In World War II a number of German Army units and divisions were classed as élites, and were distinguished by special insignia of various kinds. For some this status was simply a matter of lineage - e.g. the Infantry Regiment 'List', which traced its identity to the Bavarian unit with which Hitler had served in World War I. Some, like the 'Grossdeutschland' and Panzer-Lehr divisions, were raised from particularly high grade personnel. Other titles honoured extraordinary battlefield exploits or heroic sacrifice, like the 'Brandenburg' and 'Hoch und Deutschmeister' divisions. This fact-packed introduction to these famous units is illustrated with rare photographs and detailed colour plates.

· Panzerkorps 'Grossdeutschland' · Panzergrenadier Division 'Feldherrnhalle' · Infanterie Regiment 'List' · Panzergrenadier Division 'Brandenburg' · Kavallerie Regiment 5 'Feldmarschall Von Mackensen' · Reichsgrenadier Regiment 'Hoch und Deutschmeister' · 116 Panzer Division 'Windhund' · 21 Panzer Division · 24 Panzer Division (1 Kavallerie Division) · Panzer Lehr Division · 3 Gebirgs Division · 5 Gebirgs Division · The Tiger Tank Battalions

Gordon Williamson, illustrated by Ramiro Bujeiro