Munoz, Antonio J. Hitler's Eastern Legions, volume II: The Osttruppen. Bayside, NY: Axis Europa, 1997.

no ISBN
52 pages

Introduction; charts; tables; photos; footnotes; illustrations; glossary; selected bibliography; published works; Acknowledgments.

Tony Munoz, master of obscure Axis units, presents a wealth of information about Soviets in German service as "Hiwis" (volunteer auxiliaries), local security forces, and "Eastern battalion" combat troops.

His introductory survey is followed by a chronological summary of Osttruppen events from August 1941 through April 1945. As German fortunes in Russia began to decline, Ost battalions grew increasingly less reliable and were exchanged for German garrison battalions in the West. The map showing locations of Ost units in France and the Low Countries on 6 June 1944 is very enlightening. Even as Berlin fell, however, some Ost units continued to fight, perhaps out of genuine distaste for Stalin's regime, or perhaps because they were aware of the terrible punishment to be meted out after repatriation.

Interesting stuff, and Tony is to be commended for taking a more thorough approach to citing his sources.

Available through mail order booksellers, local bookstores, or directly from Axis Europa.

Thanks to Axis Europa for providing this review copy.