Waffen-SS

The Waffen-SS ("Armed Protective Squadron") was the combat arm of the Schutzstaffel. Headed by Heinrich Himmler who was ranked Reichsführer-SS (National Leader of the SS), the Waffen-SS saw action throughout the Second World War.

Related Topics:
Schutzstaffel - Heinrich Himmler - Reichsführer-SS

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After humble beginnings as a protection unit for the NSDAP leadership, the Waffen-SS eventually grew into a force of thirty-eight combat divisions comprising over 950,000 men, and including a number of elite units. In the Nuremberg Trials, the Waffen-SS was condemned as part of a criminal organisation due to overwhelming participation in atrocities, and Waffen-SS veterans were denied many of the rights afforded other German combat veterans. Conscripts, however, were exempted from that judgment.

Related Topics:
NSDAP - Divisions - Nuremberg Trials - Veterans

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