Forces of WWII: Inside the Units
5 Episodes
Forces of WWII: Inside the Units explores the military formations, elite divisions, and specialized groups that shaped the Second World War. From frontline army units to special formations, collaborationist forces, and covert networks, this series takes you inside the structure, operations, and roles of the units that fought across Europe and beyond.
Each episode examines their origins, leadership, deployment, and historical impact, offering a deeper understanding of how these forces operated during one of the most defining conflicts in history.
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1st Mountain Division: German Elite Unit Turned War Criminals in WWII
Episode 1
June 1941. As Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union, the war on the Eastern Front descends into extreme brutality. Among the advancing units is the 1st Mountain Division—an elite Wehrmacht formation known for its Edelweiss symbol.
But behind its reputation lies a darker story.
From Poland to th...
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Dirlewanger Brigade: The Most Brutal Nazi Unit Behind Massacres in WWII
Episode 2
On 1 August 1944, the Polish capital rises in revolt. The Warsaw Uprising brings hope to a city crushed under Nazi occupation — but the German response is one of total annihilation.
Among the forces sent to destroy Warsaw is a unit unlike any other: the Dirlewanger Brigade — a formation built fr...
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Arājs Kommando: Nazi Death Squad Behind the Riga Massacres
Episode 3
In July 1941, as German forces entered Riga, the capital of Latvia, a local collaborationist unit emerged under Viktors Arājs. Formed with SS support, the Arājs Kommando quickly became one of the most notorious killing units in Nazi-occupied Latvia.
Its members took part in the burning of synago...
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SS Prinz Eugen Division: Nazi Unit Behind Balkan Massacres in WW2
Episode 4
April 1941. Nazi Germany invades Yugoslavia, bringing rapid collapse, occupation, and the beginning of brutal repression across the Balkans. As resistance movements emerge, the German response becomes increasingly ruthless.
The SS-Volunteer Division Prinz Eugen was formed to wage anti-partisan w...
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Rinnan Gang: Traitors Who Infiltrated Norway’s Resistance in WW2
Episode 5
April 1940, Norway. German occupation brings fear, repression, and division. While many turn to resistance, others choose collaboration. Among them emerges the Rinnan Gang — one of the most feared groups in occupied Norway.
Formed in 1942 and working under the German Security Service (SD), the g...
