European elite Waffen-SS: Vikings. Documentary. World War II.
The 5th SS Division Wiking or Viking occupies a special place in military history. This division became famous not only for its exceptional combat qualities, but also for its diverse composition. Unlike many German tank divisions of the time, the ranks of the Viking were largely filled with volunteers from various European countries.
It became a symbol of pan-European cooperation and common military goals during World War II. The uniqueness of the Vikings lay in their ability to utilize the skills of soldiers from different cultures and nationalities. This diversity brought a wealth of perspectives, tactics and experience to the battlefield. This enriched the division’s strategy, increasing its adaptability in the face of a constantly changing military situation.
At the heart of Viking success was a commitment to developing camaraderie. Despite linguistic and cultural differences, the soldiers formed strong bonds. They were based on mutual respect, common goals and a common cause. This cohesion not only raised morale, but also increased operational effectiveness. All this allowed the division to achieve outstanding results in battle.
Formation of a volunteer corps. Following the victories of the SS-Infanterie-Regiment Jpstandarte Adolf Hitler, the SS-Motorized Division Dasreich and the SS-Division Tottenkopf in the initial campaigns in Poland and on the Western Front, there arose a strategic need to increase the size of the WAF divisions.
There was a significant influx of foreign volunteers, particularly from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. It was decided to create a volunteer division within the Waffen SS, which would operate under the command of German officers. This decision reflected the recognition of the large number of combat-ready men willing to contribute to the Axis cause.
They were attracted by various motives, ranging from ideological conviction to nationalistic sentiments. By incorporating these volunteers into the Waffen SS structure, the Axis powers sought to utilize their skills and loyalty, as well as their deep knowledge of their regions. In this way, the overall effectiveness and scale of military operations under the leadership of German officers increased.
Preparation and renaming. This volunteer division had to undergo rigorous training and ideological indoctrination. This ensured cohesion, discipline and compliance with WAF standards. The Germania Regiment, formerly part of the SS Reich Division, was transferred to reinforce the newly formed Westland and Nordland volunteer regiments .
The division was originally named the SS Infantry Division Germany. But due to confusion with an already existing regiment, on December 20 it was officially renamed Viking. At the head of this new division was Felix Steiner, a highly respected former army officer. His leadership brought stability and professionalism to the unit.
All this guaranteed his readiness for the upcoming tests. In February 1941, a Finnish volunteer unit was integrated into the Viking ranks. It formed the Finnish volunteer battalion Wafens. Many Finns were the first to join this German division. This happened because after the Winter War there was still a great threat from the Soviet Union.
This addition strengthened the division and further diversified its multinational composition. It emphasized the joint efforts within the Axis forces. The division’s new recruits underwent several weeks of rigorous training at the Heidelberg boot camp. The training regulations covered a wide range of skills.
These include weapons skills, anti-tank tactics and other combat techniques. The soldiers received intensive training in the operation and maintenance of their small arms. They had to be proficient in handling rifles, machine guns and other service weapons. In addition, specialized training in anti-tank warfare was conducted.
The soldiers were taught how to effectively engage and neutralize enemy armored vehicles. Anti-tank guns, grenades and other equipment were used. By June 1941, approximately half of the division’s soldiers were volunteers from various European countries, and were ready for operation. Among them were people from Belgium, Holland, Denmark, and Norway.
Iceland, Finland, the former Baltic territories and other European states. It is noteworthy that some of these volunteers already had combat experience. They fought against the Red Army on the Finnish side during the Winter War from 1939 to 1940 . The recruitment of Winter War veterans further increased the division’s combat readiness.
These people brought with them knowledge of Soviet military tactics and the terrain. These were invaluable resources in the looming conflict on the Eastern Front. Their presence was a testament to the interconnectedness of European geopolitics and the fluidity of allied relations at that time in history as the division prepared for its most significant role in the greatest conflict, the invasion of the Soviet Union.
She has undergone extensive training. In mid-May, the division was transferred to western Poland to await deployment for Operation Barbarossa. The SS Division Wiking was assigned to the III Panzer Corps of Army Group South. She was preparing to play a decisive role in the Axis offensive against the Soviet forces.
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The first battles on the Eastern Front. The division’s combat readiness was postponed until June 29, 1941. This happened a week after the start of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. Despite the delay, the SS Division Wiking quickly entered its first battle in Russia. It operated in the Ternopil region, disabling retreating Soviet units.
