Germans fighting for the Soviets

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oscar
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Germans fighting for the Soviets

#1

Post by oscar » 27 Aug 2003, 16:01

Was there an army with germans that were fighting alongside the soviets against the nazis?
I have heard of something like this, they were fighting in Kolberg etc.

Vladimir S.
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#2

Post by Vladimir S. » 28 Aug 2003, 04:39

There were no Germans in or alongside Red Army in 1941-45. Even Soviet Germans were expelled from Red Army in 1941.


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Oleg Grigoryev
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#3

Post by Oleg Grigoryev » 28 Aug 2003, 22:12

exception being when they posed as different ethnicities - for instance colonel-general Max Reiter suddenly became Latvian
Among others “non-Germans” chief of staff of 4th Guards tank army “Jew” Karl Upman

Eugene (J. Baker)
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#4

Post by Eugene (J. Baker) » 29 Aug 2003, 12:59

Yep. They often were Latvians, Estonians or Jews. Thousands maybe.

in 1943 was created Propaganda unit, where hundreds of former POWs were used.

I read about "Estonian"... hmmm... forgot his name, he was a best "captive hunter" in exploring batalion near Stalingrad.

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Benoit Douville
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#5

Post by Benoit Douville » 31 Aug 2003, 18:15

I read in a book by Jean Mabire that, I don't know how many but some "Free Germans" fought for the Red Army. "The Charlemagne Division" a Waffen SS Division fought against them in their first Battle in Pomerania in february 1945!

That's a very fascinating topic.

Oleg,

Do you have more info about Reiter and Upman.

Regards
Last edited by Benoit Douville on 31 Aug 2003, 23:46, edited 1 time in total.

Vladimir S.
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#6

Post by Vladimir S. » 31 Aug 2003, 20:19

Nobody of Germans fought for Soviets with any weapons. Becouse Soviets did not permit them did this.

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Benoit Douville
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#7

Post by Benoit Douville » 31 Aug 2003, 23:49

Vladimir,

So you believe what write this author about the Germans who fought for the Red Army is not true. He is a great historian with a great reputation. Are you a historian?

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Vladimir S.
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#8

Post by Vladimir S. » 01 Sep 2003, 10:45

Yes, it is not true. No one German from Germany fought with Soviets with weapons. No one.

I am not a historian as a professional, but this is known by all Russians.

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Dmitry
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#9

Post by Dmitry » 01 Sep 2003, 15:55

Benoit Douville wrote:I read in a book by Jean Mabire that, I don't know how many but some "Free Germans" fought for the Red Army.
"Free Germany" was anti-fascist organization - National committee "Free Germany". They were not fighting alongside the soviets against the nazis with weapons. They were doing propaganda work. For example they broadcasted anti-fascist proclamations, printed leaflets etc.


Literature (in Russian):
http://museum.istra.ru/memorial/publish.html

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#10

Post by Panzermahn » 12 Sep 2003, 11:48

According to Beevor's Berlin,


Members of the Freis Deutschland or commonly known as Seydlitz truppen were engaged in sabotage work and had blown a supply depot at Charlottenburg (if i'm not mistaken) during late april

Vladimir S.
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#11

Post by Vladimir S. » 12 Sep 2003, 18:36

"Seydlitz truppen" NEVER EXISTED. NEVER. No one soldier.

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