Estonians in Demjansk Pocket

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Estonians in Demjansk Pocket

#1

Post by -=Grenadier=- » 17 Nov 2003, 18:45

Were some Estonian units in Demjansk Pocket?

Southpower
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#2

Post by Southpower » 17 Nov 2003, 19:14

On February 8th 1942, the Russians encircled the 2nd Army Corp in the small town of Demjansk, located in the northern section of the Russian front about 100 miles north-east of Cholm. Trapped in the pocket were the 12th, 30th, 32nd, 223rd and 290th Heer Infantry Divisions, as well as the 3rd SS “Totenkopf” Division. There were also RAD, Police, Todt organization, and other auxiliary units who were trapped and assisted in the battle. Their commander was General der Infanterie Graf Brockdordd-Ahlefeldt.
According to this data there were no Estonian units. The 20th Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS began as the "Estnische Legion," one of the first Waffen-SS eastern volunteer units, formed in August 1942.


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#3

Post by Tapani K. » 17 Nov 2003, 20:17

There were Estonian battalions with the Wehrmacht and the Police. Forming of these battalions began in 1941 and some of them were deployed at the frontline. Unfortunately, I do not have at hand any info on whether they took part in the battles of Demyansk pocket.


regards,
Tapani K.

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#4

Post by -=Grenadier=- » 17 Nov 2003, 20:20

Thanks! That's a good start :)
Does anyone have information what units were these and did they fought?
And did estonians got Demjansk Shields??? I would like to see some picture where estonian soldier is wearing shield or some document were is said that estonian was awarded with Demjansk Shield!

Thanks a lot to Tapani K.! :D

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#5

Post by Georg_S » 18 Nov 2003, 09:16

I am very interessted in the battle of Demjansk I have never heard of any Estonians units or soldiers who participated in this battle, but one more unit who was there attached to the 3.SS- Totenkopf was "SS-Freiw. Legion Dänemark" under the command of SS-Ostubaf Friedrich von Schalburg (KIA).
But it´s funny I have never seen a photo of an Danish SS Soldier wearing the Demjanskshield.

Reg.

Georg

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#6

Post by Peeter » 19 Nov 2003, 13:01

There were no Estonian units in Demjansk pocket, but there were a few Estonian soldiers. In 1941 many men joyned Wehrmacht units, fought with them in estonia and later in Leningrad region and also in Demjansk pocket, for example Jyri Remmelgas,who wrote a book about it, too.

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#7

Post by -=Grenadier=- » 19 Nov 2003, 22:13

But were any of the estonians awarded with Demjansk Shield??? :?

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#8

Post by Arensburger » 02 Jan 2004, 15:56

There were one Estonian unit in Demjansk pocket - Estn. Shutzmannschaft Bau-Abteilung 42 commanded by maj. Schiller, later this unit was renamed (summer 1943) - Estn. Pol. Pi. Btl. 42 . From summer 1941 to spring 1942 this unit was named as Estn. Schutzkommando Org. Todt. :)

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#9

Post by PK » 08 Mar 2004, 14:20

Im not sure if the Soldier (which shows his arm eagle towards the camera) wearing the Demjansk shield on the picture is Estonian, but the man which stands besides him is defeniatly Estonian. Maybe somone knows which Rgt/Btl these soldiers served in and where the photo is taken?

/PK
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#10

Post by Arensburger » 25 Mar 2004, 15:54

Also in Demjansk pocket fought part of the 13. Kompanie from Estnishe Sicherungsgruppe 148 (Estn./Ku.Sich.Btl.148). This company fought separately from battalion and later, when Estnishe Sicherungsgruppe 148 was renamed to Estnishe Ostbataillion 660, this 13. company becomes to the independent company and got name Estnishe Ostkompanie 657 [known as Ostkompanie “Leutenant Hommik”]. Apr.1944 Estnishe Ostkompanie 657 was transferred to the Waffen SS and become 47/II 5. Kompanie (comm. Waffen-Obersturmführer Heino Hommik) of 20.Waffen-SS Estonian Division.
At the time of ariseing a Demiansk pocket, in the battle, half of the company found himselvs in the pocket and half was outside. In the pocket units of 13. company fought in the south front by villages of Beglovo and Arinino and railwaystation Pola.

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