This marked the beginning of her participation in fighting on the Eastern Front. By August 1941, the division had advanced to Uman. Here she took part in the encirclement and capture of significant forces of the Soviet Army. As a result of this operation, the Germans captured more than 100,000 Soviet soldiers.
This was a significant victory for the Axis forces. The SS Division Wiking’s contribution to this success cemented its reputation as a formidable fighting force on the Eastern Front. Battle of the Crown and the offensive on Rostov. Together with the Luftwaffe’s Hermann Göring Panzer Division , the Wiking Division stood firm in the crucible of the Battle of Corona.
She demonstrated her determination by moving forward and crossing the Dnieper River. She held her position until August 21. Despite the relentless attacks of the Red Army, the division demonstrated outstanding defense. She held her ground steadfastly against all odds, undeterred by the mounting resistance.
The division continued its inexorable advance towards the strategic objective of Rostov-on-Don, overcoming all obstacles at this stage of the operation. After this, the Viking Division came under the operational control of the Fourteenth Panzer Corps. She began a strategic march towards Oktyabrskaya.
By the end of November 1941, the division had reached a significant milestone. She successfully crossed the Mius River near the Sea of Azov and penetrated into the territory north of Rostov. The division continued its march towards Rostov- on-Don, undeterred by the increasing resistance. She took part in intense fighting for control of the city.
The division played a decisive role in fierce battles. However, despite its efforts, the Soviets fought fiercely, and in November the division was ordered to retreat back to the Mius River line. Winter defense and recognition during this period the German offensive began to lose its strength. Harsh winter conditions set in, exhausting the troops and slowing their progress.
Faced with relentless enemy counterattacks, the Viking Division was forced to switch from offensive maneuvers to a defensive position along the Mius River. From January to June 1942, the Viking held firm on the Mius. The soldiers settled into defensive positions as the bitter winter months wore on. Despite the formidable challenges posed by harsh weather and relentless enemy attacks, the division remained determined to hold the line.
Initially, the Wehrmacht officers overseeing the deployment of the SS Division Wiking were full of skepticism regarding its combat potential. This skepticism made them hesitant when it came to assigning the division to key operations. However, over time, as the division repeatedly proved its effectiveness on the battlefield, demonstrating its valor and capabilities, it slowly but surely won the grudging admiration of the Wehrmacht commanders.
Strengthening and new offensive. After the defense of Mius until June 1942, the SSV Viking division received significant reinforcements. The third armored engineering battalion and the third armored reconnaissance motorcycle detachment arrived. These units brought with them a formidable array of armored infantry fighting vehicles and light armored vehicles.
They increased the division’s mobility and firepower on the battlefield. In addition to these units, the division was additionally supported by an SS anti-aircraft detachment and an SS panzer detachment . It is noteworthy that the tank detachment, originally intended for the SS Division Dasreich, was quickly redirected to reinforce the Wiking Division.
This shows how much confidence the high command had in them. This regrouping, necessitated by the urgent need for additional forces, resulted in a tank detachment being hastily assembled at Fahlingbostel and Wildflecken in February 1942 , including four tank companies. This formidable addition significantly increased the combat capabilities of the Viking Division.
After a successful defense during the harsh winter of 1941-1942, the SS Division Wiking was ordered to recapture Rostov-on-Don and advance further into the Caucasus region. The goal was to secure control over its vital oil fields. Storming of Rostov. The main German offensive involved a northern approach, led by Kleist’s First Panzer Army , while the Seventeenth Army took a more direct route from the west to the city.
At the spearhead of the initial assault were the Fourteenth and Twenty- Second Panzer Divisions. They were quickly followed by the SS Viking division. In the early stages of the assault, the Fourteenth Panzer Division bypassed the city after the first day or two of fighting, while the Twenty-Second remained engaged longer. Meanwhile, the Viking found himself caught up in intense street fighting.
The soldiers methodically cleared the city block by block. The division relied primarily on its tank regiments. They were equipped primarily with long-barreled Panzer 3 tanks, allowing them to navigate difficult urban terrain and engage in close combat with determined Soviet defenders. The battle was brutal.
The fifth Viking suffered losses, but they continued to fight in the city. The offensive on Grozny after the capture of Rostov, towards the end of September 1942, the SS division Wiking was strategically positioned for a decisive offensive. His goal was to capture the vital city of Grozny. Careful coordination was established with the Thirteenth Panzer Division.
This was to ensure the success of the operation to capture this key urban center. Having reached the Tereg River, the Soviet defense became significantly strengthened. Numerous obstacle courses presented formidable challenges. They had to be overcome before reaching the Georgian road. It served as a vital supply route for American supplies.
