Osprey Elite 63 : German Mountain and Ski Troops 1939-1945

Gordon Williamson details the uniforms organisation and combat histories of the elite Gebirgstruppen of the German Army accompanied by illustrations by Stephen Andrew. Fighting in every theatre from the burning sands of North Africa to the icy wastes above the Arctic circle these troops were some of the most effective in the whole of the Wehrmacht. Their esprit de corps and morale were extremely high and their commanders, men such as Eduard Dietl, the 'Hero of Narvik', and Julius 'Papa' Ringel, were idolised by their men. Dietl himself was the first soldier of the Wehrmacht to be awarded the coveted Oakleaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross.

Contents

• Introduction
• Mountain Divisions
• Waffen-SS Units
• The Higher Formations
• The Major Campaigns
• Uniforms and Insignia
• The Plates