THE 11. PANZER DIVISION "GHOST DIVISION"

The 11. Panzerdivision was created in August 1940 from the 11. Schützen-Brigade. This brigade began the war in Denmark and then in France, where it earned the nickname "Ghost Brigade", as its commander manoeuvred his unit with such speed that it always appeared or struck where the enemy least expected it. The new division took on the traditions of the brigade, including its insignia (a spectre riding a tank), and thus became the "Ghost Division".

Extensively illustrated with iconography, much of it unknown and rare, this work is the only one in French on this famous German division, which fought throughout the war, from the campaign in France to the frozen steppes of Russia. In the final days of the conflict, its commander chose an honourable surrender rather than sending his men to certain death.

This new study addresses battles less well known to us, including those in Russia and the fighting in Provence and the Rhône Valley in the summer of 1944.

The authors

Both authors live in the Rhône-Alpes region and share a passion for local history. A doctor of history, Jérôme Croyet is curator of the collections at the Musée de l'Emperi and is also the author of several works on the armies of Napoleon. Stéphane Lavit has already published four books, on the American divisions of the Liberation and the Maquis of the Ain. They have previously co-authored for Histoire & Collections "Alpes 1940, l'armée invaincue" and "Les maquis de l'Ain".