Recognizing the complexity of the situation, Felix Steiner made the strategic decision to split his division into four separate columns. Each column was assigned different objectives, but they all shared a common goal: to break through Soviet defenses and establish passage to the Caspian Sea. The SS Regiment Nordn was ordered to launch an assault along the Terok River in the direction of the little Beck.
Meanwhile, the SS Panzer Battalion Wiking, supported by units from the SS Regiment Germania, was tasked with the critical mission of breaking through the main defensive line and securing the bridgehead. At the same time, the SS Westlen regiment was ordered to capture the city of Sagopshin. In addition, the division’s engineering unit, together with the remaining forces from Germany, was to advance along the Teryak.
The attack began on the night of September 25-26, 1942. Heavy fighting on Terik. However, the assault led by Nordland quickly ran into obstacles. The soldiers realized that not only were they outnumbered by the Red Army, but they were also facing well-fortified enemy positions. Within just 30 minutes, almost half of the regiment’s soldiers had fallen in battle.
Despite the adversity, they managed to capture the hill. In recognition of his leadership and bravery during intense combat, regimental commander Fritz Fonschulz was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. On October 6, the division successfully captured Maly BEK. However, their larger goal is to change priorities.
In the first week of November 1942, amid changing strategic priorities, the division was transferred from the Tirek branch to the Urukh Alagir sector. The move was part of a broader effort to renew the offensive campaign. This time the attack was directed at Orji Nikidze, and not at the previously planned Grozny. Arriving just in time, the division played a key role in rescuing the 13th Panzer Division from potential encirclement at Gisel.
This demonstrated its adaptability and maneuverability on the battlefield. Following this daring rescue mission, the division quickly took up defensive positions along the formidable Feagdon River. She was ready to face any further challenges. By the end of 1942, when the harsh Russian winter had returned, the SS Division Wiking had distinguished itself with outstanding success in combat.
It earned the prestigious status of a motorized infantry division. In the harsh terrain of the Caucasus, soldiers from various European countries demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination. They held their positions along the Terok River steadfastly during the intensive operations near Grozny.
But everything was about to change. The encirclement of Stalingrad and the retreat of the encirclement of the Sixth Army at Stalingrad put almost a million people at stake. An urgent message was received to immediately cease any plans for further advancement in the Caucasus. As a result, the Viking was tasked with occupying positions previously held by the Twenty-Third Panzer Division.
This movement allowed the twenty-third tank division to be quickly transferred by rail to Kotelnikovo. There she was to join the efforts to liberate the encircled forces at Stalingrad. As the operation encountered setbacks due to the Soviet offensive against the Italian Eighth Army in the middle reaches of the Don, the security of the Caucasian position itself became increasingly precarious.
Erich von Manstein, commander of Army Group South, proposed a plan to reinforce another attempt at Stalingrad. For this purpose, the sixteenth motorized infantry division from the Elista sector was to be deployed. To facilitate this, Viking began his journey by train on December 24. His front line was shortened.
However, on arrival on December 31st, the division found itself forced to fill the void left by the defeat of the Romanian corps on the right flank of the 57th Panzer Corps on the 26th. She was then tasked with assisting in the difficult defensive retreat to Rostov. This was necessary to cover the inevitable retreat of Army Group A from the Caucasus.
A decision met with fury and resistance from Adolf Hitler. The division retreated through several key points. Among them are the winter quarters of Kuberle and Proletarskaya, where they ensured the accessibility of the bridge over the Manych River, as well as Tselina and Yagorlykskaya on the way to Bataysk and Rostov. They eventually managed to escape through the Rostov Pass on February 4.
They ensured their withdrawal from the region. Everything this division knew and fought for was now about to slip away week by week. Defense and redeployment to Ukraine. Following the catastrophic events at Stalingrad and the subsequent collapse of the Axis forces, a significant breakthrough formed on the front line.
In February and March 1943, the SS Division Wiking was given the critical task of sealing the enemy breakthrough. He advanced all the way to Stalin. The division’s swift and decisive action was necessary to halt the enemy’s offensive momentum and prevent further incursions into German-held territory.
During this difficult period, the division received reinforcements in the form of a battalion of Estonian volunteers. He formed the SS Volunteer Motorized Infantry Battalion Narrva. These dedicated soldiers bolstered the division’s strength and brought new resolve to the ongoing conflict. The division received an urgent order to retreat to Ukraine, specifically to the area south of Kharkov.
