Leon Degrelle The Epic Story Of The Waffen Ss
Leon Degrelle was a Belgian politician, journalist, and military officer who became a prominent figure in the Waffen SS during World War II. His story is one of heroism, bravery, and controversy, as he fought for what he believed in and rose to the top of one of the most feared military units in history.
Early Life and Career
Degrelle was born in 1906 in Bouillon, Belgium. He was a bright student and excelled in school, eventually going on to study law at the Catholic University of Leuven. However, he dropped out of school to join the Belgian Fascist Party, which he saw as a way to fight against the political corruption and economic inequality that he believed was plaguing his country.
In 1933, Degrelle founded the far-right political party Rexism, which was inspired by the Italian Fascist movement and sought to create a new order in Belgium. The party gained a significant following and even won a number of seats in the Belgian parliament in the 1936 elections.
Joining the Waffen SS
When World War II broke out in 1939, Degrelle saw it as an opportunity to fight for his country and his beliefs. However, Belgium was quickly overrun by the Germans, and Degrelle was forced to flee to France. There, he met with members of the Waffen SS, a military unit made up of volunteers from across Europe who were fighting on the side of the Germans.
Degrelle was impressed by the discipline and dedication of the Waffen SS, and he quickly joined the unit. He rose through the ranks rapidly, eventually becoming the commander of the 28th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division "Wallonien," which was made up of French-speaking Belgians and other Walloon volunteers.
Combat Experience and Controversy
Degrelle saw extensive combat during his time with the Waffen SS. He fought on the Eastern Front, where he was wounded multiple times and earned several medals for bravery. He also took part in the Battle of Berlin, the final major battle of the war.
However, Degrelle's involvement with the Waffen SS has also been the subject of controversy. The unit was responsible for numerous war crimes, including the massacre of civilians and the mistreatment of prisoners of war. Some have accused Degrelle of being complicit in these crimes, while others argue that he was simply following orders and fighting for his country.
Post-War Life and Legacy
After the war, Degrelle went into hiding in Spain, where he lived for several decades before his death in 1994. He continued to promote his fascist beliefs and defend his actions during the war, which made him a controversial figure in post-war Europe.
Today, Degrelle's legacy remains a matter of debate. Some see him as a hero and a patriot who fought for his country and his beliefs, while others view him as a war criminal and a symbol of the darkest aspects of human nature.
Conclusion
Leon Degrelle was a complex and controversial figure who played a significant role in the history of the Waffen SS. While his actions during the war have been the subject of much debate, there is no denying that he was a brave and dedicated soldier who fought for what he believed in. His legacy, however, remains a matter of interpretation and debate.