Published: 30 December 2010Last Updated: 08 September 2012
The SS-Totenkopf-Reiter-Standarte was formed in Berlin in September 1939, most of the manpower coming from the SS-Reiterei (Equestrian SS) and the police. It was soon transferred to Poland, with two squadrons in Lodsch and two in Posen. It was placed under the authority of Kurt Daluege, chief of the Ordnungspolizei, and took part in fighting both the resistance and remaining Polish soldiers. It was attached to Höhere SS und Polizeiführer Ost in January 1940 and was also used in actions against Jews.
It was divided into SS-Totenkopf-Reiter-Standarte 1 & SS-Totenkopf-Reiter-Standarte 2 15 May 1940.
Known war crimes
Soldiers from this unit took part in numerous atrocities during the campaign in Poland.
In Chelm members of the 5. Schwadron took part in the murder of 600 Jews from Lublin on 12 January 1940. (1)
Commanders
SS-Standartenführer Hermann Fegelein
Manpower strength
Sep 1939 451
May 1940 1.908
Footnotes
1. “Murderous Elite: The Waffen-SS and its complete record of war crimes” by James Pontolillo, page 40.
Sources used
Dr. K-G Klietmann – Die Waffen-SS: eine Dokumentation
Kurt Mehner – Die Waffen-SS und Polizei 1939-1945
James Pontolillo – Murderous Elite: The Waffen-SS and its complete record of war crimes
Charles Trang – The Florian Geyer Division / La Division Florian Geyer
Paul J. Wilson – Himmlers Cavalry: The Equestrian SS 1930 – 1945
Mark C. Yerger – German Cross in Gold Holders of the SS and Police, Volume 4: Cavalry Brigade & Divisions
Mark C. Yerger – Riding East: The SS Cavalry Brigade in Poland and Russia 1939 – 1942
Reference material on this unit
Charles Trang – The Florian Geyer Division / La Division Florian Geyer
Paul J. Wilson – Himmlers Cavalry: The Equestrian SS 1930 – 1945
Mark C. Yerger – Riding East: The SS Cavalry Brigade in Poland and Russia 1939 – 1942
