During WWII the German Waffen SS, Hitler's elite units, formed a number of divisions and brigades made up of foreign volunteer soldiers. It is estimated that numbers constituting this section of German forces reached about 350,000. While some units proved willing and battle-worthy troops others were less reliable and some of the smaller groups were mainly employed for propaganda, in particular those recruited from British and Indian POWs. A number of units gained notoriety for their brutality. These troops have been somewhat ignored in the vast output of WWII non-fiction publications and Bishop's study reveals the extent and operational use of these volunteers. The book is sub-divided into the countries from Western Europe and Eastern Europe with SS formations, followed by lists and narratives on the various divisions and brigade, with most nations from the two areas represented plus a few from more remote areas.
Hardcover, 8" x 10", 192 pages, photos, indexed, dust jacket.