Hitler's Eastern Legions 1942–45 (Elite)

Description

Between 1941-45, the Germans recruited around 175,000 men from a number of minorities in the USSR, distinguishing between 'Turkomans' (predominantly Muslims) and 'Caucasians' (predominantly Orthodox Christians). Of these, many formed rear-area auxiliary units, but at least 55,000 were combat troops. The first recruits formed two battalions in the 444th Security Division raised as early as November 1941; during 1942-­43 seven legions were formed, each of several battalions, eventually totalling some 53 battalions (equivalent to about 6 full divisions). However, with one exception (162nd Turkoman Division), they were not deployed as whole formations; after training in Poland, individual battalions were posted to fill out German regiments in the front lines, at first in Army Group South but later in all three Army Groups fighting on the Eastern Front. Units were also sent to Yugoslavia, Italy and the Western Front. This fully illustrated history of the Eastern legions details the organization, battle orders, combat history, uniforms and insignia of these unique units, combining contemporary photographs and full-colour illustrations with expert research from military historian Dr Nigel Thomas. Cover Contents Introduction German intelligence in the Caucasus: ’Bergmann’ Special Unit Intelligence Operation ‘Tiger B’ Operation ‘Zeppelin’ The Eastern Legions: Overview Eastern Legions Formation HQ 162nd Infantry Division Training Staff Unit organization Muslim priests Specialist sub-units Re-assignment of units Transfer To The West Turkestan & Caucasian Waffen-SS East Turkic Armed Unit Caucasian Armed Unit Uniforms & Insignia: Overview Headgear Uniforms & personal equipment Rank insignia National emblem Legion cockades Legion identifying colours Arm shields Unit insignia Medals Waffen-SS units The Eastern Legions: Profiles Turkestan Legion Background Population Organization Distinctive insignia Azerbaijan Legion Background & population Organization Distinctive insignia Georgian Legion Background Population Organization Distinctive insignia Armenian Legion Background & population Organization Distinctive insignia North Caucasus Legion Background Populations Organization Distinctive insignia Volga-Tatar Legion Background & population Organization Distinctive insignia Campaign Deployments Overview: Caucasus campaign, June–December 1942 Eastern Legions: the Caucasus, Kalmykia & Stalingrad, June 1942–February 1943 Crimea, Ukraine & southern Russia, January 1943–April 1944 Central & northern Russia, Belarus, Poland & Slovakia, February 1943–October 1944 Northern Europe, February 1943–December 1944 Southern Europe, February 1943–December 1944 January–May 1945 Crimean Tatar Forces Background & population The war in Crimea Crimean Tatar village militia, October–December 1941 Self-Defence companies, January–July 1942 Auxiliary Police, October 1942–March 1944 Waffen-SS units, March 1944–May 1945 Kalmyk Forces Background & population Organization & Campaigns October 1942–July 1943 August 1943–April 1945 Uniforms & insignia Select Bibliography Charts Index Imprint