The region had recently been liberated by Paul Hauser’s II SS Panzer Corps . It was now the focus of intense fighting as efforts were made to retake it. Erich von Manstein, the new commander of Army Group South, deployed the 5th SS Division Wiking along with the 11th Panzer Division. They were supposed to confront Popov’s Soviet mobile group.
This Soviet unit posed a significant threat. His goal was to penetrate a vital railway line and fight against Soviet armored vehicles. However, the 5th SS Division Wiking encountered significant difficulties when engaging the heavily armored Soviet group. She had difficulty effectively countering their armored vehicles.
The motorized infantry regiments of the fifth SSS Viking division were exhausted and tired as a result of grueling battles in the Caucasus region. Their ranks were understaffed. Many soldiers were exhausted by the continuous combat conditions they had endured. In addition, the tank battalion faced a serious problem due to insufficient armored resources.
This left him ill-equipped to effectively confront the formidable Soviet force. It’s a combination of a lack of manpower and limited numbers. The additional armored capabilities placed significant strain on the division as it held off the enemy onslaught. Combat and reorganization. Despite these difficulties, the division fought tenaciously to repel the Soviet attack.
They successfully ensured the safety of a vital railway line. This contributed to the defeat of Popov’s mobile group. After Kharkov was recaptured, the 5th SS Division Viking was withdrawn from the front line. It was to undergo a complete re-equipment and reorganization. The division was to become a fully equipped panzergrenadier division.
During this period, thanks to the initiatives of Paul Hauser, an important decision was made. It concerned the structure of the panzergrenadier divisions of the SS troops. Now each such division had to have a regiment of tanks, and not just a battalion. This transformation raised the status of the SS panzergrenadier formations.
They effectively became full-fledged tank divisions, albeit without an official name. As part of this update, one infantry battalion in each division received half-gun carriers. This significantly improved their mobility. In addition, planning has begun to create an additional tank battalion. Its formation began on February 28, 1943.
Personnel and structural changes. In mid-1943, the 5th SSV Viking Division underwent significant changes. SS Group Commander Scheiner was transferred. He led the third German SS Panzer Corps, which was formed in Croatia. His place was taken by Herbert Ottogi Gille. He later proved himself to be no less a capable commander than Steiner.
In addition, the experienced SS regiment Nordlen and its commander Fritz von Scholz were withdrawn from the division. They became the basis for the creation of the eleventh SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nord. The Finnish volunteer battalion within the SS troops was disbanded. This happened after the agreed two-year term of service of the Finnish volunteers had expired.
These changes reshaped the division’s composition. They reflected the changing dynamics within the SS troops during this period of the war. To compensate for the departure of the Finnish volunteers and the Nordland Regiment, a newly formed Estonian volunteer unit was included in the division. It was the Estonian volunteer panzergrenadier battalion Narva.
Battle of Kharkov. During the re-equipment process, the division periodically encountered partisan groups. This showed that she continued to participate in combat operations even during the period of reorganization. By the end of June, the full restructuring was completed.
This marked an important milestone for the division. Soon after, the division was transferred to Izyum. There, together with the 23rd Panzer Division, it was tasked with assuming the role of reserve forces for Manstein’s Army Group . The division was strategically positioned in anticipation of Operation Citadel. This underscored its key role in the upcoming major offensive on the Eastern Front.
While Operation Citadel was underway, several Soviet formations simultaneously launched coordinated attacks on Orel and Kharkov. The 5th SS Division Wiking found itself in the thick of things, fighting the advancing Soviet troops near Kharkov. During this intense period of combat, the Estonian volunteers in the division distinguished themselves.
They demonstrated exceptional skill and courage, destroying about 100 Red Army tanks in a few days. Despite the cancellation of Operation Citadel, the division steadfastly continued to hold off the ongoing Soviet offensives. This reflected her resilience and dedication on the battlefield at that time.
Containing the advance of the Red Army. Further south, along the Mius front, the German lines faced a serious threat. It was a major offensive by the Red Army, known as Operation Rumyantsev. In response, the 5th SS Division Viking, as well as the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf. and the second SS Panzergrenadier Division Reich were transferred to the Muse Bogodukhov sector.
Their task was to stop the advancing Soviet forces. In a fierce battle, the SS divisions successfully repelled the Soviet onslaught. They achieved a remarkable victory, defeating two Soviet tank armies. Their total number was more than 1 thousand tanks. In the process, German troops managed to destroy over 800 enemy tanks.
