The 2nd SS Division, "Das Reich," was a battlefront mainstay for
Nazi Germany throughout WWII-from the invasion of Poland in 1939 to
the final surrender in May 1945. In between it was switched
back-and-forth between east and west depending on the crisis, and
it fought in nearly every major campaign, from Barbarossa to
Normandy, and from Kharkov to the Ardennes. Das Reich was the first
Waffen SS division created (though the title "1st" was reserved for
Hitler's Leibstandarte). Originally named the Verfugungs Division,
its regiments fought through the campaigns in Poland, the Low
Countries, and France, earning the respect of Wehrmacht leaders who
originally doubted the efficacy of SS units. Renamed "Das Reich"
after the French surrender, its elements served as a spearhead in
the Balkans campaign, achieving a daring capture of Belgrade. In
Operation Barbarossa, Das Reich fought with Guderian's Second
Panzer Group, first in the drive on Moscow, then toward Kiev, then
Moscow again. Pulled out of the line after gigantic casualties, it
seized Toulon in France, then was sent back to Russia, as part of
the SS Panzer Corps, to retrieve the German debacle after
Stalingrad. At the titanic tank-battle of Kursk, Das Reich was at
the forefront. In June 1944, as a full SS-Panzer Division, Das
Reich played an infamous role in its approach march to Normandy, as
the French Resistance temporarily reached a high tide. On the
Allied invasion front, Das Reich not only escaped from the Falaise
Pocket but was sent back into it, to retrieve other German units
struggling to get out. Das Reich fought in the Battle of the Bulge,
and was then transferred to Hungary, for Hitler's last
counteroffensive of the war. Failing to retake Budapest, elements
of the division were able to mount a gallant defense of Prague.
When the end came, some formations were forced to surrender to the
Russians while others made it to American lines. Its reputation,
for better or worse, had already been established. This lavishly
illustrated book by renowned French historian Yves Buffetaut lays
out the full history of Das Reich in World War II, with rare
photos, informative text, and true insights into a unique combat
division in modern warfare.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
