VICTORY WAS BEYOND THEIR GRASP: 272nd Volksgrenadier Division

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With the 272nd Volks-Grenadier Division from the Huertgen Forest to the Heart of the Reich

As the Allies were approaching the German frontier in September 1944, the German Armed Forces responded with a variety of initiatives designed to regain the strategic initiative. including the 'Wonder Weapons' such as the V-1 flying bomb, the V-2 missile, and the Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter. Also included: the Volks-Grenadier Divisions (VGDs).

Often confused with the Volkssturm (Home Guard militia), VGDs suffered an undeserved reputation as second-rate formations, filled with young boys and old men suited to serve only as cannon fodder. This new edition shows that VGDs were actually conceived as a new, elite corps loyal to the National Socialist Party composed of men from all branches of Hitler's Wehrmacht and equipped with the finest ground combat weapons available.