WW2 German Croatian SS Volunteer Nationality Patch

The WW2 German Croatian SS Volunteer Nationality Patch represents the insignia worn by members of the Croatian Volunteer units serving within the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. Authorized for wear by Croatian volunteers, this patch was typically affixed to the upper right sleeve of the uniform, signifying the bearer’s national affiliation within the multi-national formations of the SS. The design commonly features the Croatian checkerboard shield motif, also known as the “šahovnica,” set against a dark background and bordered by a silver or light-colored thread. These patches were produced in both woven and embroidered styles, depending on the period and manufacturer. The Croatian SS units were part of the larger group of foreign volunteer contingents recruited by Nazi Germany, reflecting the complex alliances and occupations of wartime Europe. This item provides a tangible example of the distinctive insignia associated with Croatian forces aligned with the German military structure during WWII.