In World War II a number of German Army units and divisions were classed as élites, and were distinguished by special insignia of various kinds.

For some this status was simply a matter of lineage - e.g. the Infantry Regiment ''List'', which traced its identity to the Bavarian unit with which Hitler had served in World War I. Some, like the ''Grossdeutschland'' and Panzer-Lehr divisions, were raised from particularly high grade personnel. Other titles honoured extraordinary battlefield exploits or heroic sacrifice, like the ''Brandenburg'' and ''Hoch und Deutschmeister'' divisions.

This fact-packed introduction to these famous units is illustrated with rare photographs and detailed colour plates.