31st SS Volunteer Grenadier Division

The 31st SS Volunteer Grenadier Division (German: 31. SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Division) (Hungarian: 31. SS-önkéntes-gránátoshadosztály) (Serbo-Croatian: 31. SS dobrovoljačka grenadirska divizija) was a German infantry division of the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. It was commanded by SS-Brigadeführer Gustav Lombard and was active from 4 October 1944 to 9 May 1945. The division was initially mostly made up of Volksdeutsche (ethnic Germans) craftsmen, farmers, and workers from Hungary, primarily the Bačka region. By 26 October 1944, Army Group South deployed the division despite its inadequate training and equipment. The division briefly fought in southern Hungary, defending bridgeheads along the Danube River before withdrawing from the front in early December 1944. After a period of rest and refitting in Slovenia, it was transferred to Silesia, where it was deployed in the Jawor and Strzelin areas in March and April 1945.

By May 1945, the escalating pressure from the advancing Red Army led to the division being encircled, causing the remnants to retreat and attempt an escape. The division's main body elements headed South from Josefov to the direction of Hradec Králové; however, due to a shortage of fuel, they were prevented from advancing further. The unit was dissolved in accordance with orders, and most small groups or individuals were eventually forced to surrender or were killed by Czech insurgents and the Red Army. Many of those who surrendered were taken into Soviet captivity, where some endured prolonged internment, while others died from the harsh conditions.