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    New German Cross in Gold books from Mark Yerger

    Mark Yerger is putting the final touches on volume 7 of Bender Publication's German Cross series, which is "Wiking" pt 1. This series is unique, primarily because of the tremendous amount of information presented and the large numbers of one of a kind, unpublished pictures from Yerger's enormous collection of pics. In many cases they were provided to him by Waffen SS vets themselves or their families. This book has more than 250 great quality photos, many from multiple stages of the soldier’s career.
    One reason that he was able to amass so many pictures from the families, or the veterans, was that they could trust Yerger to fairly present the facts and the facts are here.
    Characteristically, each volume has exceeded the last in the amount of detail, clarity and number of pictures, as well as voluminous footnotes and volume 7 is no exception. I have read much of the 434 pages of text and as always, Yerger provides detailed studies of each man’s career and personal history gleaned from years of interviews and conversations with Waffen SS vets as well as primary source information collected during decades of research and intense, back breaking study of tens of thousands of documents. The result is a book that provides the maximum amount information from all of the available research about the GC winners of "Wiking". Mark provides more information in a footnote or picture caption than many books give in a chapter. If you are familiar with the earlier volumes, you will know that this is not an exaggeration. The amount of detail is amazing, and will not be exceeded by anyone. If the information exists, Mark has it. You will learn all there is to know about GC winners of the division, many of whom you may have never have heard much about before.
    The section describing the history of the organization of the division’s combat units is extremely interesting if for no other reason than learning how the regiments of battalions evolved or changed during the war. In some instances, the progression of name changes, which were often frequent, is welcome as it eliminates confusion about regiment or division titles.
    Chapters devoted to the various division commanders and the officers who were divisional 1a are also valuable.
    The descriptions of the battles in which the men won the German Cross, taken primarily from their award documentations, are fascinating all by themselves and are worth the price of the book. I have often been amazed that these men survived even one such engagement, much less several and managed to live long enough to receive the award, and of course, some didn’t. Like all German officers, “Wiking” small unit commanders were expected lead from the front and they did, with great leadership and courage.
    In short, if you are a fan of the GC series you must have this book and the forthcoming volume 8 (“Totenkopf”) is, I believe, Mark’s masterpiece. It is in the final stages of review and having read major sections of this work, I can tell you that it will never be bettered. The book will be longer and as hard to believe as it may be, more detailed than the previous volumes. I have read major sections of this book and can assure you that the amount of information is amazing.
    The study of “Totenkopf’s” GC winners is particularly important because of the incorrect associations of the division with elements of the Holocaust. Although it is not his primary purpose, Mark does provide study of the history of the division and its GC winners in relation to events of the Holocaust that provide a more enlightened study of the facts.
    Unlike the other Waffen SS Panzer divisions and the Heer divisions, “Totenkopf” was not withdrawn from the Eastern Front for rebuilding several times during the course of the war. This is evident when reading the descriptions of the “Totenkopf” soldiers who were awarded the German Cross in Gold. A significant proportion did not survive the war.
    These two volumes are must have books for anyone who studies the Waffen SS or WW II. They are unique in their collection of rare, unpublished pictures, many of amazing quality, and the page after page of exhaustive detail provided by the author from his many years of intensive study.
    George Nipe

    #2
    Can't wait!!! His German Cross series is one of the best!

    Comment


      #3
      Nice review George, Mark has put his heart into his research for 40 years and the results show.
      Regards, Fletcher

      Comment


        #4
        Thanks to all, the support and kind words are very much appreciated.

        Have the cover and all details on vol. 7 ("Wiking" part 1) but publisher asked me to wait a couple days to post cover and info. After 13 years a price increase necessary, don't know anyone who held the same price on anything that long.

        7 and 8 complete "Wiking," then "Totenkopf." Will post all the info + cover when have price, I spoke to Bender by phone last night and should know in a few days (overseas communication).

        Vol. 7 is 400+ pages.

        Bender working on 2nd galleys of vol. 8 now, sent him a disc today with a new page for the addendum. Bender's patience appreciated and especially like that I'm allowed to add new photos or data after I turn in manuscript right up to when all gets wired to printer. The search for data and material is constant, for this first "Wiking" volume we added a dozen photos + text info all through the design process. Rather drove his computer design person nuts.

        Never did a magazine article before, but have articles on 2 subjects coming in his "Military Adviser" magazine. Not sure which one comes first but one is in the next issue I think.

        More soon.

