7e division SS "PRINZ EUGEN"

This book will allow readers to learn about the little-known fate of a Waffen-SS mountain division made up largely of ethnic Germans (Volksdeutschen) living in Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Hungary, who were mobilized as part of the “Greater Germany” settlement policy.

This division was initially commanded by a Transylvanian who had served in the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army (Gruppenführer Artur Phleps), then by an experienced senior officer (Brigadeführer Otto Kumm), who turned it into a highly specialized field division.

The “Prinz Eugen,” named in memory of Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignan (1663-1736, an officer in the service of the Austrian monarchy who became commander-in-chief of the armies of the Holy Roman Empire), had to face, in an increasingly “dirty” war, numerous, organized, and well-armed partisan units, inflicting heavy losses on them (for which the post-war authorities would make him pay dearly).

Although the “Prinz Eugen” mainly fought against partisans, with some acts of violence, it also had to face regular Soviet and Bulgarian troops, demonstrating its effectiveness in “classical” combat as well: it did not lay down its arms until May 12, 1945, four days after the official end of hostilities.

Thanks to numerous photos, most of which have never been published before, readers will gain a clearer picture of this unusual Waffen-SS unit, made up of “ethnic Germans” of all nationalities, operating in a complex geographical environment.