Hitler’s Turkestani Soldiers

As the war turned against Germany, Hitler found himself having to rely more and more on ‘foreign’ soldiers to fill the ranks of his shrinking armies.

Volunteers came from occupied western European countries, Russia and even Muslim troops. This is a history of one of the lesser-known units, the 162nd (Turkistan) Infantry Division, which fought primarily in the east. The author has amassed a wealth of detail and does not shy away from subject connected with the unit. This includes combat losses, involvement with war crimes, fighting ability and the fate of the volunteers after the war. Whilst a fascinating read, some readers may find it rather fragmented in its approach to relating the story, but the Italian aspect is revealing and for those who are not familiar with this campaign will find it fascinating. A good selection of photographs of documentation and the men themselves to support and little-known chapter of the war.