The Waffen SS: Hitler's Elite Guard at War, 1939-45

Very interesting book about the armed units of SS. This is a serious research into Waffen SS origins, development and demise but it reads like a novel.

Without going into details (would not like to spoil anything to future readers) I can only say that author gives a very objective picture of Waffen SS - it's organization, role within SS in general, their operations and gives an answer to the question if Waffen SS was also part of ghastly Nazi crimes committed during WW2 - no matter their achievements on the battlefield, Waffen SS was and remained 'til the end armed unit of Nazi party and as such took part in the aforementioned crimes.

Great book that also sheds some light on dangers of mixing armed units with political agendas, parties show more and [worst case] making them loyal solely to dictators.

Highly recommended. show less

An academic account of the elite combat unit and its exploits in combat. There is a good deal on the training program. Nothing on the war crimes in the field, or the activities of its more political wing in the labour or extermination camps.