The Axis forces 2

by Massimiliano Afiero

  Flag of the Frikorp Danmark, 1941.

  The legion was officially authorized and announced by the Danish government on 28 June 1941. This formation was open to men who were currently in the Danish armed forces or who had completed their conscript service within a period of ten years. Unlike other western European volunteers, the Danish King and government granted equal veteran rights for all volunteers. Those who were career soldiers were promised the retention of their own military rank status. A Danish Press release to allow Danish men in joining the new formation was posted on 8 July 1941. Immediately recruiting offices were placed all over Denmark with the main office located in Copenhagen, on Rosenvaengets Alle 32. Initial drafts of 430 Danish soldiers were incorporated into an SS battalion under the command of former Danish Army Colonel Christian Peder Kryssing.

  From left, von Schalburg and Kryssing.

  Per Sörensen with Trifos Collar Tab.

  These volunteers were sent for training at Hamburg on 20 July 1941. In early August, a second group from recruited Danish volunteers including 200 Danes transferring from the Nordwest Regiment was formed at the Hamburg training facilities. The new formation designated as the “SS-Freiwilligen Verband Danemark”. In Denmark, it was commonly referred as the “Freikorps Danmark,” thus evoking the memory of a Danish expeditionary force, which fought in the White Army against the Bolsheviks during the post-1917 Russian Civil War.

  The Dannebrog Collar Tab.

  Upon reaching the training grounds in Hamburg, a special three legged “Trifos” collar tabs were issued. This was also the emblem of the Nordwest Regiment. In addition, “Freikorps Danmark” Cuff Band were issued and worn by the volunteers. Interestingly a “Dannebrog” (Danish flag) collar tab was also issued and worn by the volunteers of the Replacement Company for a very short time until April 1943. On 11 June 1943, the SS Nordland Regiment and the Freikorps veterans were merged as the SS-Panzer-Grenadier Regiment 24 ‘Danmark’.

  Illustrated is a very rare locally made Danish flag and German made Trifos collar tab.

  The Schalburg Corps

  The Schalburg Corps was the branch of the Germanic SS, named after Christian von Schalburg, former commander of the Freikorps Danmark who was KIA. The Danish Germanic SS was formed on February 2, 1943. By March 30, 1943 it was renamed “Schalburg Korps“. Most of the members were fomer veterans of the Freikorps Danmark. Members who had no combat experience had to go to through a six week political indoctrination and combat training.

  The Schalburg Cross

  Was a military Germanic SS decoration that was awarded to Schalburg members for recognition of service against the Danish Resistance and for those serving or killed in action in the Eastern Front. It has been recorded once that a cross was awarded to a Schalburg Corps member KIA. This cross was instituted later then 1943, otherwise pictures would have surfaced of it being worn. There were two classes issued one for officers and NCOs and the other for enlisted. Both crosses were die struck and measured 50 mm x 50 mm. Enlisted men wore a cream white color painted cross with golden outer edges.

  The cross has a center medallion with the outer ring inscription “TROSKAB VOR AERE” (LOYALTY OUR HONOR) and golden oak leaves and the center ring showing a white mobile swastika with a opaque red color in the background. The officers cross was the same design but the color was enameled. The reverse on both crosses is flat with semi scoop shape in the center and a single short pin attached to the top of the cross.

