The 3rd SS Panzer Regiment

3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf

by Pierre Tiquet

Series: Casemate Illustrated

Imprint: Casemate

128 Pages, 7 x 10 in, 150 photos, maps and profiles

Paperback
9781612007311
July 2020
In Stock

$24.95

$16.50

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A highly illustrated account of SS Panzer Regiment Totenkopf from 1943 to 1945, based on veteran memoirs.

The 3rd SS Panzer Regiment was part of the Totenkopf Division—one of the 38 Waffen-SS divisions active during World War II. Notorious for its brutality, most notably a mass execution of British prisoners in the battle of France, “Totenkopf” had a fearsome reputation. The 3rd SS Panzer Regiment was formed in France in late 1942, and transferred to the Eastern Front in early 1943 where it fought for the rest of the war.

The regiment participated in a number of battles, and would be reduced and rebuilt a number of times. The panzers of 3rd SS Panzer Regiment fought at Kharkov, took part in Operation Citadel, fought in the battle of Krivoi Rog, and the relief of the Korsun Pocket. The regiment then retreated over the Dniester. They fought in Poland against the Russian advance, before being moved to Hungary where they participated in the attempt to relieve Budapest. They eventually surrendered in Czechoslovakia to the 11th US Armored Division.

This Casemate Illustrated tells the story of the 3rd SS Panzer Regiment through the words of the veterans themselves, illustrated with a wealth of contemporary photographs, original documents and artifacts. Among the veterans whose accounts are included are Walter Weber, a member of a tank crew in 5. Kompanie who recounts their optimism and high spirits at the start of Operation Citadel as the Germans made initial advances, followed by retreat as winter set in and the Russians began to push them back. Unterscharführer Stettner recalls the fierce tank battles and the difficulties advancing across minefields and evading an often well-concealed foe. Corporal Fritz Edelmann records the attempts to relieve Budapest in 1945 that Totenkopf took part in, which ended in encirclement, defeat and surrender to the Americans on May 9, 1945.

"...replete with period photographs of the men, equipment and awards useful to the researcher, reenactor or modeler." ~ARMOR Magazine

"This volume is a fascinating look into the experiences of the men of an elite armored unit that fought on the Eastern Front, written essentially in their own words. This book is well worth a read, and a place in your bookcase." ~AMPS

"Illustrated with a wealth of contemporary photos, original documents and artifacts...Very highly recommended." ~AMPS Indianapolis

"The illustrations, photos and documents are impressive and significantly added to understanding the whole period in history for these men...a treasure trove of information and photos for everyone with an interest in WWII." ~IPMS/USA

"If you are looking for first-person accounts of panzer warfare, here's one for your library. Enjoyed it." ~Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"Another book that is a labor of love. Within 128 pages, we find veterans' stories along with photos and actual documents." ~Modelers' Alliance

"An account of the Regiment’s fighting on the Eastern Front from late 1942 – nicely produced, with the usual good quality photographs in this series." ~Miniature Wargames