In the early 1920s, a tiny group was formed within the SA to serve as Hitler's personal bodyguard. Originally labelled the 'Stosstruppe Adolf Hitler,' they later became known as the SS - Schutz Staffeln. From these humble beginnings, the SS rose to the strength of 38 divisions of over 800,000 men by 1945. This third of four titles covers Waffen-SS divisions 11. to 23., many of which were Freiwilligen Divisions - comprised of foreign volunteers fighting alongside German and Volksdeutsche (ethnic German) soldiers. Of these, the most famous is 11. SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier Division 'Nordland', which fought to the bitter end in Berlin, defending the Reichschancellory and the Fuhrerbunker.

Author Biography

Gordon Williamson was born in 1951 and currently works for the Scottish Land Register. He spent seven years with the Military Police TA and has published a number of books and articles on the decorations of the Third Reich and their recipients. He is the author of a number of World War 11 titles for Osprey. Stephen Andrew was born in 1961 in Glasgow, where he still lives and works. Military history is his passion, and since 1993 he has established himself as a respected artist in this field.