The British Free Corps (German: Britisches Freikorps) was a unit of the Wðffen SS during World War II consisting of British and Dominion prisoners of war who had been recruited by the Nðzis. The unit was originally known as the Legion of St George. Research by British journalist/historian Adrian Weale has identified 54 men who belonged to this unit at one time or another, some for only a few days. At no time did it reach more than 27 men in strength. Recruiting for the Free Corps was done in German POW camps. In 1944, leaflets were distributed to the POWs, and the unit was mentioned in Camp, the official POW newspaper published in Berlin. The unit was promoted "as a thoroughly volunteer unit, conceived and created by British subjects from all parts of the Empire who have taken up arms and pledged their lives in the common European struggle against Soviet Russia". The attempted recruitment of POWs was done amid German fear of the Soviets; the Germans were "victims of their own propaganda" and thought that their enemies were as worried about the Soviets as they were. In one Dutch camp, the POWs were lavished with cigarettes, fruit, and other items while listening to Nðzi propaganda officers who described the good that the Germans were doing in Europe. At that time the officers asked the men to join in fighting the real enemy, the Soviets. Understood.  The Britisches Freikorps  (German for British Free Corps) was a small unit formed during World War II made up of British and Commonwealth prisoners of war who chose to collaborate with WWII Germany. It was organized under German military authority and ideologically aligned with their regime.  The initiative was promoted by John Amery, a British fascist and son of a government minister. He envisioned a group of Britons fighting alongside German forces against the Soviet Union. Originally called the Legion of St. George, it later took on the name Britisches Freikorps and was incorporated into the foreign volunteer framework of the German military.  Recruitment took place in POW camps, where German authorities tried to convince captured British soldiers to join. * They used anti-communist propaganda, promises of better food and living conditions, and appeals to ideological sympathy. Despite these efforts, only about 50–60 men ever joined over the entire course of the war. * At its peak, the unit likely never had more than **30 members**.  Members wore German military-style uniforms with a unique cuff title marked “Britisches Freikorps.” The group was intended to serve on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. * In practice, they saw little to no combat. The unit was poorly organized, distrusted by the Germans themselves, and largely symbolic. * It was more useful to the German regime as **propaganda**, showing that even British soldiers supposedly supported their cause.   By early 1945, the group had virtually disbanded. * Most members surrendered or were captured by Allied forces as the war ended. * Many were tried in Britain for treason. John Amery, the group’s ideological founder, was captured in Italy, brought back to Britain, and executed in 1945.  Others received prison sentences ranging from a few years to life.  The Britisches Freikorps is remembered today as a failed and marginal group, more notorious than effective.  It serves as a historical curiosity and a warning about ideological betrayal during wartime. The British government and public viewed its members as traitors, and their actions were widely condemned. 

You will receive the item as shown in the first photo. Other items in other pictures are available from my eBay Store. **IF YOU NEED ITEM OTHER THAN THE ONE IN THE 1ST PHOTO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW W/YOUR ORDER** They will make a great addition to your SSI Shoulder Sleeve Insignia collection. You find only US Made items here, with the same LIFETIME warranty. 20060210

**eBay REQUIRES ORDER BE SENT WITH TRACKING, PLEASE SELECT USPS 1ST CLASS SERVICE w/TRACKING**

**eBay REQUIRES ORDER BE SENT WITH TRACKING, PLEASE SELECT USPS GROUND ADVANTAGE SERVICE w/TRACKING**

We'll cover your purchase price plus shipping.

FREE 30-day No-Question return

ALL US-MADE PATCHES HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY

We do not compete price with cheap import copies.

Watch out for cheap import copies with cut-throat price; 

We beat cheap copies with Original design, US-Made Quality and customer services.

Once a customer, a LIFETIME of services