Rating: 
Summary: A Good Look at this Unit...
Review: This is a book that deals almost exclusively with the SSTK, (Which is an acronym for SS, Totenkopf) a unit which was personally molded by Sepp Dietrich, and the result is an interesting, often behind the scenes look of how this unit had to go to great lengths at its inception to "acquire" transportation, weapons, ammunition, and most importantly, respect as a fighting unit. Dietrich was a master of indoctrination, and developed an intense training program for his troops, often rejecting conscripts and volunteers alike (at the beginning of the war) as they did not meet his "racial or ideological" standards. He often used individuals, enlisted and officer, as examples of his Draconian punishments, and then saw the offending behavior dry up almost immediately. While the book does mention a few examples of the crack Waffen SS fighting spirit on the Eastern Front, and mentions one example of an atrocity in France in 1940, this book spends most of its time on the development of the division, and its constant manuvering for supplies and replacements devasated by battle. I would not recommend this book to those looking for specific and vivid examples of SSTK battles and atrocities, as these have been somewhat glossed over and molded into a comprehensive overview of the interservice rivalries, development, training and ultimate retreat and surrender in the Balkans, and there is precious little information on this units ultimate fate after surrender. (Did any return from the Gulags?) But, if the evolution of this crack fighting force interests you, then this is an absolute must read.
Rating: 
Summary: Engaging
Review: With "Soldiers of Destruction", Sydnor has managed to write a military account of the infamous SS Death's Head Division that is both lively and engrossing. Sydnor delves into the history of the division, their actions in combat and their involvement in the concentration camp system. He does all this without getting bogged down in statistics (like so many other books on the Wermacht or SS). He does however, provide massive amounts of footnotes for those who wish to do further research. The writing style is smooth and engaging, and I found myself completely engrossed in the book. My only complaint about "Soldiers of Destruction" is the heavy-hand Sydnor blankets over the Totenkopf Division. As you read along you'll find that Sydnor has a seemingly great amount of respect and awe for the fighting capabilities of the SS, but he almost always counters his praise with derogatory mention of their fanaticism and loyalty to National Socialist ideology; two factors that molded them into what they were. You get the sense he feels obligated to negate their achievements. That aside, Sydnor does a great job of bringing the Division to life. You'll feel as though you know the commanders and soldiers personally. The subject matter of this book is not for everyone. The SS Totenkopf Division personified Himmler's absolute ideal of the SS. It could be argued that they were the most politically indoctrinated of all the SS divisions. They were brutally efficient soldiers who were indifferent to hardship. Defeat was an unacceptable option for Totenkopf soldiers in combat. It is no wonder that on several occasions the division fought until almost total decimation. Victory of annihilation was the order of the day. Numerically outnumbered almost 6 to 1 on the Eastern Front, the Totenkopf soldiers of the SS managed to rout entire Soviet armies. They were constantly thrust into the most dangerous of situations on the front. Even today the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army mimic some of the combat tactics developed and perfected by SS divisions like the Totenkopf on the Eastern Front. I summary: If you like military history you'll love this book. Your WWII collection will not be complete without Sydnors' book!
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