  The Netherlands

  The Netherlands is an enclave culturally and politically of their German neighbors. On 10 May 1940, Holland was occupied by Germany. The Germans drove the Queen with her cabinet into exile. The Dutch were then governed under the Commission of Arthur Seyss-Inquart. The German occupation forces established recruiting centers in all the major cities of Holland. Many Dutch men volunteered to join the German Wehrmacht. The majority however enlisted in Waffen-SS units. These men were members of pro-Nazi Parties such as the Dutch National Socialist Movement “N.S.B” led by Anton Mussert. In May 1941, a contingent of 631 Dutch men with a cadre of German personnel was incorporated into the SS-Regiment Westland and attached to the SS-Division Wiking. Prior to the outbreak of the German-Russian war, a large contingent of Dutch men had enlisted in the 6.SS-Nordwest. It was decided to form a Dutch formation within the lines of the Nordwest Regiment. On 16 July 1941, a Dutch Legion Battalion was created. A contingent of 2000 volunteers wearing civilian clothing and Dutch uniforms departed to the SS training camp at Debica in Poland. By August 1941, two battalions of Dutch volunteers were formed. These two battalions were placed under the leadership of a 69year old former Dutch Army Chief of Staff Lt-General H. A. Seyffardt. In September 1941, the Legion was sent for further training at Ayrs in East Prussia, where it was joined by a third battalion formed from Dutch Nazi Storm Troopers. A special “Wolf Hook” Pennant emblem was presented to the newly formed Legion. In late September, with the dissolution of the SS “Nordwest” Regiment, the “Freiwilligen Legion Nierderlande” (Dutch Volunteer Legion), became a fully independent entity. After advanced training at Ayrs, a contingent of 2600 troops departed to Danzig from which it traveled by sea to Libau, Latvia, accompanied by its own all-Dutch Red Cross and its own propaganda company of some 50 reporters and press cameramen.

  A group of Dutch Volunteers with Wolf Hook Collar Tab.

  In early 1942, the Dutch Legion moved by foot and later by motorized transportation to the Volkhov Front, in the vicinity of Gusi-Gova north of Lake Ilmen near Leningrad (today Saint Petersburg).

  The Dutch shield on the left side was locally made in the Netherlands while the shield on the right is German made.

  The Mussert Cross

  The Dutch NSB party leader Anton Mussert produced and issued many military decorations that were presented to Legion volunteers and Party members. One of the most recognizable is the so-called Mussert Cross. This decoration was issued for bravery and merit to NSB members in German service. The cross illustrated is made of three parts from enamel and high quality gilt finished metal. The outside edge of the cross is in black enamel on both sides with inner portion finished in translucent red. A separate white medallion is soldered to the front and back of the cross. The front side shows gilt wolf hook over swastika with oak leaves. The back side shows around the top edge a ring the motto of the NSB in gilt “Hou En Trou” and oak leaves on the bottom edge. The center of the disc has the name “MUSSERT and the date 1941.” The ribbon shows the Dutch national colors. The award came in a two piece maroon outer card case. The award was probably worn however it was not authorized to be worn on the German uniform.

  The Mussert Cross (Rene Chavez Collection).

  Flanders

  Belgium is a divided country, with two different social classes. One class, Flemish, is racially and linguistically Germanic. The other class, Wallonien, is French speaking and racially mixed Celtic and Roman origin. Both are united by their strong Catholic faith. The Flemings, like the Wallonies, had their own pro-Nazi parties. In May 1940, the Lowlands were invaded by the Germans and immediately recruiting centers were set up in the occupied countries. The response was favourable and two SS regiments “Westland” and “Nordland” were created. These regiments contained Germanic volunteers but with 50% German composition. The “Westland” and “Nordland” Regiments were incorporated into the SS “Wiking” Division.

  A Waffen-SS volunteer of the Regiment ‘Westland’.

  The first regiment composed in its entirely of Dutch, Danish and Flemish personnel was designated as the “6.SS Nordwest Regiment.” This 600 man regiment was formed in June 1941, and comprised of three companies. The members of the Nordwest Regiment were still in training at Hamburg-Langehorn, when Germany invaded Russia. There was a widespread desire among the volunteers to participate actively in the campaign, especially those men who were members of pro-Nazi Parties and wanted their political affiliation represented in the Eastern Front. Shortly afterwards a Flemish Legion was announce
d and immediately Flemish personnel from the Nordwest Regiment were transfer into the new Legion. It was deemed necessary for the legion to receive proper SS combat training. On July 14, the three Flemish companies were shipped to the east by rail to Poland. While in Radom training camp, the Flemish formation was upgraded to the SS Infantry Battalion “Flandern.” The 1st, 6th and 8th companies from the Nordwest were converted to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd companies of the Legion. In early August, a draft of 405 young Flemings enlisted into the Legion along with the other volunteers who were quartered at Grafenwöhr, Bavaria. These troops were used to form a fourth unit. By the end of August, there were 875 Flemings in the Legion not taking into account the 696 Flemings already in service with the “Wiking” Division. Flemish personnel wore Waffen-SS uniforms. The Flemish wore a German made arm-shield on their left sleeve showing the national crest, a black lion on a gold field. A cuff title bearing the words “Legioen Vlaanderen” was issued and worn on their lower left sleeve.