This effectively weakened the Soviet offensive and stabilized the front line. Throughout this period, the SS divisions were constantly faced with an acute shortage of resources. At any given time, no more than fifty combat-ready tanks were in service. Despite the staggering losses inflicted on Soviet troops , the Red Army managed to capture Kharkov on August 23.
Following this, they began to advance towards the Dnieper. Transformation into a tank division. In October, the division was again withdrawn from the front. This time for a comprehensive restructuring. It was reorganized into a full-fledged tank division, officially named the 5th Panzer Division SSV Viking. This restructuring marked a significant development of the division’s combat capabilities and its strategic role on the Eastern Front.
To strengthen the division’s combat capabilities, the Volonsk volunteer unit, the fifth SS assault brigade in Volonia, was included in its composition. It was commanded by Leon Degrelle. At first, the veterans of the Viking Division greeted the Volon unit with skepticism and ridicule. However, the Walloon unit ultimately proved its worth during the fierce battles for the Utekino Forest.
Positioned at the tip of the Wedge, which jutted out into the Soviet lines, they demonstrated their effectiveness in battle. This earned them the respect of their comrades in arms. In addition, to further strengthen the division, orders were given to begin forming a second tank battalion in Germany. This expansion reflected ongoing efforts to increase the division’s firepower and combat readiness.
Encirclement near Korsun while the fifth SS division Viking was fighting Podtekin. Several Red Army tank formations maneuvered along the flank of the salient. They successfully surrounded the German troops of the Forty-Second and Eleventh Army Corps near Korsun. In the ensuing battle in the Karsun-Shevchenkovskiy pocket, the 5th SSV Viking Division defended against Soviet attacks from the eastern side of the pocket.
Meanwhile, the commander of the forces in the cauldron, Artillery General Wilhelm Stemmermann, redeployed his troops to the west in preparation for an attempt to break through. Under these conditions, the 5th SS Division Wiking and the 5th SS Assault Brigade received the order. They were supposed to cover the retreat of German forces.
They were assigned to guard their exit from the encircled area. Memories of a non-commissioned officer. I remember the bitter cold of that February morning as we prepared to meet the enemy again. My breath billowed before me. It mixed with smoke from nearby fires. This battle had been going on for several days. Our division found itself surrounded by the Red Army.
As a non-commissioned officer in the 5th Panzer Division, my duties were clear. Lead your people with courage and determination. We were seasoned veterans, forged in the crucible of the Eastern Front. But even the most experienced soldiers felt the weight of impending disaster. Soviet troops surrounded us.
Their artillery is constantly firing at our positions. We fought with all our might to hold our lines. They knew that retreat meant certain death. The fate of our division hung in the balance as we prepared for the onslaught. I remember the deafening roar of tanks and the crackle of guns. It was the enemy who began his attack.
Our defensive lines were tested to the limit. Wave after wave. The Soviet troops were rushing forward, but we refused to surrender, stubbornly clinging to our positions amidst chaos and carnage. In the midst of the battle I saw acts of heroism. They will remain in my memory forever. People sacrificed themselves to cover the retreat of their comrades.
Fearless tank crews rushed into the very heat. The orderlies risked their lives to help the wounded. But for every moment of courage there was countless suffering and loss. The battlefield was strewn with the fallen, friends and foes. Every life lost was a stark reminder of the cost of war. This price weighed heavily on my conscience.
Breakthrough and new challenges. After successfully defending against numerous Soviet attacks in the area of the city of Nowa Buda, the rearguard of the 5th SS Division Wiking began to retreat. They moved cautiously under the cover of darkness. Each platoon retreated separately, advancing through treacherous terrain known as the Gates of Hell.
The division came under intense enemy fire. This resulted in significant losses in personnel and equipment. It was a terrible test of the Karsun cauldron. Throughout this chaotic retreat, Division Commander Gilya showed unwavering loyalty to his men. He fought alongside them. He remained in the thick of things until all the survivors had made it to safety .
Remarkably, he was one of the last to cross the river, the rotten Tikich, to reach safety. After the end of this grueling battle, the 5th SS Assault Brigade Volonia was withdrawn from the division. This marked the end of her service at the Viking’s side. Battle for Kovel. After a short period of recovery and reorganization, the 5th SS Division Wiking was redeployed.
