What is volks grenadier?

The Volks-Grenadier was a type of infantry unit formed by the German Army during WWII. It was designed to maximize the number of soldiers in a single unit while reducing the cost of weaponry. The Volks-Grenadier units were made up of conscripts and volunteers who had received minimal training compared to regular German soldiers. They were equipped with fewer weapons and supplies, and often had to rely on captured equipment and weapons.

The Volks-Grenadiers were deployed in several key battles during the later years of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge. Despite their lack of training and equipment, they were often used as shock troops and succeeded in gaining ground in several instances.

The term "Volks-Grenadier" comes from the German words "Volks" meaning "people" and "Grenadier" meaning "infantry soldier". The units were seen as a way to mobilize the German people in defense of their country, even in the closing stages of the war when resources were scarce.