{"product_id":"waffen-ss-handbook-1933-1945-by-gordon-williamson","title":"Waffen-SS Handbook 1933-1945 by Gordon Williamson","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginating in Hitler's personal bodyguard, the Waffen-SS (armed SS) was expanded as a fourth branch of the Wehrmacht and became regarded as the tough elite of the German armed forces. Known as Hitler's 'Asphalt Soldiers' they fought on all the main battle-fronts, but most notably in the East against the Soviet Union and in Normandy following 'Overlord'. By the war's end the Waffen-SS could boast almost forty field divisions manned by nearly one million troops. Gordon Williamson describes the organization, equipment, tactics and personalities of the Waffen-SS in the Second World War. A chronology outlines the major events in the history of the Waffen-SS from the founding of its forerunner, the SS-Verfugungstruppe, until May 1945. The author has traveled to Germany to interview numerous surviving former Waffen-SS soldiers and corresponded with many others, obtaining first-hand accounts of their wartime experiences. The handbook is illustrated with a rich selection of previously unpublished photographs, predominantly from private collections, ranging from studio posed shots to previously unpublished candid snaps and from battlefield pictures to war correspondent action shots.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Book Express","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43808738672714,"sku":"5087ap","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/9101\/8826\/files\/5087ap.jpg?v=1784088180","url":"https:\/\/www.bookexpress.nz\/products\/waffen-ss-handbook-1933-1945-by-gordon-williamson","provider":"Book Express","version":"1.0","type":"link"}