255 THE 'GROSSDEUTSCHLAND' DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II: The German Army's Premier Combat Unit

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Starting as an elite guard detachment, Grossdeutschland expanded to regimental size in 1939, and saw action in France in 1940, Yugoslavia in 1941, and invasion of Soviet Union. Reinforced to divisional status, it fought on the Eastern Front in 1942-44, notably at Rzhev in late 1942 and Kharkov in early 1943. Refitted and redesignated a Panzergrenadier-Division, it was part of the battle of Kursk in July 1943 before acting as the Wehrmacht's fire brigade in 1943-44. Expanded to Panzerkorps status in late 1944 for the Bulge offensive. Contains eight color artwork plates plus black & white and color photographs and illustrations.