The History of Frikorps Danmark
The following pages will provide a systematic overview of the training process and combat operations of Frikorps Danmark.
The photo above shows an example of the German enlistment records (SS-Annahmeuntersuchungsliste). The original documents are held in the German archive in Berlin, but unfortunately the collection is incomplete in number.
The photo above shows the Gothic-style and RZM-produced sleeve patch worn by the corps on the right forearm.
Frikorps Danmark – The Establishment and Political Background
Background and Military Conditions
The creation of a corps consisting of Danish soldiers serving under the authority of another country contradicted the existing military regulations in 1940 (although the phenomenon is often found in older military history). Denmark had been occupied by German forces, but Danish law still applied, and the country continued to be governed by decisions of the Danish Parliament, meaning there was no element of coercion when the possibility of establishing a voluntary Danish corps for German service was discussed. A Danish volunteer corps had, with some difficulties, previously been deployed in Finland’s defensive struggle during the Winter War (1939/40) against the Soviet forces.
Participation in foreign military service was therefore not unknown to the sitting government.
Waffen-SS and Danish Volunteers
German military law did not, however, prohibit German citizens from serving in the regular army (Wehrmacht), so the only option was the Waffen-SS, which had undergone an organisational change in 1938–39 allowing the recruitment of foreign nationals into military service. By early 1940, it was clear that a significant number of young men (most of whom were former or current soldiers in the Danish army—similar patterns were seen in Norway and Finland) wished to continue their military careers or take part in a patriotic struggle on the German side.
Political pressure and the government’s decision
At the same time, political pressure was exerted by the Danish National Socialist Workers’ Party (DNSAP, founded in 1933), and on the German side there was an expressed desire for Danish support. As a result, the possibility of Danish participation in the war was approved by the sitting government. Prior to the final decision and approval of the corps, there had been significant political disagreement. Some wished to support Germany (which at the time appeared to be winning the war), while others had reservations and, at a minimum, sought to preserve political flexibility depending on how the future developed.
The German Reich Plenipotentiary, Werner Best, advocated a conciliatory solution and opposed a possible German demand for conscription in Denmark.
The Establishment of Frikorps Danmark
Shortly thereafter, the Danish Prime Minister informed the public that, with government approval, a military corps had been established under the name “Frikorps Danmark,” which was to be deployed alongside German forces on the Eastern Front under the Danish flag as its standard of combat.
Danish Military Role and Internal Resistance
The Danish military released personnel and encouraged Danish servicemen to enlist in the unit, and to some extent provided equipment. However, some Danish officers opposed the formation, considering military service in foreign armed forces inappropriate.
Further Reading
The further history can be read on the following pages, as well as in the extended version in the books listed in my bibliography.
