World War II, and for the Russian people's Patriotic War, has left a trace in the history of all countries - participants.Until today, these events affect their cruelty and grandeur feat many millions of people.Interest in historical facts contemporaries is very large, this can be judged by the regular new publications, many of which, purposefully or not distort the original meaning of documentary sources.Therefore, the need to discuss the last world war - the theme topical and controversial.
Introduction
Among the most dedicated followers of Nazism, differing animal cruelty and lack of military valor, the SS appear.In early action on the eastern front to promote these divisions meant certain death for all who will be on their way.Throughout the war, the reputation of this kind of troops skillfully maintained.The greatest atrocities in the massacre of civilians and prisoners of war became famous SS Division "Totenkopf".It should be noted that the majority of Russian soldiers, these elite units are not caused horror and disgust.According to the memoirs of our soldiers, the SS shot "like mad dogs", and treat them the same way.But all acknowledge the fact that as a military compound Division "Totenkopf" acted in the attack effectively and consistently on the defensive.To understand the motivation of these "soldiers" should refer to the history of this compound.
Himmler
key role in the formation of the SS divisions that were directly involved in the fighting, played one of the key political figures of Germany during the Nazi period - Reichsfuhrer SS Heinrich Himmler.Known figure, his biographical data standard for the military at the time.The greatest interest is his belief in the mystical rites of the different runes, the process of reincarnation, so when creating CC "Black Order" he strenuously inculcated medieval rites of the Knights, who settled down in part.
Initially Reichsfuhrer planned creation of these parts as the "party army."The structure of the SS divisions were to go only for pure racial Germans, who are fanatically loyal to the National Socialist Party.Functions of the Waffen SS was originally defined as security within Germany, but the preparation was carried out at the same level of functional combat units.Himmler consciously create its own army, which, in his opinion, had to be radically different from the units of the Wehrmacht and embody a new type of troops.The contradictions between the professional military officers and senior management echelon ideas Reichsfuhrer SS led to the formation of divisions that carried out parallel to the main appeal.SS Division "Totenkopf" was created from the only available source of manpower Himmler - the protection of the concentration camps in Germany.In this he was a great help and assistance rendered Theodor Eicke, whose identity could not be assessed unambiguously.However, his absolute loyalty to Hitler and Himmler needs no comment.
Create division
Dachau concentration camp was located near Munich.It is based on it to create the future division "Totenkopf".In 1934 Eike intended Himmler's SS and becomes Brigadenfuhrer gets in his charge quite running, mired in corruption and terror camp facilities.Harsh methods he suggests the order in the camp of Dachau in a very short period of time, so by 1935 became inspector of the whole system of punishment in the territory of the Third Reich.
History SS Division "Totenkopf" ("Totenkopf") started in 1939, originally a division bore only security functions.The name itself comes from the icon that the soldiers were on the lapels form.In addition to the double rune Sieg, concentration camp guards used as the emblem of a skull and crossbones.Historically, the sign was not wearing awesome features, it meant contempt for death and total self-sacrifice.Eike is a great performer all innovations Himmler, so the choice was made because of its mystical tendencies.The emblem of the SS Division "Totenkopf" adorned the buttonhole of camp guards before the war and was present at the form of SS units.To create a new type of troops at Dachau was chosen in its territory, and they were trained.Sampling was carried out on very strict principles, it produced Eicke personally.The growth of the future soldier of the Third Reich must be between 178 cm, were also needed good health, between the ages of 17-18 to 22 years.At the same time more attention was paid to racial origin and political opinion.Intellectual ability is not evaluated.
According to Eicke, soldiers should not think he is obliged to obey orders without analyzing its adequacy.The basis of preparation were prolonged heavy physical training and political training, based on the hatred of the enemy.Cruelty is cultivated by the founder, Eike.SS Division "Totenkopf" was created in the conditions of rigid discipline and complete submission management, discontented by themselves in a concentration camp as prisoners.To better understand the basics of creating this department need to address some facts from the life of Eike and his psychological portrait.His fanatical devotion to Hitler and Himmler passed all bounds of reasonable.
