SOUTHEAST LIVING HISTORY SOCIETY
WWII
KAMPFGRUPPE MECKLENBURG
2nd SS "Das Reich"
​
Pioneer * Infantry * Signals * DRK
HISTORICAL REENACTORS
2nd SS Das Reich
Our Unit...
Established to honor and promote awareness of the sacrifices made by the common soldier who served in the Armed Forces during WWII.
Our Goals...
Preservation of History
Encourage Public Awareness of WWII
Participate in Year Round Events
Maintain Historical Accuracy
Use of Historic Weaponry
Tactical Simulation and Applied Historical Tactics Used in the Field
Meine Ehre heißt Treue
"My honour is called loyalty."
SS (Schutzstaffel) 1925-1945
The Schutz-Staffel translates to "Protection Squad" for the leader Adolf Hitler, but reporting directly to Heinrich Himmler as the commander of the SS.
Initially formed of 8 men acclaimed to be superiorly bred, with unwavering loyalty and great abilities.
The SS units operated alongside the German Army (Heer) through the majority of WWII. The SS were regarded with great reverence on the field of battle.
There is a political wing of the SS, the Allgemeine-SS, typically portrayed in black uniforms. There is also the military wing of the SS, the Waffen-SS (Armed-SS) acting as a second German army under the German Military system (Wehrmacht).
The SS distinguished itself from the Heer (Army) by establishing its own rank system and uniforms.
The majority of the volunteers for the Waffen-SS came from rural areas and were used to working in the field, living off the land, and adept at field craft. This was especially helpful in the harsh conditions in Russia.
HISTORY
SS (Schutzstaffel) Origins of the name
Goring is generally credited with suggesting the name Schutz Staffel (Protection Squad). This was a reference to aircraft that flew on escort duties during his period of service with the elite Richthofen squadron.
Only men of sober habit, aged 25-35, of good standing with no criminal record, of good health and robust physique were considered for the SS.
Williamson, G. (1994). The SS: Hitler's Instrument of Terror. Wisconsin: Motorbooks International.