She was supposed to help in the defense of Kovel. The city faced a serious threat from powerful Soviet forces. Under Gilley’s leadership, the division advanced towards the city. She immediately began to create a defensive perimeter. This was done in anticipation of imminent encirclement by the enemy. While the Red Army was closing the ring around the city, the second battalion of the SS Panzer Regiment 5 Wiking, equipped with recently arrived Panther tanks, and the third battalion of the SS Panzergrenadier Regiment Germania, fully equipped
and at full strength, arrived at the front line from Germany. These fresh reinforcements immediately began organizing a relief group. Its goal was to break through the encirclement and provide much-needed support to the besieged defenders of Kovel. The unit was led by Ebersturmführer Karl Nicolau Seleh.
He commanded the 8th company in the 2nd battalion of the SS5 Wiking tank regiment. The heroism of Nicolau Selech. In a bold move, Nicolau Seleh launched an attack with just five tanks. This happened after receiving an order to stop and retreat from the besieged commander. Despite the order to retreat, Nikola Seloh ignored it.
He continued his offensive with full determination to break through the encirclement. Risking a court martial, panther Nicolau Seleja led the attack. She engaged enemy forces and destroyed several tanks along the way. Through sheer determination and courage, his tank became the first vehicle to successfully break through the Red Army’s encirclement.
In recognition of his exceptional bravery and leadership, Nicolau Seleh was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions. Che tui leaving the environment and a new place. After the relief group successfully created a corridor to assist the encircled forces, the retreat process began. Unlike the earlier encirclement at Korsun, the Viking Division managed to evacuate most of its equipment intact.
At the end of August 1944, the division received orders to return to the Modlin fortress on the Vistula River near Warsaw. There it was to join the newly formed Army Group Vistula. Fighting alongside the Luftwaffe’s Hermann Goering Panzer Division, the division destroyed the Red Army’s Third Panzer Corps at this location.
These were very fierce battles. The outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising stopped the Soviet advance. There was relative calm on the front line. Meanwhile, the Supreme SS and Police Leader Erich von Dembach Zalewski was destroying Warsaw along with its civilians and the Home Army. Defense of Modlin.
During the remaining months of the year, the division maintained its positions in the Modlin area. It operated alongside the 3rd SS Division Totenkopf and the 4th SS Panzer Corps. Herbert Otta Gili, demonstrating remarkable leadership, was promoted to commander of the newly created SS Panzer Corps. After a transition period under the temporary leadership of Oberführer Dr.
Eduard Deisenhofer, Standartenführer Johannes Rudolf Mühlenkamp assumed command of the division. He previously commanded the SS5 Wiking tank regiment. At this time, the Modlino region was plunged into fierce defensive battles. The division worked diligently to strengthen its positions against the relentless pressure of the enemy.
Despite the enormous difficulties created by the ongoing battles, the division remained determined. She remained steadfast in her commitment to the defense of the area. In October, there was a change of command. Oberführer Karl Ulrich replaced Mühlin Camp. He took command of the division until the end of the conflict.
Under Ulrich’s leadership, the division continued to play a key role in the defense of Modlin. She held her ground steadfastly against enemy invasions. This ensured the stability of the front line in the face of increasing difficulties. Operation Conrad. At the end of December 1944, the 5th SS Division Wiking found itself on the front lines.
It was a turning point in the turbulent history of the Eastern Front. German troops defending Budapest found themselves surrounded by enemy forces, including the 9th SS Mountain Corps. The urgency of the situation became undeniable. In response to the unfolding crisis, the IV SS Panzer Corps, which included the Wiking Division, received a key order.
He was ordered to quickly redeploy to the south. This redeployment was a vital component of Operation Conrad. It was a carefully planned attempt to unblock it. It was organized to break the siege of Budapest. The stakes were high. The success of the operation depended on the rapid and coordinated actions of the IV SS Panzer Corps.
It was to join forces with Hermann Balck’s Sixth Army as part of Army Group Balck. While the division prepared for this most difficult task, the weight of the situation lay on the shoulders of its soldiers and commanders. They understood the critical nature of their mission. They recognized the key role they would play in trying to turn the tide of the war in this crucial theatre of operations.
Battle of Tatarsenert. On the morning of January 1, 1945, the 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking was ready to carry out its role in Operation Konrad 1. It operated alongside its partner, the 3rd SS Panzer Division “Death’s Head”. The division began a key offensive near the city of Tatarsendiert. Amidst the icy winter landscape, the advance columns of the Viking Division rushed forward.
Their engines roared as they engaged the Red Army’s formidable Fourth Guards Army . The ensuing clash was monumental. The opposing forces clashed with relentless fury. In the heat of battle, the Viking Division proved its worth. Its armored units unleashed devastating firepower on the enemy ranks .
