HITLER'S ARMED SS: The Waffen-SS at War, 1939-1945

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Traces the Waffen-SS' origins, structure, development, and operational role during the war under Himmler from modest beginnings in the early 1930s as Hitler's personal protection squad of elite soldiers to a force which eventually amounted to 38 divisions. Towards the end of the war many Waffen-SS units were formed from foreign volunteers and proved to be of poor quality, but its premier panzer divisions thoroughly deserved their reputation as tough fighters.

Creates a detailed account of the contribution it made to the German war effort on Eastern and Western Fronts, especially when Hitler's armies were in retreat. The parts played by the most famous Waffen-SS formations - Das Reich, Totenkopf, Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler among them - and their commanders - men like Dietrich and Hausser - can be seen in the wider context of the war and Germany's defeat.