RZM Publishing[RZM BK-016]PK CAMERAMAN No.2: 12.SS-Panzer-Division ‘Hitlerjugend’

PK Cameraman No.2: 12.SS-Panzer-Division ‘Hitlerjugend’ features photographs taken by SS-KB Wilfried Woscidlo and PK-KB Bernhard Kurth depicting the newly formed 12.SS-Panzer-Division ‘Hitlerjugend’ training in Belgium in early 1944. Highlights include Woscidlo’s photos of the young Panzergrenadiers on manoeuvres with motorcycles and field artillery and Kurth’s photos of their inspection by Generalfeldmarschall von Rundstedt on 8 March 1944.

Other senior officers appearing in this publication include the divisional commander Fritz Witt, regimental commanders Kurt Meyer and Wilhelm Mohnke, and 1.SS-Panzer-Korps commander Sepp Dietrich.

The book includes striking images of half-tracked armoured fighting vehicles and prime movers such as the Sd.Kfz.251 and Sd.Kfz.7, respectively, as well as the Panzerkampfwagen IV. An abundance of camouflage attire is also on display, showing the full range of Waffen-SS foliage patterns applied to helmet covers and smocks, plus the distinctive Italian M29 camouflage material used for various garments such as trousers and coveralls. The large inventory of machine guns boasted by 12.SS-Pz.Div. is clearly evident in these photos, with the formidable MG-42 appearing throughout this detailed chronicle of the formation’s development.

These images are vividly brought to life by the high-resolution photo reproduction, digital enhancement and restoration incorporated into the production of this edition. A further appreciation of the photography is acquired via the extensive and meticulously researched captions written from a technical, tactical, and historical perspective.

Additional information is provided through a concise essay on the division, a map showing its pre-invasion deployment in Belgium, and profiles of the two featured Bildberichters (photojournalists). This combination of exacting aesthetic and editorial criteria represents the highest qualitative standards in military photo reference books, which is the hallmark of RZM Publishing.