Meyer, Hubert 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend"

New edition of a work originally published as two volumes, here now as a joint text and picture book. In January 1943, the idea arose to raise an SS division from members of the Hitler Youth. After training, the division's path led from the battles in Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge and the battles in Hungary in 1945. In cooperation with many survivors, the former First General Staff Officer of the SS Division "Hitler Youth" has reconstructed the course of events for this text and picture book.

Thus, this history of the 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitler Youth" is likely to be unparalleled. The formation and training are described in detail, including the countless difficulties encountered. The constant assertion that the Waffen-SS was favoured in terms of equipment and armament is clearly refuted. Included are detailed descriptions of the fighting and accounts of the experiences of those involved. It is impressive how long the soldiers, most of whom were 17 to 18 years old, were able to resist the Allied superiority in men and material, despite being constantly overtaxed. Nevertheless, the reader gets a good impression of what was demanded of the exhausted soldiers in the last defensive battles. The illustrated book also included here closes the circle of this comprehensive documentation on the 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitler Youth". With numerous and previously unpublished photos of the combat missions and of the soldiers involved in this legendary elite unit. The hardships are also shown, the constant supply problems, but also the military successes are mentioned, up to the bitter collapse in May 1945.