This is the first book in a monumental history of one of the most elite units in the German military in WWII. This book covers the “GD” from its inception as a “Wach”-Regiment in 1921 through its evolution into an infantry regiment. Covered are the unit’s first actions in France in 1940, its preparations for Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Britain, repositioning in the Balkans and subsequent transfer to the Eastern Front to participate in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union.