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| Latvian Legion of the Waffen-SS |
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| Latviešu leģions |
The Latvian Legion was created in January 1943. It consisted of two divisions of the Waffen-SS: 15.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (1st Latvian) and 19.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (2nd Latvian). The first Latvian Legion unit fought its first battle in the Siege of Leningrad on March 18 1943. It continued fighting around Leningrad until the German forces retreated in January 1944. On January 27 1945, the Belgium-born commander of Latvian No.1 SS-Oberführer Adolf Ax stated: They are first and foremost Latvians. They want a sustainable Latvian nation state. Forced to choose between Germany and Russia, they have chosen Germany, because they seek co-operation with western civilization. In the years after the war, March 16 was chosen by its veterans' organisation in Western exile, as the day of the Latvian Legion. In 1998 Latvia's parliament voted this to be an official national remembrance day. Images: Latvian SS legionnaires at attention. FU.
My grandpa was a Legionnaire. He and grandma escaped the Russians in 1945. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandad was also a Latvian soldier, luckily for him he got shot in the Kurzeme region and flown to Germany where he finished the war, sadly his family was either executed or sent to Siberia.
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