Memories of the Second World War play an important role in
contemporary politics and society across Eastern Europe. One of the
most controversial yet least studied pages of Ukraine’s wartime
history is that of the Waffen SS ‘Galicia’ Division, whose members
are usually portrayed either as war criminals or as freedom fighters.
The history of this unit is not limited to the Ukrainian context; it
also has relevance throughout Eastern Europe, as well as in Britain,
Canada and the USA. In the aftermath of the war, the ‘Galicia’
Division surrendered to British and American troops, but was not
repatriated to the USSR, despite Soviet demands. Instead, its members
were brought to the UK and eventually allowed to settle in the West,
and this unexpected turn of events continues to cause much
controversy. This book explores why over 8,000 members of the Waffen
SS were allowed to move permanently to the West, by analysing the
complex series of events and decisions that characterized the journey
of the ‘Galicians’ from capitulation to acceptance into civilian
life. Drawing on a rich range of different sources, the book examines
the variety of often conflicting narratives created by the Division
members, their supporters and their opponents, as well as the
continuing influence of these narratives today. In doing so, the book
sheds light on the complex processes of memory politics.
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Post-War Narratives of the Waffen SS ‘Galicia’ Division
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9783035304763
Publisert
2018
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Vendor
Peter Lang Ltd, International Academic Publishers
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter