Ost-Bataillon 439 at Normandy

[338lapua]

I've searched everywhere on my own with no result. Does anyone know the ethnic make-up (Georgian,Turkmenistan, Ukrainian?) of the 439th Ost-Btl., who were attached to 352nd Infantry (Festungs) defending Normandy beachead? I've gotten several verbal answers, but zero confirmation. Also there were Ost-Btl. men defending Pegusus Bridge area. Does anyone know their Ost-Btl. number and ethnic make-up?

[AHK]

It looks like Ost Battalions 795 and 797 fought at Omaha, both consi

[Manuferey]

Gentlemen,

Please name your sources for the following information:

352nd Infantry (Festungs)

352. ID was not a "Festungs-Division". It was not even a static ("bodenständige") Division in June 1944.

It looks like Ost Battalions 795 and 797 fought at Omaha

No, 795 and 797 did not fought at Omaha.

On June 5, 1944 (see map "Lage 7. Armee Stand: 5.6.44):
Georg.-Btl. 795 was positioned on the high ground behind Utah Beach (Stab at Turqueville) and was attached to 709 ID.
Ost-Btl. 797 was positioned on the western coast of the Cotentin peninsula (Stab at Gouville) and was attached to Ost-Regimentsstab/Gren-Regimentsstab z.b.V. 752.

Emmanuel

[338lapua]

Thanks Manuferey for that info. I'd "heard" that some of the Georgian Ost Bns were (as you mentioned above) "in reserve" behind the coastal defences ("on high ground behind Utah Beach"). I believe one (795th Georgian Ost Bn) was a part of the force that tried to counterattack the Rangers after taking Point du Hoc and fought well, for a while anyway. Set me straight with what you know. I've also "heard" the Ost Bn at Pegasus Bridge was Ukrainian.

[Manuferey]

Georg.-Btl. 795 fought the 1st Bn. of 8th Infantry (4. ID) behind Utah Beach. They were too far away from Pointe du Hoc.

Ost-Btl. 439 was positioned around Isigny on June 5. I don't know what they did on June 6-7.

The closest Ost-Btl. to Pegasus Bridge was Ost-Btl. 642 of 716. ID, positioned east of the Orne rive, around Amfreville. I don't know its ethnic composition and I don't know if it counter-attacked Pegasus Bridge on June 6 or 7.

Emmanuel

[RandJS]

Ost-Btl. 439 was Ukrainian. Strength @403 men in 3 companies (2nd company disbanded).

Ost-Btl. 642 was Ukranian, @500 men in 4 companies. Considered so unreliable, was used as construction troops by 2/1944. Gen. Richter reported the attitude and training of the unit were not fit at all and they ran away, leaving only 10-15 German officers, NCO's and some 20 Ukrainians who were involved in combat.

Rand

[Manuferey]

Interesting information, thank you, Rand.

Could you also share your source?

Emmanuel

[RandJS]

Emanuel,

I researched 716. ID several years ago, but have moved away from that since. Sources include, but not limited to: Nafziger, Web.telia.com and one site which was called 6juni1944 if I remember correctly. General Richter's comments are from the NARA report on 716. ID, from Sturmpanzer.com

Rand

[Manuferey]

Thank you RandJ.

Emmanuel

[AHK]

My source was Wehrmacht & SS by JF Borsarello and W.Palinckx.

[Poot]

Gentlemen,
In the course of your research on the western deployed Ostbattalionen, have you ever come across photographic evidence of them using captured foreign small arms, i.e., non-German produced rifles, carbines, etc.?

Thank you,
Pat

[Carl Schwamberger]

Gentlemen,
In the course of your research on the western deployed Ostbattalionen, have you ever come across photographic evidence of them using captured foreign small arms, i.e., non-German produced rifles, carbines, etc.?

Thank you,
Pat

Here: http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=99382 Ninety plus web pages of those

[Poot]

Carl,
Thanks, I've been tracking that one for awhile now.

I was referring to the weapons used by the western deployed Ostbataillone specifically.
Pat