  Flemish Volunteer Legion Arm-Shield.

  The battalion “Flandern” received orders transferring it to the Heidelager training camp near Debica, Poland. At the Debica SS camp, the legionnaires were soon joined by the rest of the Flemish personnel. The Flemish Legion was joined with the Dutch Legion for combat training. On early September, the Flemish Battalion left for the SS Camp at Arys in East Prussia. On 24 September, the SS headquarters in Berlin officially bestowed the title “SS Freiwilligen Legion Flandern.” The Flemish Legion mostly fought northern front of Leningrad.

  A three legged sun-wheel insignia was worn on the right collar-patch.

  It was eventually withdrawn from the battlefront in May 1943 and sent to the training camp at Bohemia, where it was disbanded and remnants of the Legion had the choice to volunteer for the new SS Brigade (6.SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade ‘Langemarck’).

  The Tollenaere Honor Badge

  The Tollenaere Honor badge was the second most prestigious award and was rendered in two classes, silver and bronze, although there is no evidence shown that the silver class was ever worn. The badge honors the death of the VNV Black Brigade Leader Dr. Reimond Tollenaere who was killed in action at Kopzy, near Leningrad on 22 January 1942. The badge shows the Dutch wolf’s hook, a small rectangular box with the motto “TROUW” (Loyalty) and a sword in the background crossing it. The bottom part is a circular ring with the Flemish motto “AANR TOLLENAERE KOPZY JAN 1942” indicating the date and place where he was killed. This badge was awarded for loyalty and sacrifice.

  The Tollenaere Honor Badge.

  Reimond Tollenaere.

  Wallonie

  Fascist political parties already existed in Belgium by the time Germany began occupying the country. These political parties were already prepared to collaborate with the Germans. Leon Degrelle was a pro-Nazi collaborator who founded the “Rexist Party.” The Rexist party was composed of Walloons who wanted a separate sovereignty. When Germany invaded Belgium, Leon Degrelle was on placed under arrest by the government for fear he would collaborate with the Germans. German troops, discovered him in a French prison and he was promptly released. As soon as the war with Russia broke out Leon Degrelle and his followers joined the Wehrmacht. They were known as the “Corps Franc Wallonie” (Free Corps Wallonie). In August 1941, the Corps was sent to Poland for basic training.

  Swearing-in ceremony for Walloons volunteers.

  Wallonie Volunteer Legion Arm-Shield.

  The Walloons were provided with army uniforms. A German made arm shield showing the Belgium national colors was worn on their uniforms. This Legion of 1500 men was registered as the “373.Infanterie Bataillon.” By June 1943, 1600 veterans of the Legion were incorporated into the Waffen-SS (5.SS-Sturmbrigade ‘Wallonien’).

  The Wallonie Rexist Honor Badge

  The Walloon Rexist badge also known as the Blood Order was instituted in 1941. The badge can be found in three classes: bronze, silver and gold. The bronze and silver badge shows the Walloon Bergundy cross with a sword crossing it surrounded by a circular ring with the French inscription that reads “Bravoure Honneur Fidelite” (Bravery, Honor and Loyalty).

  The reverse of the badge is somewhat different between the bronze and silver class. Both have hollow backs but the silver badge has a thin Belgium style pin with hinge and a broad “C” style catch with no serial number. The bronze on the other hand can be found in two styles.

