Lions of Flanders: Flemish Volunteers of the Waffen-SS 1941–1945 by Richard Landwehr
Original price was: £75.00.£45.00Current price is: £45.00.
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THIS IS THE SHELFBOOKS EDITION
Lions of Flanders is a niche but visually engaging study of Flemish volunteers who served in the Waffen-SS during World War II. Written by Richard Landwehr—an author known for focusing on foreign volunteer units—it offers a detailed look at a lesser-discussed aspect of the Eastern Front.
The book’s central aim is to highlight the role of non-German European volunteers, specifically Flemings, who fought alongside German forces against the Soviet Union. It traces the formation and evolution of units such as the SS Volunteer Legion Flanders and later formations integrated into larger Waffen-SS divisions, covering key engagements on the Eastern Front including operations around Leningrad and battles like Krasny Bor.
One of the book’s strongest features is its visual content. Packed with period photographs, insignia, and unit imagery, it serves as a useful reference for collectors and enthusiasts of militaria. The illustrations and appendices give it a documentary feel, and for readers interested in uniforms, organization, and battlefield movements, it provides a solid amount of detail.
However, the book is not without controversy or limitations. Like many of Landwehr’s works, it has been criticised for presenting a largely one-sided narrative. The focus is heavily on the experiences and combat performance of the volunteers, with relatively little critical examination of the broader ideological and political context of the Waffen-SS. This can give the impression of a sympathetic or revisionist tone, especially when compared to more modern academic histories.
Additionally, the writing style is straightforward but somewhat dated, reflecting its original publication in the early 1980s.



