SS Panzer Divisions on the Eastern Front

Bob Carruthers

• Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781473868403
• eBook ISBN: 9781473868427
• Subtopic: Military & Maritime History

"This book is chock full of striking photographs taken throughout the war, from the invasion of Poland, to the last battles in Hungary . . . a treasure." — Western Slope Division 
This book follows the path of the 1st SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler," 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich," 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf," and 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking" from the opening stages of the war and the challenges of Barbarossa, through to the long and bloody retreat to Berlin. This exceptional collection of images captures the titanic struggle endured by these divisions, and the chain of events they set in motion that proved so critical in shaping the face of the Second World War.
Featuring rare images, this is the definitive record of SS Panzer Divisions on the Eastern Front, and an essential addition to any enthusiast's collection.

1941 – Column of Sd.Kfz. 231 (8-Rad) armoured cars of the 1st SS Panzer Division ‘Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler’ in Yugoslavia.

June 1941 – A medic checks the wounds of a reconnaissance battalion member of the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf on the Eastern Front. Two grenadiers lend a hand.

Elements of the 5th SS Panzer Division ‘Wiking’ look at the burning buildings left in their wake.

Red Army soldiers surrender to elements of the 1st SS Panzer Division ‘Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler’

June 1941 – Elements of the 2nd SS Panzer Division ‘Das Reich’ in a Russian village during the opening weeks of the campaign. They were attached to Army Group Centre whose objective was to take Moscow. Note the ‘Wolfsangel’ insignia on the front right wheel arch, the symbol of the division.

Motorcycles of the 5th SS Panzer Division ‘Wiking’ scout ahead of the Panzers. The speed and ferocity of the German attack caught the Russians completely by surprise.

Grenadiers of the 5th SS Panzer Division ‘Wiking’ cover two comrades as they march a Red Army soldier into captivity.

1941 – Men of the 3rd SS Panzer Division ‘Totenkopf’ inspect a knocked out Russian T-26. These tanks served as the backbone of the Red Army until they were replaced by the T-34.

Forces of the 3rd SS Panzer Division ‘Totenkopf’ leave behind a burning Russian village in the opening weeks of Barbarossa. The division was notorious for its ethnic cleansing. It’s Death’s Head insignia reflected the fact that many early recruits were concentration camp guards.

1941 – A Pak 36 3.7 cm anti-tank gun belonging to the 3rd SS Panzer Division ‘Totenkopf’ is towed towards the front. This weapon proved of little use against the Soviet T-34 so acquired the nickname Heeresanklopfgerät, or ‘tank door knocker’. It was replaced a year later by the 5 cm Pak 38.

1941 – Officers of the 3rd SS Panzer Division ‘Totenkopf’attempt to navigate their way to the front in a Volkswagen Kubelwagen Type 82, the German equivalent of a jeep. Although more comfortable than a jeep, its low centre of gravity meant it struggled with the deep mud in Russia.

1941 – Norwegian motorcycle riders of the 5th SS Panzer Division ‘Wiking’ on the Eastern Front.

1941 – BMW R12 motorcycle of the 3rd SS Panzer Division ‘Totenkopf’ during the opening stages of Operation Barbarossa.

Summer 1941 – Men of the 5th SS Panzer Division ‘Wiking’ deployed to Russia observe the front. In the background is a Sd.Kfz. 232 reconnaissance vehicle.

Forces of the 3rd SS Panzer Division ‘Totenkopf’ tr...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• INTRODUCTION
• Chapter