A separate chapter then illustrates unique surviving Totenkopfverbande artifacts. Next is an overview of the division's combat history from its beginning in reserve during the 1940 Western Campaign until the end of the war, the formation probably being most famous for its defensive capability. With nearly 100 illustrations, the Combat Elements chapter begins with details of the forming of the division then in 13 sub-chapters examines the individual combat units of the formation, not all of which existed initially or simultaneously. Starting as a motorized infantry division and ending the war a tank formation, all the initial command and staff personnel are noted with career information. How each unit physically developed is documented along with all the commanders of these components with their military career specifics. Aside with those in preceding chapters, a further 20 of the formation's 55 Knight's Cross holders are detailed in this chapter to include service data and all surviving award proposals, the later incorporated into the text or as one of multiple extended photo captions. The remainder are included among both volumes as is data on other Waffen-SS units created with cadre from "Totenkopf." Separate chapters follow on the divisional commanders and senior staff officers. Half the division's more than 100 German Cross in Gold recipients are individually detailed to include their careers outside of "Totenkopf" service, all surviving award proposals, and full explanations of these diverse assignments. Throughout the volume is new data on Waffen-SS schools, training units, and predecessors and successors as they pertain to the "Totenkopf" Division. Following a chapter on the Single-handed Tank Destruction award is another detailing rare surviving award documents and similar material contributed by collections in Europe, Russia, and the United States. A name index allows the reader to find all text entries and images for the more than 550 individuals in the initial volume as well as a glossary for the diverse terminology used. Primarily unpublished images enhance this volume with their extended data captions, the authors also tracking down period prints or negatives for some well-known images to allow them to be reproduced with previously unseen detail and clarity. With a world-wide list of contributors as well as significant veteran input, these two volumes will be considered among the significant postwar studies on the Waffen-SS with their vast amount of new material for the historian, military collector, and modeler. Volume 2 will complete the "Totenkopf" German Cross in Gold followed by chapters on the Roll of Honor Clasp, Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Totenkopfstandarten, a photographic addendum, Orders of Battle, Feldpost lists, and multiple-level officer lists. Bibliography and index.