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Formed around a core of battle-hardened veterans and equipped with the revolutionary StG44 assault rifle, the Volksgrenadiers were deployed to defend the German homeland during the final stages of World War II. Following devastating losses—including Army Group Centre during Operation Bagration and the Fifth Panzer Army in Normandy—the German military established approximately 78 Volksgrenadier divisions starting in the autumn of 1944.
Unlike the Volkssturm, which was composed of poorly trained and ill-equipped civilians, the Volksgrenadiers were structured military formations with proper command and modern weapons. These units took part in major engagements such as the Battle of the Bulge, the defense of the Siegfried Line, and the final operations on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Their streamlined organization and access to advanced weaponry, like the StG44, allowed them to offer significant resistance despite being outnumbered.
Several divisions—particularly those filled with surplus personnel from the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe—demonstrated unexpectedly high morale and unit cohesion. Their effectiveness in battle surprised Allied commanders, showing that even late-war German formations could still present a formidable challenge. These troops combined experience, adaptability, and modern firepower, making them a fascinating addition to any late-war army. This figure set is ideal for representing these resilient units across multiple historical scenarios, from the Ardennes to the fall of Berlin.