Modern/Post-War Photos

Leon Degrelle in Spain.

Leon Degrelle, Roman Catholic playboy-journalist turned Belgian (Walloon) "Rexist" Party (Fascist) political leader turned Waffen-SS soldier. Degrelle ended up as commander (at least nominal) of the SS "Legion Wallonie" (later a nominal division) on the Eastern Front. Having effected a hair-raising escape to Spain at the end of the war, he lived out a long exile there, operating as a sort of informal Nazi elder statesman. He often wore his old SS-Standartenfuher uniform, with his medals (as here), for the benefit of visitors in later years. When asked by one journalist if he had any regrets about what happened in the war, he replied, "Yes - that we lost !". Best regards, JR.