Theodor Eicke
career took off future commander SS units came suddenly, it is connected with the victory of the Nazis in Germany and the start of Hitler's rule.Participation in the world (first) War did not give Eike any high rank or great power.His animal instincts, generously seasoned with psychopathy, approached the Nazis, so Himmler made him a punitive instrument in respect of its enemies.Theodor Eicke, according to contemporaries, distinguished by his cruelty and harshness, particularly evident in relation to the Jews, Communists and all those who did not meet the definition of "true Aryan".These qualities are very useful to him at work in the concentration camps, which impose severe discipline and tolerance for violations of regulations not only by prisoners but also protection.His efforts were appreciated, and the next higher rank coincided with the new position.By creating a smoothly functioning system of camps, Eicke is able to realize the dream of Himmler's "new army", which became the epitome of SS Division "Totenkopf".The level of his education was quite low, skills he did not have command.It was a simple soldier, who build relationships with subordinates on their complete subordination to any orders.Soldiers loyal to him, Eike called "daddy" and tried to fit his idea of the perfect soldier of the Third Reich.Due to the illiterate commanders future SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf" suffered heavy losses in equipment and people, but brought up in Eike resistance soldiers allowed them to adequately withstand the load and keep fighting in areas that have left all the other divisions.
Symbols
German Division "Totenkopf" Like all SS units who were under the leadership of Himmler, was created in a very rigid ideological space.The unity of spirit, attitudes, interests, common enemies and friends, one goal and disregard for media during her achievements - on the principles of the Nazi elite units were created.The emblem of the SS Division "Totenkopf" was to terrify the enemies and friends inspire respect.Part of your job this sign on the right.In this emblem it is very easy to calculate the SS.And, as a rule, once shot, the Russian troops were taken prisoner are rarely explicit, fanatically minded killers.Up to now almost did not make it ring division "Totenkopf".It is awarded to the most distinguished officers and soldiers.The ring was Himmler's signature, before the name of the soldier was required to address "my dear."Its design was overloaded runic symbols, the center of the composition is the skull and crossbones.After the death of the owner of the ring he had to return to the Reichsfuhrer SS, who kept all instances as a memory of lost comrades.On the orders of Himmler's entire collection was destroyed, it was buried under a landslide provoked by rock.
Anthem SS Division "Totenkopf"
fanatical devotion to Hitler and his immediate commander is often based on proper Nazi propaganda and suggestion.The heads of the majority of young people who were not in the literal sense of racial theory followers of Hitler, propaganda scored the maximum amount of information contained emblems and anthems, dedication to the Führer.For example, the march SS Division "Totenkopf" does not contain any information of patriotic, it's a song that we live together, we die together, and together popem, if you're lucky.This "masterpiece" is the only goal of union troops and fraternal relations within the education department.
Western direction
future German Panzer Division "Totenkopf" its march across Europe, beginning with Poland.Crossing the border troops Eicke had, after a regular army, the Wehrmacht, he was assigned the role of police in the occupied territory.The hostilities soldiers "Death's Head" not involved, had a few run-ins with the parts out of the environment, but mainly division fought with civilians.However, their efforts to sweep Himmler was rated very highly.
to create a full-fledged unit of the Waffen-SS command decided to train officers and Eike basics of strategy and tactics of warfare, but the result was negative.Therefore, in May 1940 to the Franco-German border division "Totenkopf" still fits as part of an administrative body, but this time with the possibility of participation in hostilities.During the invasion, because of the lack of supply SS units engaged in outright plunder of the population.Eike soldiers distinguished themselves in France in many battles, but their losses were very high.This is due to illiterate management officers.Later Himmler "chided" not very educated, but the most loyal commander, and then left the division in Bordeaux for reformation.
Eastern campaign
Since April 1940 begins a mass movement of troops of Nazi Germany to the borders of the Soviet Union.Himmler took up re-formation of all banners of the SS.This also affected the division "Totenkopf": it has additional companies of infantry.The first encounter with the Soviet troops took place on July 6, 1941. According Manstein, in which the troops of the division began an offensive movement, soldiers of "Death's Head" has a very high level of discipline in the battle attacked firmly and effectively.But the inept command of all the positive things is reduced to zero as a result of all the victories achieved "a lot of blood."By the winter of 41-year loss was more than 50% of the initial number of units.The Soviet army began to attack the German forces in the northern sector of the front, the defense took away every day for several hundred soldiers, reserves, Eike has not been left in the ranks were too exhausted mentally and physically.Nevertheless, a clear division of discipline made combat-ready unit, even without a commander, who was sent to the rear with the wounded.
