Germany’s Brutal Foreign Division: 11th SS Nordland | Who were they?

Summary

The 11th SS Nordland Division was an elite WWII German force with a diverse volunteer base. From its formation in 1943 to the Battle of Berlin, it engaged in intense combat across Eastern Europe. Despite initial Scandinavian representation, most were German and Romanian. The division fought in Leningrad, Croatia, and the Baltics before defending Berlin's Reichstag in a climactic last stand, ultimately surrendering amidst the city's fall.

Takeaways

• 🇩🇪 The 11th SS Nordland Panzer Grenadier Division was an elite German unit during WWII, known for its combat engagements from Leningrad to the Battle of Berlin.
• 🔍 Formed in February 1943 after Stalingrad's fall, Nordland was initially a Scandinavian volunteer regiment but later comprised mostly of German and Romanian volunteers.
• 🎖️ The division was part of the third Germanic SS Panzer Corps, led by Obergruppenführer Felix Steiner, and saw action against Yugoslav partisans in Croatia.
• 🏰 Nordland played a role in the establishment of a local anti-communist Chetnik militia in Croatia, engaging in numerous battles against partisans.
• ❄️ Transferred to the Eastern Front near Leningrad in 1944, Nordland faced heavy Soviet counter-offensives and participated in a grueling 20-mile rearguard action.
• 🌍 The division was involved in the Battle of Narva River, where they, along with other multinational forces, held off a much larger Soviet force.
• 🛤️ Nordland was relocated to Latvia and then to the Curland Pocket, where they engaged in a battle of attrition to allow other German forces to retreat.
• 🚢 In January 1945, Nordland was withdrawn from the Curland Pocket and later moved to Pomerania, where they were involved in the defense of Berlin.
• 🏰 Known for the defense of the Reichstag, Nordland fought alongside French and Spanish volunteers during the final days of the battle for Berlin.
• 🏁 After Hitler's death, the remaining Nordland soldiers attempted to break out of Berlin, with some successfully reaching American lines while others were captured by the Soviets.

Q & A

What was the 11th SS Nordland Panzer Grenadier Division known for during World War II?

The 11th SS Nordland Panzer Grenadier Division was known as an Elite Force actively engaging in combat across a significant expanse from Leningrad to the pivotal Battle of Berlin, including the iconic Reichstag defense.

How was the SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Nordland formed?

The SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Nordland was meticulously excised from the SS Division Viking in February 1943, following a directive from Hitler to create an SS division comprising foreign volunteers.

What was surprising about the composition of Nordland Division when it arrived at the Eastern Front?

Contrary to its Scandinavian title, a staggering majority of almost 80 percent of Nordland's personnel were not Scandinavian Nationals but rather Reichs Deutsche from Germany itself and Volksdeutsche from Romania.

Which battles did the Nordland Division participate in after its establishment in Germany?

After its establishment, the Nordland Division joined the Third Germanic SS Panzer Corps and was relocated to Croatia, where it engaged in military operations against Yugoslav partisans starting in September 1943.

What was the Nordland Division's role in the Battle near Leningrad in 1944?

The Nordland Division was dispatched to quell the looming threat of a Soviet breakout near Leningrad in 1944. They were involved in a desperate struggle to regain control, engaging in a rear guard action that spanned a grueling 20 miles.

How did the Nordland Division contribute to the Battle of Narva?

The Nordland Division, along with other multinational forces, played a pivotal role in the Battle of Narva, showing remarkable adaptability and unity in the face of a shared threat from the Soviet forces.

What was the significance of the Tannenberg Line for the Nordland Division?

The Tannenberg Line was a formidable defensive position where the Nordland Division, after a tactical withdrawal, found themselves in the company of already established defensive positions, which became their bastion against the surging Soviet forces.

How did the Nordland Division's situation change during the Battle of Berlin?

During the Battle of Berlin, the Nordland Division, despite having recently received reinforcements, still suffered from significant shortages in personnel. They were engaged in fierce combat, ultimately being compelled to retreat into the central government district.

What was the final fate of the Nordland Division after the Battle of Berlin?

After the Battle of Berlin, the remnants of the Nordland Division attempted to escape from the city. Some reached the American forces, but most were trapped within the Soviet encirclement. The division's fighting ceased by May 2nd, and many of its members were captured and faced legal proceedings.

How did the Nordland Division reflect the diversity of the volunteers' homelands?

The Nordland Division reflected the diversity of the volunteers' homelands through its two Panzer Grenadier regiments, which bore titles indicative of their recruits' origins: the SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 23 and the SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 24 Denmark.