The thunderous roar of artillery and the crackle of machine gun fire echoed across the snowy plains. The division was advancing. Despite stubborn resistance, the Viking and Death’s Head divisions proved themselves to be formidable opponents. Their combined might wreaked havoc on the Red Army’s ranks in the crucible of battle.
The battlefield witnessed the destruction of numerous enemy tanks. This was a testament to the skill and bravery of the German tank divisions. As the day progressed, the intensity of the battle only increased. Both sides locked in a desperate struggle for dominance. For the soldiers of the Viking Division, it was a moment of reckoning.
It was a test of their resolve and their commitment to duty. The 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking and the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf crossed rugged and difficult terrain on their way to Budapest in just 3 days. They covered an impressive distance of 45 km in such a short period of time. This underscored the speed and efficiency with which the divisions operated.
Despite the daunting obstacles posed by the terrain, the divisions pressed forward relentlessly. Their tanks rumbled over muddy ruts and rocky ground. The harsh winter weather failed to hinder their progress. They were getting closer and closer to their goal. However, the Soviet troops, realizing the seriousness of the German offensive, quickly mobilized their forces.
They tried to stop the offensive actions of the divisions. They strategically maneuvered to position their forces. This was done to intercept the German advance. Thus, the conditions were created for a fierce and decisive clash. Stopped offensive. As German forces approached the town of Bicske, just 28 km from Budapest, they encountered determined resistance from Soviet troops.
The ensuing battle was intense and grueling. Both sides are locked in a desperate struggle for control of strategically important territory. The German divisions were finally stopped in their tracks by the staunch defense of the Soviet troops. Budapest now loomed tantalizingly close. However, it was out of reach, as the front line remained a subject of fierce dispute.
Recognizing the need for strategic repositioning, Gilya decided to withdraw the Viking Division from the front line. He moved it to the southern outskirts of Esztergom, near the Danube Bend. This move was part of the preparation for the second attempt to unblock. It was called Operation Conrad 2 and began on January 7.
Amidst the piercing cold and relentless snowfall, the soldiers of the Viking Division moved forward. With every step they took they got closer to their goal. Their spirit was bolstered by the knowledge that they were approaching the heart of the conflict. Vision of Budapest. When morning broke on January 12, the SS Panzergrenadier Regiment Westlen found itself on the outskirts of Pelissenkerest, a small village lost in the winter landscape.
Although the soldiers were tired from their hard journey, they continued to march. They were driven by a sense of duty and anticipation of what lay ahead. As the morning sun tried to break through the thick fog that shrouded the countryside, the grenadiers’ armor was met with a remarkable sight. The distinctive silhouettes of Budapest’s church spires and towers emerged through the haze.
They cast a realistic and haunting presence against the frozen landscape. Evaluation and new attempts. Despite the initial success of the operation, as the days went by, it became increasingly clear. The forces involved exceeded their capabilities. Strained supply lines and stretched resources made them vulnerable to counterattack.
This prevented them from taking full advantage of the breakthrough they had achieved. Amidst the chaos, battle and pressing demands of the front, the opportunity to consolidate their gains slipped away. Instead, they found themselves in a precarious position. They had no choice but to retreat and regroup.
This was done to avoid defeat for the enemy. Hitler’s reaction to the situation was irritation and anger. His frustration with the lack of progress boiled over. He condemned the entire operation as completely pointless. This harsh judgment highlighted the scale of the missed opportunity and the failure to build on the initial success of the offensive. Operation Conred 3.
In a renewed attempt to relieve the besieged city of Budapest, a third attempt was made. This was Operation Konrad 3. It was carried out in cooperation with the experienced 3rd Panzer Corps. This operation took place approximately 100 km south of the previous battles. Beginning on January 20, this offensive proved decisive.
The coordinated assault opened a fifteen-kilometer gap in the Soviet lines. This created a significant gap in their defense. In the ensuing chaos, the 135th Rifle Corps of the Red Army suffered crushing losses. This culminated in his destruction on the battlefield. Despite a promising start, the rapid Soviet response slowed German breakout efforts.
They brought in additional troops, effectively stopping the advance. The operation was completed by January 28. At the end of January, the consequences of the fierce fighting for the 5th SS Division Wiking and the 3rd SS Division Tottenkopf became apparent. Losses exceeded 8,000 people, including more than 200 officers.
