PANZERDIVISION HITLERJUGEND - TOME 1 - VOLUME 1 - Belgium France

Discover the true history of the 12.SS-Panzerdivision "Hitlerjugend" 1943–1944!

After several decades of research and with the assistance of more than a hundred veterans of the Division, the author presents an encyclopaedic study of this famous elite unit, which will ultimately span 3 volumes. This first part of Volume 1 reviews the histories of the divisional formations (Divisions-Stab, SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt.25, SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt.26, SS-Pz.Pi.Btl.12, SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt.12, SS-Pz.Art.Rgt.12, SS-Flak-Abt.12, SS-Pz.Nachr.Abt.12), from their establishment in summer 1943 in Flanders through to June 1944 in Normandy.

But also all the processes behind the creation of this Panzerdivision. What was the exact nature of this unit nicknamed "Baby-Division" by the Allies? From the idea of forming a large unit composed entirely of Hitler Youth volunteers barely 17 years old, through to the operational readiness of the 12.SS-Panzerdivision, discover what training and indoctrination methods were employed by Fritz Witt, who became, at 35, one of the youngest divisional commanders in the German army. How did he and his officers succeed in turning these teenagers into soldiers who would prove to be formidable fighters during the summer 1944 battles in Normandy?

Through numerous unpublished documents and testimonies, you will follow the history of this unit, from the Black Order's recruitment methods and their excesses (forced recruitment) to the evolution of the training of young volunteers, their indoctrination, their daily lives, and the various issues of discipline and behaviour…

All the answers provided to these questions and many others, combined with the unit histories, make this 496-page work an indispensable reference for a better understanding of the Battle of Normandy.

Exceptional iconography with more than 800 photographs and documents — over 500 of them previously unpublished — (period photographs, portraits, Soldbücher and archival documents, …). A reference work on one of the most celebrated Divisions of the III.Reich, for all specialists of German units engaged in Normandy 1944 and enthusiasts of military history!