The Turkic-Caucasian volunteers in Waffen-SS at the final stage of World War II (November, 1943 — May, 1945)

Abstract

This article examines the process of the organization and use of the Turkic-Caucasian formations within Waffen-SS as a factor of a military collaboration of Soviet citizens at the final stage of World War II. It is noted that this aspect of this problem practically did not find the reflection in historiography. Based on a wide complex of archival sources the system of the organization, training and combat use of Eastern Turkic and Caucasian formations of Waffen-SS, and also Tatar mountain brigade is analyzed. The reasons and the aims which were pursued by the SS leadership at creation these military formations are established. The main difficulties which led to the actual failure of this process, are shown. It is concluded as a result of the research that, despite all efforts of Nazis, process of the organization and use of the Turkic-Caucasian formations within Waffen-SS at the specified stage from the military point of view completely failed. The political and propaganda effect from theirs use was also minimum and had no impact on similar processes. Refs 23.