Now Viewing: schutzstaffelTag type: General The Schutzstaffel (lit. "protection squad") was the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party beginning in 1935. Though they originated as bodyguards for Adolf Hitler and Nazi VIPs, they quickly expanded to rival the Wehrmacht in size and power. The SS were given charge of exterminating populations deemed "subhuman" by the Nazis via Einsatzgruppen ("execution squads") or death camps. The Waffen-SS was a combat branch of the SS that fought on the front lines in competition with the mainstream military. Wehrmacht and SS combat uniforms for the most part appeared nearly identical. The main giveaways for an SS soldier are an "SS" decal on the helmet, a skull-and-crossbones Totenkopf in place of the Wehrmacht cockade, a red swastika armband, or a black uniform. Non-SS Panzer divisions also featured a Totenkopf on their collar lapels and hats, so exercise caution when tagging. Other Wiki Information Last updated: 06/22/17 12:35 PM by Kws This entry is not locked and you can edit it as you see fit. |
     
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