The 'Grossdeutschland' Division in World War II: The German Army's premier combat unit

by James F. Slaughter, Ramiro Bujeiro (Illustrator)

Overview

Investigates the history and evolving appearance of the 'Grossdeutschland' Division, the German Army's premier combat unit during World War II.

Featuring eight pages of original artwork and carefully chosen photographs depicting personalities, uniforms, insignia and personal equipment, this is the absorbing story of the German Army's elite 'fire brigade' during 1939–45. The unit began its life as an elite guard detachment; expanded to regimental size in 1939, it saw action in France in 1940 and Yugoslavia in 1941 before participating in the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union.

Reinforced to divisional status, 'Grossdeutschland' fought on the Eastern Front in 1942–44, notably at Rzhev in late 1942 and Kharkov in early 1943. Refitted and redesignated a Panzergrenadier-Division, 'Grossdeutschland' played a key role in the battle of Kursk in July 1943, before acting as the Wehrmacht's 'fire brigade' in 1943–44.

In late 1944, 'Grossdeutschland' was expanded to Panzerkorps status, with Panzergrenadier-Division 'Brandenburg' also taking the field. Further units joined the order of battle, the Führerbegleit-Brigade fighting in the Ardennes in 1944–45 before also being redesignated a division. All of these campaigns are covered in this book, which charts the evolving appearance of this elite formation over nearly six years of brutal warfare.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472855923
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Series:	Elite , #255
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	313,671
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

James F. Slaughter, a professional historian with a lifelong interest in World War II, teaches at both the high school and university levels. He holds a BA in history from West Virginia University, a Master's in military history from Norwich University and a doctorate in history from the University of Wolverhampton.

Ramiro Bujeiro has become a frequent and popular contributor to Osprey since illustrating Warrior 23:US Marine in Vietnam 1965–73

(1998). He is an experienced commercial artist who lives and works in his native city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. His professional background includes commissions as a figure illustrator and strip cartoonist for clients all over Europe, the Americas and in Great Britain. His main interests are the political and military history of Europe in the first half of the 20th century.

Table of Contents

[subject to confirmation]

Introduction

Blitzkrieg 1939–40

Barbarossa 1941

Fall Blau 1942

Zitadelle 1943

In Retreat 1944–45

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

it is a good introduction to the subject, well written and supported with appropriate images.” —Armorama

“Well written, succinct and informative.” —Britain At War Magazine (April 2024)

From the Publisher