At that moment, the battle turned into an all-out massacre. The streets were strewn with the bodies of the dead. On February 13, the encircled forces finally surrendered. It became a dark chapter for German troops in the history of the conflict. Following this devastating defeat, the badly battered Viking Division was ordered to redeploy west to Lake Balaton.
There, the Sixth SS Panzer Army, under the command of Obergruppenführer Sepp Dietrich, was gathering for a new offensive. This signaled a change in theatre of operations for the battle-weary division. During Operation Frühling Servahin, the 5th SSS Division Wiking played a decisive role, holding the left flank of the operation in the region between Lake Velence and the town of Szekis Fehérvár.
As the offensive progressed, the division found itself deeply involved in fierce fighting. She worked tirelessly to thwart Soviet attempts to outflank the advancing German forces. However, when the momentum of the offensive began to wane, the Red Army launched a powerful counteroffensive on March 15 , known as the Vienna Operation.
Soviet forces struck at the vulnerable gap between the 3rd SS Division Tottenkopf, located north of the Viking, and the Hungarian 2nd Panzer Division. The situation was quickly exploited. Contact between these units was quickly lost amid the chaos of battle. This further complicated the already precarious situation on the eastern front.
Reacting quickly to the emerging threat, Balck proposed moving the 1st SS Panzer Corps north. This was intended to fill the vulnerable gap and prevent the encirclement of the IV SS Panzer Corps . However, despite the prompt action and Balck’s recommendation, the issuance of the Führer’s order authorising this manoeuvre was delayed.
Critical time was running out. By the time the order was finally received, the divisions had begun to redeploy. Precious moments were wasted. By March 22, the encirclement of the Tottenkopf and Viking divisions by Soviet troops was almost complete. They found themselves on the brink of isolation and potential destruction.
In a desperate attempt to prevent complete encirclement, Balck made a bold decision. He sent the battle-hardened 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen to the area. Their task was to hold a small escape corridor. Despite the overwhelming superiority of the enemy, the Hohenstaufen men fought fiercely to keep the corridor open.
They suffered heavy losses in the process. In a grueling battle to maintain control of the corridor, the Hohenstaufen ubiquitous suffered colossal losses. However, their sacrifice allowed Gili’s corps to break free from the tightening Soviet grip and avoid complete encirclement. By March 24, continuous Soviet assaults forced the exhausted IV SS Panzer Corps to retreat hastily to Vienna.
Amid the chaos of the battle, all communication with the neighboring 1st SS Panzer Corps was cut off. All semblance of an organized defensive line disappeared. Faced with overwhelming resistance, the Wiking Division made a tactical withdrawal deeper into Czechoslovakia. They fought fiercely to delay the advance of Soviet troops.
By early May, the division found itself in close proximity to American forces. This signaled a dramatic change in the theatre of military operations. On May 9 they formally surrendered near Fanfield, Austria. The Wiking Division’s journey from the Eastern Front into Allied hands marked the end of its turbulent and grueling campaign in World War II.
On the night of May 12-13, 1945, the command staff of the fifth SS Panzer Division. Viking reached the American barricades near Raidat and Wagrain. There the division formally surrendered. Their intentions in negotiations with the Americans were twofold. First, to avoid being handed over to Soviet troops and instead proceed directly to Germany.
Secondly, travel by your own transport. The Americans accepted these conditions. On June 1, 1945, the Vikings left Wagragrain in a large column, accompanied by a minimal convoy. There were no incidents. The column’s route passed through many different towns before reaching Ebibing. Along the way, the march almost resembled a triumph.
Crowds lined the streets to greet and offer cigarettes, flowers and food to passing cars. And this despite the presence of American soldiers at intersections. While driving on the highway, a senior American officer in a jeep overtook the convoy. He stood at attention, saluting and shouting words of encouragement to the Viking Division.
However, these moments of apparent victory were soon overshadowed. Conditions in Allied prisoner of war camps were appalling. Hunger, epidemics and mistreatment took a heavy toll on the VAFS veterans. Despite all the difficulties, the Viking Division’s achievements during the war were outstanding. During the conflict, its members were awarded a total of 67 Knight’s Crosses, including three unconfirmed, eight with oak leaves, three with swords, and one with diamonds.
The Viking Division was truly unique. Even after the war, the Allies continued to treat them with respect and admiration. They were highly regarded by everyone, to the point that even American soldiers saluted them daily. By the end of the war, fatigue had overcome all the soldiers. Behind the form, camaraderie often blossomed among people on all sides of the conflict.
Yet even today, the 5th Panzer Division Wiking remains renowned as one of the most exceptional divisions of World War II.
