Concord #6528 "Waffen-SS in Action" by Gordon Rottman and Ramiro Bujeiro, 2009.
This softcover book follows the standard Concord format, numbering 52 pages, some introductory text, and 123 b/w photos with captions, most of them not seen in mainstream books. Four colour plates show Waffen-SS volunteers from different nations. There are four examples of unit insignia and a contemporary map of Europe with the insignia of volunteer nations.
This softcover book follows the standard Concord format, numbering 52 pages, some introductory text, and 123 b/w photos with captions, most of them not seen in mainstream books. Four colour plates show Waffen-SS volunteers from different nations. There are four examples of unit insignia and a contemporary map of Europe with the insignia of volunteer nations.
The quality and relevancy of the photos varies, but they give a good idea about the appearance of Waffen-SS troops on the Eastern Front, 1941-45. Only 25%
are attributed to identified units, and just a few are dated. This limits the value of the book as a reference, but the general reader might not have a
problem with this. I have just seen a handful in other works, and those of 6. SS-Gebirgsjäger-Division "Nord" were of particular interest to me.
I've only skimmed the captions, but they look good. I have a few reservations about three photos, namely page 20 (bottom), which clearly shows a Heer
trooper with a splinter camo helmet cover with foliage loops, page 33 (top left), where a Suomi kp/31 SMG is mis-identified as a PPSh-41 (easy to do, as they
look pretty similar), and on page 41 (top), where the ski troopers are more likely to be Heer Ski-Jägers. The colour plates are well done and inspiring for
the hobbyist, but I think the artist has used too much yellow/ochre for the camo items, making the illustrations less useful as colour reference for
modellers.
All in all, this book might appeal to those who don't own a lot of books on the Waffen-SS, and who would like inspiration for figures, dioramas and
vehicle projects. I give it 3.5 stars out of five.
