Military Model Scene

Title: The Waffen SS at Arnhem
Author: Ian Baxter
Publisher: Pand & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-39901-294-2

Another Images of War title from popular author Ian Baxter. This time he focuses on the two Waffen SS Panzer divisions which played such an important part in the story of the Battle for Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. A 112-page soft cover book, filled with a large number of archive images, many of which have not been published before, though with some others which are quite well known.
There were 2 SS Panzer Divisions near Arnhem at the time of the drop, the 9th, Hohenstaufen, and 10th, Frundsberg. After the Introduction which sets the scene, the first two elements of the book consider the background to the 2 divisions and their previous service on both the Western and Eastern fronts, along with their situation in Holland in September 1944. The bulk of the book is then spread across 4 chapters, looking at the Landings, their First Attacks against the British paras, the Battle itself, including the fighting on the Bridge itself, and ending with their Retaking of the town. With a few pages of text to explain the situation for each stage of the operation, then all are illustrated with archive photos that have captions which all add to the story. The book is rounded off with 2 Appendices, with the Order of Battle in Holland in September 1944, along with the Composition of Waffen SS and Wehrmacht Infantry and Panzergrenadier divisions in 1944.
The archive images feature both the troops and the equipment that were deployed by the Waffen SS units, along with some of the British airborne troopers who became prisoners of war at the end of the battle. Sadly just a couple of clear vehicle identification errors amongst the photos but that shouldn't put you off, and if anything might be fun to try and spot. Two subjects tend to attract plenty of attention, Waffen SS panzer divisions and the whole subject of the British Airborne Forces at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden, so I would expect this one to be popular.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for our review copy.

Robin