        Best,
        Mark

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Klaus Richter View Post
          Can't wait!!! His German Cross series is one of the best!
          None better IMO !! Tom

          Comment


            #6
            This is indeed an outstanding series and I'm impatiently waiting for the publication of the upcoming volume(s).
            Fortunately I have already had access to read parts Mark's Wiking research and also the Totenkopf research. The important amount of information Mark has found, interpreted and shared is second to none. We are very well served with books already published on the Waffen-SS Knights Cross Holders (in German and English), however detailed research on the German Cross Holders is an untouched field that Mark is very successfully unearthing and sharing. The details on the men who won the award (DKiG), the various units they served in and in most cases the various commanders of those direct units is a must read. The photo material too is very valuable.
            Mark Yerger is an author/researching that always delivers and consistently exceeds expectations. I'm sure that anyone who reads his (hopefully) soon to be published books on Wiking German Cross Holders and Totenkopf German Cross Holders will agree that he is a master of the subject. In particular the information Mark has written on the Totenkopf men and units is amazing.

            Keep up the good work Mark Yerger = it really is very much appreciated.

            Comment


              #7
              I would have to echo everything that has been said. I too am looking forward to seeing mark's latest book , something to look forward to.

              Comment


                #8
                Bender will probably scold me, but will add the new price when I have it.

                Below is the cover for volume 7 of “German Cross in Gold Holders of the SS and Police.” The first of two volumes covering “Wiking,” it includes development of the divisional components. The prior unit studied in the series had the most detailed text, captions, and footnotes data for that particular chapter so far in the series when it was released. The similar chapter for “Wiking” has twice the number of words (I’ve never wasted space with empty fluff) and four times the photos.

                All the Ia (1.Generalstabsoffizier) and divisional commanders are covered, including the most correct and detailed biography of Herbert Gille written to date. It both elaborates prior studies of him while correcting what others have written (including myself). Then the first 78 German Cross in Gold holders of the formation include the two longest biographies among the recipients in that area between the two volumes. The 13 Roll of Honor Clasp recipients and 20 Close Combat Clasp in Gold holders of “Wiking,” including some great images for the latter that are always hard to find.

                The significant addendum area has a large number of previously unseen images of German Cross holders while receiving their awards and new details on a number of recipients of both the German Cross in Gold and Roll of Honor Clasp previously examined in the series. Also included are all the personal award documents for two Knight’s Cross and German Cross in Gold holders, aside from a third one in the main text. 432 pages, 242 illustrations.

                After 13+ years the publisher had to increase price for this volume, I don’t know anyone who has held prices of anything that long. I’m surprised it logically didn’t happen years ago with the changing reality of printing costs in more than a decade since the initial Gold volume was released.


                The price of Volumes 1 through 6 remains $44.95 while “German Cross in Silver Holders of the SS and Police” is $34.95 and encompasses all holders of that award. Sample pages of each volume and other details available on the R. James Bender website link below. The link to publisher webpage includes a contact tab, send him your address and you’ll get a color brochure for all new releases with a discount:

                http://www.bender-publishing.com/

                As always I don’t sell copies. But 1 book dealer I know in my state does militaria shows. After he receives his copies we meet half way between where we live, he buys me breakfast, and I inscribe/sign those who buy from him. Contact me at my below e-mail for his name/e-mail/address. He also offers a discount on price.

                Right now I’m waiting for 2nd design galleys (check of my 1st corrections/additions/changes) of volume 8 from the publisher that covers the remaining 97 “Wiking” German Cross in Gold holders. Obviously the series is constant for those who seem to ask that with each volume. Despite a dozen major surgeries, including the Silver volume I’ve done 10 volumes in this series in 12 years along with helping others with books they’ve written. I make it happen, not do one then sit and do nothing for years. Will post a detailed update on "Totenkopf" when I add a posting for the price of volume 7.


                Best wishes,
                Mark C. Yerger
                yergemar@gmail.com
                Attached Files

                Comment


                  #9
                  Mark, thank you for the update on Volume 7 , certainly I will be making room for a copy and look forward to it.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Hi

                    these are by far and away my favourite series of books. Very much looking forward to Wiking and Totenkopf!!

                    regards

                    macleod

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Here are a couple of many favorites for me in volume 7. Sorry must crop and heavy watermark due to slobs who copy then post elsewhere claiming it's their own. One from a long time UK contributor, the other from a Russian contributor's album and personal award documents for German Cross in Gold holder Gerhard Mahn. Had so Much for Mahn that several with other individuals shown was used in the Combat Elements chapter of volume 7. The first volume of "Wiking" has 3 of the nicest, and most complete, award document groups for an SS German Cross in Gold holder I've been. Mahn's are in volume 8.
                      Attached Files

                      Comment


                        #12
                        What more can I say after such a fine book review by George Nipe other than that I can't wait to have my own copy of the book in my hands as I am really looking forward to volume 7.

                        Best regards

                        Eric-Jan

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Mark is simply the finest author in the field of militaria that there is !! Tom

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Forgot to check e-mail a couple days.

