Men at Arms No. 147 - Foreign Volunteers of the Wehrmacht 1941 - 45

When speaking of the units of foreign volunteers integrated into the German forces during World War II, the Waffen-SS automatically comes to mind. But, in absolute numbers, more foreigners served with the Wehrmacht in the army, navy and air force. Anti-Communism was the most significant reason why so many volunteers were induced to wear the German uniform. This title examines the WehrmachtвЂTMs foreign volunteers, taking a close look at their uniforms, organisation and distinctive insignia. Among those covered are the Legion Wallanie, LVF, Ostlegionen, Balkan volunteers, Hiwis, Kalmucks, Cossacks, Baltic, Russian and Ukranian volunteers.

When speaking of the units of foreign volunteers integrated into the German forces during World War II, the Waffen-SS automatically comes to mind. But, in absolute numbers, more foreigners served with the Wehrmacht in the army, navy and air force. Anti-Communism was the most significant reason why so many volunteers were induced to wear the German uniform. This title examines the Wehrmacht’s foreign volunteers, taking a close look at their uniforms, organisation and distinctive insignia. Among those covered are the Legion Wallanie, LVF, Ostlegionen, Balkan volunteers, Hiwis, Kalmucks, Cossacks, Baltic, Russian and Ukranian volunteers.

When one speaks of the units of foreign volunteers integrated into the German Forces during the Second World War, one thinks automatically of the Waffen-SS: indeed, few military corps have been so international in composition as the Waffen-SS.