From the Arctic Circle to the Don River: SS Regiment Thule, 1940-1943

Merriam Press Siegrunen Monograph 7. This is the first book to cover the story of the largely unheralded SS Regiment "Thule" in words and mostly never before published photos provide some new and valuable historical insights. "Thule" began as a battalion-sized security force in Norway in 1940 and ended up as the prototype for a "rapid light infantry" deployment force, about a half-century ahead of its time. The intent in 1942 was to convey most of the "Thule" personnel either on motorcycles or in fast vehicles so that they could be sent rapidly to wherever they were most needed. Unfortunately the debilitating battles around Kharkov in early 1943 put an end to this concept; the so-called "motorcycle-rifle" regiment became a luxury that the Waffen-SS could no longer maintain. The survivors were sent elsewhere as replacements. In this book you will get a glimpse of the impressive soldiers of "Thule" in training, in barracks, transit, in the field and combat. 232 photos/ill, 2 maps.