25266 - German Waffen SS Grenadier Standing with Helmet Off, 1941-45

German Waffen SS Grenadier Standing with Helmet Off, 1941-45

The Waffen SS (Schutzstaffel) grew from three regiments to over 38 divisions during the War and served alongside the Heer (German Army). Originally, it was under the control of the SS operational command office beneath Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS. However, at the start of war tactical control was exercised by the High Command of the Armed Forces with only some units being subordinated and put directly under Himmler’s control. The Waffen SS were involved in numerous atrocities. With its crimes against opposing militaries, the civilian population, and oversight and operation of the death camps, it was declared a criminal organization by the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg in 1946