Estonian Regiment "Reval"
Estonian Regiment "Reval" | |
---|---|
Active | February 1944 – 8 May 1945 |
Country | Nazi Germany |
Allegiance | Waffen SS |
Type | Infantry |
Role | Defending territory of Estonia |
Size | Regiment |
Engagements | |
Disbanded | 8 May 1945 |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Maj. Rubach |
Estonian Regiment "Reval" (Estonian: Eesti rügement "Tallinn") was formed in the early spring of 1944. The regiment comprised only Estonians, and had three battalions. The regiment was led by Major Rubach, helped by Lt. Noorkukk. The regiment's first name was supposed to be Narwa, but that name was already used by another Estonian battalion.
The regiment's first battalion mostly comprised Viljandi County men led by Captain Purre. The second battalion was made up by Pärnu County men led by Captain Möldre. The third battalion was made up of Tallinn and Tartu County men led by Lt. Parts.
The regiment was sent to the Narva front on February 13, 1944. The regiment was sent without adequate training or equipment (particularly machine guns) and suffered heavy losses, as there were many casualties to Soviet cannon fire and air force.