  Interestingly the early issue bronze badges did not have the pin assembly instead it had in the reverse three loops soldered directly to the metal. These loops were secured in the uniform by thread. The bronze badges do not have a maker’s mark but all have serial numbers. Later on a second group of bronze badges were produced but with the same reverse as the silver and all have serial numbers. Not much is known on the gold Rexist badges, only that two have been known to be issued, one to Leon Degrelle and another to a Walloon chaplain. Also there was a gold Rexist badge with diamonds that was issued to Victor Matthys who took leadership of the Rexist movement while Degrelle was in combat in the Eastern Front. In addition, another very rare Rexist badge was produced and issued to Flemings that settled in the French speaking part of Belgium and represented the VNV political party in Wallonia. These badges have the same inscription but written in Dutch “MOED, EER & TROUW.” In November 1944, RFSS Himmler authorized the award to be worn on the German uniform when the Walloon Army formation was transferred to the Waffen-SS.

  France

  When Germany invaded Russia in June 1941 it caused great excitement among the collaborating political parties and para-military home based formations. They now found a new unity in their desire to participate in the Russian campaign. The first recruiting center was opened at the recruiting center located in “12 rue Auber, Paris,” additional recruiting centers was also placed all over France. On 18 July 1941, the “Légion des Voluntaires Français contre le Bolshevisme (LVF)” was established. Initially the Vichy Government had enacted a law that forbade Frenchmen from enlisting into “foreign armies” to prevent them from joining with the Free French forces of exiled General Charles de Gaulle. Since the LVF was a private affair, Marshal Petain amended the law so that no objection would be raised for Frenchmen enlisting into the LVF. These volunteers were placed in the Borgnis-Desbordes barracks at Versailles. A total of 5800 Frenchmen were selected into the LVF.

  French Volunteers on Eastern Front, December 1941.

  They wore standard German army uniforms and had the French national arm shield inscribed “FRANCE” placed on their right sleeve. A Colonel Roger Labonne assumed command of the legion. On 4 September, the first draft of volunteers of 828 officers and men left to the “Truppenuebungsplatz Debica” (troop exercise area Debica), located in Poland. On 20 September, the second Legion contingent of 896 men was sent to Debica troop training barracks. By October 1941, the LVF was up to a strength of two battalions with 181 officers and 2271 other ranks with a liaison staff of 35 Germans. The LVF was registered as “638.Infanterie Regiment” (638th Infantry Regiment) of the German Army. By the end of October, both battalions proceeded by rail to Smolensk and then by truck and on foot towards the front line near Moscow. In July 1943, a separate formation composed of French volunteers joined the Waffen-SS.

  A French Volunteer with arm shield ‘France’, 1941.

  French Volunteer Legion Arm-Shield.

  La Croix de Guerre Légionnaire

  The Croix de Guerre Legionnaire was a decoration originally intended to be awarded to members of the “Légion Tricolore” (Tricolor Legion). But because of the short lived formation of the Légion Tricolore (officially created on 28 June 1942 and dissolved on 28 December 1942) and the fact that members of the legion never actually fought combat in the Eastern Front, the award was for all intents and purposes given to LVF veterans, as well as to soldiers of the short lived “Phalange Africaine” (African phalanx). The LVF cross was created on July 6, 1942. On 16 September 1942, it was officially recognized by the Vichy government. The LVF cros
s was formed from parts of the overall 1939 Croix de Guerre model and has a standard width of 38mm. The swords were removed, side metal traces were the sword were removed are normally visible. The swords were substituted by a stylized laurel wreath 25mm outer diameter.

  Each side of the wreath is made of 12 leaves and is tied by a large ribbon knot. The laurel wreath is die-stamped and is welded to the four arms of the cross around the center. The laurel wreath is obviously a reference to the Napoleonic Empire. The center medallion (circular disc) of the Croix de Guerre was replaced by another medallion of 14mm in diameter that shows the bronze emblem of the French imperial eagle holding four lightning rods in its talons and the French Tricolor shield placed in the center of the eagle’s chest. The tricolor shield has the inscription “FRANCE” on top.