NOR020
First Legion
The Waffen-SS was initially created as the armed wing of the Nazi Party, but over the course of the war it was gradually expanded to 38 divisions. They fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts alongside the Heer Divisions of the German Army. They were typically given top priority for equipment and were made up of the most loyal and die hard soldiers. As such, they proved extremely capable in battle; the tank divisions in particular had a fearsome reputation.
Created for First Legion's Battle of Normandy range, these extremely flexible toy soldiers can be used as Panzer Grenadiers from just about any Waffen-SS division including 12th SS Hitler Jugend, 1st SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, 17th SS Gotz von Berlichingen, 2nd SS Das Reich, 9th SS Hohenstaufen, or 10th SS Frundsberg. The artists' inspiration was to have them as members of the 17th SS opposing the US Paratroopers at the Battle of Bloody Gulch, famously depicted in the mini-series Band of Brothers. However, they can represent any of the aforementioned formations. The Battle of Normandy figure range now has some opposition for the US Paratroopers as the Waffen-SS take the field!
A two trooper team was required to carry the heavy anti-tank rockets fired by the Panzerschreck, and this figure accompanies NOR019.