35126 SS FELDGENDARMERIE OFFICER

Feldgendarmerie is a German military police, the genesis of which dates back to the Napoleonic wars. This formation was primarily responsible for keeping order in the ranks of its own army, prosecuting common crimes or offenses against discipline and regulations. Feldgendarmerie existed in the German army already during World War I, when it grew from 33 companies in 1914, to as many as 115 companies at the end of the war. After 1918, the formation was disbanded. However, shortly after Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime took power in 1933, the Feldgendarmerie was restored in the German armed forces. Special schools of this formation were also established in Berlin and Potsdam, and the selection of candidates for formation was very strict and rigorous. During World War II, the Feldgendarmerie not only performed order functions in the German armed forces, but was responsible for maintaining German control over the occupied territories in Europe. It also participated in anti-sabotage and anti-partisan actions. It should also not be forgotten that the members of this formation also took part in crimes against humanity and participated in the crime of the Holocaust.