The SS-Wach-Bataillon Nordwest (also SS-Wach-Bataillon 3) was formed 1 January 1942 and consisted of Dutchmen and one company of Ukrainians. It was used to guard the perimiter of the camps in the Netherlands.
Due to low recuriments standards and lack of proper discipline within the unit the men of the battalion were involved in numerous crimes such as theft, desertion, blackmail and looting.

The Operation Market Garden was launched the 600 man strong battalion was sent to Arnhem. The untrained men suffered heavy losses in the fight against the British paratroopers with about 200 men killed and another 200 who fled.
Shortly after this battle the unit was absorbed by the Landstorm Nederland.

Known war crimes

It took part in the killing of several hundred prisoners in the concentration camp Vught during the period from the end of June to the beginning of September 1944. (1)

Commanders

SS-Obersturmbannführer Paul Helle

Order of battle

1. Kompanie (Amersfoort)
2. Kompanie (Amersfoort)
3. Kompanie (St.Michielsgestel)
4. Kompanie (Vught)
5. Kompanie (Vught)
6. Kompanie (Haaren)
Schwere Kompanie
Jagdkommando

Footnotes

1. "Das Geld des Terrors: Geld und Geldersatz in deutschen Konzentrationslagern und Gettos 1933 bis 1945" by Hans-Ludwig Grabowski and "Murderous Elite: The Waffen-SS and its complete record of war crimes" by James Pontolillo.

Reference material on this unit

- None known at this time -

Sources used

Hans-Ludwig Grabowski - Das Geld des Terrors: Geld und Geldersatz in deutschen Konzentrationslagern und Gettos 1933 bis 1945
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

Reference material on this unit

- None known at this time -