The 2nd SS Division, "Das Reich," was a battlefront mainstay for Nazi
Germany throughout WWII--from the invasion of Poland in 1939 to the
final surrender in May 1945. In between it was switched back-and-forth
between east and west depending on the crisis, and it fought in nearly
every major campaign, from Barbarossa to Normandy, and from Kharkov to
the Ardennes.
Das Reich was the first Waffen SS division created (though the title
"1st" was reserved for Hitler's Leibstandarte). Originally named the
Verfügungs Division, its regiments fought through the campaigns in
Poland, the Low Countries, and France, earning the respect of Wehrmacht
leaders who originally doubted the efficacy of SS units. Renamed "Das
Reich" after the French surrender, its elements served as a spearhead in
the Balkans campaign, achieving a daring capture of Belgrade.
In Operation Barbarossa, Das Reich fought with Guderian's Second Panzer
Group, first in the drive on Moscow, then toward Kiev, then Moscow
again. Pulled out of the line after gigantic casualties, it seized
Toulon in France, then was sent back to Russia, as part of the SS Panzer
Corps, to retrieve the German debacle after Stalingrad. At the titanic
tank-battle of Kursk, Das Reich was at the forefront.
In June 1944, as a full SS-Panzer Division, Das Reich played an infamous
role in its approach march to Normandy, as the French Resistance
temporarily reached a high tide. On the Allied invasion front, Das Reich
not only escaped from the Falaise Pocket but was sent back into it, to
retrieve other German units struggling to get out.
Das Reich fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was then transferred to
Hungary, for Hitler's last counteroffensive of the war. Failing to
retake Budapest, elements of the division were able to mount a gallant
defense of Prague. When the end came, some formations were forced to
surrender to the Russians while others made it to American lines. Its
reputation, for better or worse, had already been established.
This lavishly illustrated book by renowned French historian Yves
Buffetaut lays out the full history of Das Reich in World War II, with
rare photos, informative text, and true insights into a unique combat
division in modern warfare.
