Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen

The Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen (Volunteer Legion Norway) was a formation of Norwegian volunteers who joined the Waffen-SS to fight on the Eastern Front during World War II. Established in 1941, it was composed of pro-German Norwegians, many of whom were members or supporters of the fascist party Nasjonal Samling, led by Vidkun Quisling. The unit was initially formed under the Wehrmacht but was quickly transferred to the Waffen-SS. Its early commander was SS-Obersturmbannführer Arthur Qvist, a Norwegian army officer and former Olympic equestrian.

The Legion fought primarily in the Leningrad sector under Army Group North and endured brutal front-line conditions. Uniforms were standard Waffen-SS field grey, with SS runes on the right collar tab, Norwegian volunteers typically wearing a “Norwegen” cuff title, and often the Norwegian lion shield insignia on the sleeve. Helmets and equipment were German-issue, and morale varied due to political tensions and the harsh environment.

The unit suffered heavy casualties and was later disbanded in 1943, with many of its remaining volunteers transferred to the SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Norge" of the 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division "Nordland", a larger multinational SS division that included Scandinavian volunteers. The Legion's legacy remains controversial in Norway due to its collaborationist nature and association with Nazi Germany.