Estonia Estonia. Decorations for veterans of Waffen-SS &other units

[pluribus]

During WW II around 100.000 Estonians fled to the West from Soviet occupation. Among them were tens of thousands of men who had fought in the German or Finnish armed forces. Refugees established a number of organizations in their new countries of residence. War veterans began to form their organisations in Germany in 1949 and in the early 1950s this movement spread all over the world. In USA in 1953, in Canada in 1954.

In 1972 the World Centre of Estonian Freedomfighters (in USA) established commemorative crosses for eight most important army units formed of Estonians and six most important battles of these units.

(H.Walter- Eesti teenetem?rgid)

Here you can see a Cross to the veterans of 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1)

[Paul R]

I did not know that such organizations were still around!

[Ed_Haynes]

I did not know that such organizations were still around!

Yeah, these new Baltic states are pretty "out of the closet" about such things. I could go on . . . .

[pluribus]

Yeah, these new Baltic states are pretty "out of the closet" about such things. I could go on . . . .

Just a quick note to the historian.

These "new" Baltic states are among the ancient states of the Europe. History of Estonian state goes back at least to the early 13th century.

Also, I think, it`s not a good idea to forgot 1918-1940 Estonian Republic. Of course, you already did this once in Yalta.

Regarding this medals, actually these are US, GB, Canadian, British, German etc., medals because they were issued and awarded in these countries. Estonian organisation took over these designs in 1990s.

pluribus

Edited July 20, 2007 by pluribus

[pluribus]

The World Centre of Estonian Freedomfighters established a three-grade Cross of Merit in 1970.

MP Sir Frederic Bennett was awarded I class Cross of Merit in 1987.

Sir Colin J. Hines was awarded I class Cross of Merit.

It`s extr. rare. Only 9 I class Crosses were awarded until 1997.

[pluribus]

A commemorative cross to the participants of the combat in Narva-Krivasoo-Auvere area in 1943-44.

[Peter J]

After WW2, a lot of Estonians fled and quite a few ended up here in Gothenburg, where they began working as ship-builders. This little pin was produced here in Sweden 1947. Although there is no direct connection to any war veteran org., it provides indication of an early association, established most probably by Estonian refugees.

cheers

Peter

[pluribus]

Peter,

Nice pin.

Here is a medal to the participants of the Tscherkassy battle in 1944.

Numbered no.148

[Tiger-pie]

Not as nice as the official Estonian awards, but nice enough for what would be a limited membership. Yet another interesting facet of the war.

Regards;

Johnsy