Proper noun
Waffen-SS
A subdivision of the Schutzstaffel.
Coordinate terms: Allgemeine SS, SS-Verfügungstruppe, SS-Totenkopfverbände
1944 1944 expansion After D-Day, the Indische Legion was transferred from the Heer to Waffen-SS.sfn The Waffen-SS expanded again during 1944. Source: Internet
1945 1945 expansion The Waffen-SS continued to expand in 1945. Source: Internet
After the war, the tattoo was taken to be prima facie, if not perfect, evidence of being part of the Waffen-SS, leading to potential arrest and prosecution. Source: Internet
An exception was made for Waffen-SS conscripts sworn in after 1943, who were exempted because they were not volunteers. Source: Internet
Among the many elements defending Berlin were French, Latvian, and Scandinavian Waffen-SS troops.sfnsfn Hitler, now living in the Führerbunker under the Reich Chancellery, still hoped that his remaining SS soldiers could rescue the capital. Source: Internet
But collaboration was not uncommon either; many thousands of young Dutch males volunteered for combat service on the Russian Front with the Waffen-SS and many companies worked for the Germans. Source: Internet