Rolf Michaelis

---

French units in the waffen-ss

The story of the French units of the Waffen-SS in World War II—the Französische SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Regiment; Französische SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade, Waffen-Grenadier-Brigade der SS “Charlemagne”; 33. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS “Charlemagne”—is told in this concise and detailed book. Examined first are the many fascist and national-socialist movements that existed in France at the beginning of the twentieth century, from whose ranks the majority of the war and eastern front volunteers were recruited. The recruiting campaign and training of the SS volunteers are examined, along with the combat operations by armed French units in Galicia, Pomerania, Kolberg, and in the Gotenhafen area. After the necessary unit rebuilding following these costly actions, there followed further actions in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and the actions of unit remnants in the Reich capital Berlin. The book is augmented by rare photographs, some never before published, and detailed maps.