Surely nobody who had suffered the ferocity of the Nazi invasion could consider switching sides and joining the Germans? Yet that is exactly what up to 400,000 Soviet citizens did in World War II.

These included not only the ‘legions’ recruited from non-Russian ethnic groups eager for freedom from Stalin’s dictatorship, but also some 100,000 Russians and Cossacks. What began as small local security units of ‘Ostruppen’, enrolled for the ongoing campaigns against Soviet partisans, were later reorganized, given special systems of uniform and insignia, amalgamated into larger formations, and eventually committed to the front line.

This book is an essential guide to the appearance, formation and equipment of the myriad Russian and Soviet units that fought for the Germans. Featuring rare photographs and revealing colour illustrations, this is a peerless visual reference to the troops who switched from one ruthless superpower to another and met with a horrific fate when the fighting was over.

Les mer
Given the merciless way in which the war on the Eastern Front of World War II was conducted, it is difficult to envisage anyone changing sides during the conflict. This book guides you through the appearance, formation and equipment of the myriad Russian and Soviet units that fought for the Germans.
Les mer

Introduction
Uniforms & insignia 1941-42: the Eastern Battalions
Uniforms & insignia 1943-45
Cossack units: uniforms & insignia 1941–42
1st Cossack Division, uniforms & insignia 1943–44
XV Cavalry Corps, uniforms & insignia 1944–45
Plate Commentaries
Index

Les mer
A detailed survey of the Russian and Cossack troops that changed sides to fight alongside the Germans on the Eastern Front and elsewhere during World War II.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781472806871
Publisert
2015-10-20
Utgiver
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; Osprey Publishing
Vekt
193 gr
Høyde
241 mm
Bredde
178 mm
Dybde
5 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
48

Forfatter
Illustratør

Om bidragsyterne

Dr Nigel Thomas is an accomplished linguist and military historian, formerly a Principal Lecturer at Northumbria University, now a freelance military author, translator and military uniform consultant. His interests are 20th century military and civil uniformed organizations, with a special interest in Germany, Central and Eastern Europe. He was awarded a PhD on the Eastern enlargement of NATO.

Johnny Shumate works as a freelance illustrator living in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his career in 1987 after graduating from Austin Peay State University. His greatest influences are Angus McBride, Don Troiani, and Edouard Detaille.