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.

Early history; LSSAH, SS-VT

The original cadre of the Waffen-SS came from the Freikorps and the Reichswehr along with various right-wing paramilitary formations. Formed at the instigation of Heinrich Himmler, the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler was the first formation of what was to become the Waffen-SS. When the SA was rendered powerless in the Night of the Long Knives, many ex-SA men requested transfer to the SS, swelling its ranks and resulting in the formation of several new units including the SS-Verfügungstruppe (to become the SS Division Das Reich) and the SS-Totenkopfverbände (to become the SS Division Totenkopf and also the concentration camp guard unit).

Related Topics:
Freikorps - Reichswehr - Paramilitary - Leibstandarte SS ''Adolf Hitler'' - SA - Night of the Long Knives - SS-Verfügungstruppe - SS Division ''Das Reich'' - SS-Totenkopfverbände - SS Division ''Totenkopf'' - Concentration camp

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While they received the latest in uniforms, the majority of the Waffen-SS men originally received second rate weapons and equipment, many formations receiving Czech and Austrian weapons and equipment. With the exception of a select few of the 'Germanic' SS Divisions, this policy was continued throughout the war.

Related Topics:
Czech - Austrian

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Contrary to popular belief, the Waffen-SS did not receive the best equipment, and in fact many units were equipped with outdated or captured weapons, vehicles and tanks, with the majority of the best equipment going to the Heer's elite divisions (Panzergrenadier-Division Großdeutschland and Panzer-Lehr-Division) and the Luftwaffe's Hermann Göring Division.

Related Topics:
Heer - Panzergrenadier-Division ''Großdeutschland'' - Panzer-''Lehr''-Division - Hermann Göring Division

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