Demyansk boiler
In early January, a 42-year 4 at the same time the Soviet Army attacked by 16 German divziyu with a view to the environment and subsequent destruction.The commander of the German Army Group "North" Leeb (Field Marshal) reported to Hitler on the front of the created situation and the possible loss of the choicest parts of the Wehrmacht.But the order to retreat was not followed, which helped Russian troops, albeit with heavy losses, to complete the maneuver and the enclosed environment in the area Demyansk.In fact, from February 10 the German army fought in the boiler.Leeb resigned his place stood the former commander of the 18th Army Küchler.SS Division "Totenkopf" in Demyansk boiler appeared together with its commander Theodor Eicke, where she began a long defense.According to various reports, the surroundings were around 100 thousand. German soldiers who continued to resist fiercely.
So, avant-garde compound which entourage threw a breakthrough in March 1942, was the SS Division "Totenkopf".History of the Third Armored Division of the Waffen SS could actually end up in Demyansk boiler.After all, when you create Ramushevskogo corridor and elimination of the remnants of the army encirclement by Eike units have less than 30% of the soldiers.Until October 1942 the division held positions in Demyansk ledge, as a result of its remains were sent for rest and replenishment of France.
Regroup
SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf" appears precisely in this period.By order of Hitler unit formed as a Panzergrenadier.In southern France Eike soldiers involved in the operation "Attila," after the division transferred to Angouleme.Its advanced composition and rested the soldiers allow the commander to launch new grueling training that make a formidable weapon in the division of Nazism.Rest was short as the situation on the eastern front is becoming alarming in the beginning of February 1943 the division transferred to Ukraine and part of the army of the "South".
Death Eike
Fierce battles for Kharkov led to heavy losses on both sides.Eicke tried as a division commander to show the strategic initiative, for that he had to know the exact position of their troops.02/26/43 of the last time he boarded his single-engine reconnaissance plane that was shot down by Soviet troops with rifles.Eicke's body was repelled and buried in the city of Orelki.When retreating German troops remains were exhumed and reburied in Zhitomir.At the end of December 43 the city was liberated by Soviet troops, and burial Eike leveled.At the time of withdrawal of German troops from Zhitomir all SS units were in a different place, so the body of the commander they never managed to take.
Budapest
After Ukraine became the movement of German troops in constant retreat, sometimes managed to gain a foothold in certain positions and keep the defense, but the Soviet army was already unstoppable.On the western borders was unfolding allied army.The defense allowed individual cities to counterattack by regrouping, but go on the offensive, German troops could not.When promoting standards of many of the SS were mixed, they are supplemented by each other.The constant need for replenishment could not be repaid by partially fit for service tylovikov.To protect Budapest pulled all of the Wehrmacht forces nearby, which further accelerated the capture of Soviet troops in Berlin and Vienna.From January to April he continued to battle for Hungarian valley, a key to the German fuel supply.Historians have not been confirmed, but probably there were two legendary military compound SS: Division "Edelweiss" and "Totenkopf".
«Spring Awakening" capitulation
In March 1945, had actually existed such a group of troops, as the SS Division "Totenkopf".Photo and film archives say that the extreme exhaustion and retreat completely demoralized remnants of German troops in the area of Lake Balaton, preparing for their final offensive.For this was pulled all the possible reserves, Hitler called the operation "Spring Awakening."It is this process and become an insurmountable obstacle for the Wehrmacht.Spring bog thinned, leading to delay the onset and, consequently, loss of initiative.The failure of the last operation of Hitler led to the exodus of troops and their surrender.May 8, 1945 the remains of once high-end connection "Totenkopf" ("Death's Head") surrendered to the Americans retreated to Linz and actually provide an unobstructed passage of Soviet troops in Vienna.The surrender was accepted, but at the request of the Soviet command the remnants of divisions (about a thousand) were transferred to the country of the winner.