                            ***price for volume 7 will be $54.95***


                            This update on “Totenkopf” is given due to such a heavy interest in the 3.SS-Panzer Division, something that has always personally amazed me. The sequence and which units thus far covered in the series was determined over 15 years ago based on my personal interests and working with specific veterans on particular elements of some units. I’d already started SS/Polizei German Cross holder research and the search for related material nearly 30 years ago (I started publishing “Das Reich” German Cross biographies in the 1980s).

                            While writing one book I’m always actually working on three with the series. So when you see a volume released I’m well past that. “Totenkopf” has 2 extra chapters in it for which there is no equivalent in the other units of the series and I had to write it in a different sequence than other volumes. Obviously to those following the series I’ve tried to increase the amount of information detail as the series progressed, both in main text as well with the notable addendum areas for past volumes. I have an equation that tells me in the publisher’s format what size the book will be and has always been accurate within five or 6 pages. While writing volume 5 Icalculated “Totenkopf” would be a single volume of 475-500 pages, OK with publisher and he planned it that way.

                            Checking in monthly, when the equation for “Totenkopf” got to 650 pages (not even close to complete) I gave the publisher an update. After talking at length he decided he wanted it to be 2 similar-sized volumes. With the specific material I have, the extra chapters, and something different I’ve added, the Honor Clasp and Gold Combat Clasp holders will be in the 2nd “Totenkopf” volume. Units needing two volumes previously had them in part 1.

                            So Volume 9 (“Totenkopf” part I) will contain these chapters and material:

                            Introduction (significantly longer by necessity than prior volumes)

                            Oberbayern," Brandenburg," Thüringen,"

                            and SS-Heimwehr Danzig

                            Combat History

                            Combat Elements

                            Division Commanders

                            1.Generalstabsoffizier (Ia)

                            First group of German Cross in Gold holder biographies

                            520 pages, 305 illustrations

                            Volume 10 contains the Division’s remaining German Cross holders, the 28 Roll of Honor Clasp recipients, 33 Close Combat Clasp in Gold Holders, Single-Handed Tank Destruction awards, a major chapter on the history and commanders of the numerous numbered Totenkopfstandarten not incorporated as original cadre to include “Kirkenes” and “Ostmark,” Officer rosters, Feldpost lists, and other information. Among the material incorporated in the two volumes are the photo albums and personal award documents for 6 “Totenkopf” German Cross in Gold holders, three of whom were also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

                            Many who already contributed to the “Totenkopf” study thought they had nothing of use, but what they had was someone they simply could not identify. I did in many instances and some is already in the two volumes. So images even with no ID, if a clear facial image is seen, are of interest for officers Hauptsturmführer or higher. Also needed are images of commanders of the first 2 command levels (Standarte and Sturmbann) who were with the numbered Totenkopfstandarten and “Kirkenes.”

                            Volumes 9 and 10 do not include the SS-Totenkopf-Reiterstandarten already included in volume 4.Likewise I’m seeking award documents for lower level awards and decorations; Wound Badge, Infantry/Panzer Assault, Eastern Front, etc only if signed by more obscure commanders as well as formal German Cross in Gold documents. Not needed are award certificate examples signed by Eicke, Ullrich, Baum, Priess, Becker, Keppler, Kleinheisterkamp, or Simon.

                            As I said, I’m ahead of what you see being released. For the four units comprising the contents of volume 11 I’m looking for element commanders, First Staff Officers, German Cross, and Knight’s Cross holders images for these units to include photos as well as award documents signed by those personnel or given to them:

                            a) 13.Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS “Handschar” (kroatische

                            Nr. 1) (other than Lepre material)

                            b) 15.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lettische Nr. 1)

                            c) 19. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lettische Nr. 2) (and 2.Lettische SS-Freiwilligen-Brigade)

                            d) SS-Panzer Brigade “Gross”

                            Thanks for all help and support, I welcome an e-mail impression after any of the readership get the new volume 7. Always helps to know what they liked most, want more of (if that’s possible and can be found), etc.

                            Best wishes,
                            Mark C. Yerger
                            yergemar@gmail.com

                            Comment


                              #15
                              I'm thrilled the new book is finally coming out and can't wait to add it to the other ones I already have.

                              If you think a specific volume dedicated to a certain unit does not fit with your exact (collecting) interests and you'd rather spend the money of something else, think again...

                              Why?

                              Because each volume will sooner or later contain information on an individual you will be researching in context with another unit. The volumes, untis and personalities are all interconnected due to their careers / transfers, etc. You might not be interest in the "Polizei" right now, but you will walk up to your book shelf and look something up on a certain individual you are interested in sooner or later since he initially served with the "Polizei," etc. -

                              Why am I saying this? - Because I've been there myself.

                              Nothing is greater than have concentrated, accumulated knowledge available right at your finger tips, when you need/want it.


                              Markus

                              Comment

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