GRAND DUCHY OVERRUN

This little country, sandwiched between France, Belgium and Germany, was invaded on that eventful May 10. With only a nominal army of some 250 men, this little state could do no more than raise an ineffectual protest. The picture shows German armed motor cyclists crossing into Luxemburg to meet the French troops which had gone to the aid of the Grand Duchy.

Luxemburg May 10, 1940

In deadly combat....

Bosniak Muslims of the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS, "Handschar" (1st Croatian), apparently in prayer while on parade.  Himmler's fascination with the Islamic world as a source of determined warriors, combined with the enthusiasm of SS recruitment genius Obergruppenfuhrer Gottlob Berger to recruit just about anybody available (whether or not willing) facilitated the enlistment of a number of Balkan Muslim units, of which the Muslim elements of "Handshar" were among the most prominent (there was, as I recall, one ethnic Croatian regiment in there as well - not to any great joy of the Croatian government).  The fact that the Balkan Muslims were generally of "lesser Aryan" descent made this form of recruitment/impressment all the more acceptable.  Best regards, JR.