In almost every army in the world, the military police rank amongst
those who are least liked by other soldiers despite the essential duties
that they carry out, often being amongst the first in and last out in
any theatre of war. In the German armed forces, opinions of the military
police were those of fear and distrust, so great were the powers held by
these troops. Germany created a plethora of different branches of what
were termed 'Ordnungstruppe' ('Troops for Maintaining Order'). Many wore
a distinctive metal plate around the neck, leading to their nickname
'Kettenhund' or 'Chain Dogs'. Despite being involved in the brutal
treatment of partisans, their skills were so much appreciated by the
Allies that on Germany's surrender, Wehrmacht military police units were
allowed to remain in post to assist in controlling the vast number of
disarmed German troops. Supplemented with previously unpublished
photographs, Kettenhund! - The German Military Police in the Second
World provides a detailed study of the organisation of these units and
the distinctive uniforms and insignia they wore.