CROATIAN NAVAL LEGION
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The Croatian Naval Legion (Hrvatska Pomorska Legija) was formed on June 2nd 1941 by order of Poglavnik Ante Pavelic, who needed volunteers to fight on the Eastern Front. The Legion was comanded by captain Stepan Rumenovic and origianlly composed of 23 officers, 100 pety officers and 220 sailors. The Legion was equipped with ships and captured fishing wessels which were coverted for minesweeping operations.

The Legion mainly functioned in the Black Sea, off the coast of Ukraine and came into contact with the local population. Due to correct behaviour of the legion the local population supported its stay in the city of Genichevsk (one of the streets was actually named Hrvatska in honour of the legions struggle with the bolsheviks). Because of this support, the Legions commander wanted to recruit as many Ukrainian volunteers as possible. Many former sailors and fishermen had volunteered and the unit's strenght had increased to 1000 men, now with Ukrainians consisting of 60% of the whole Legion.

The Legion had continuosly engaged with overwhelming Soviet forces and proven to be victorious. Thanks to the sailors of the Legion, the commander of the 11th German Army, Eric von Manhstein was rescued as his boat was afire after an areal attack. Ukrainians in this Legion fought hard and many became distinguished for their deeds. Commander Edgar Andzheli stated that "Ukrainian volunteers in the struggle for the Azov Sea had showed a great courage and exellency, which was greatly asknowledged"

Towards the end of 1942 the Legion handed over its ships to other sailors and returned to Croatia to regroup. In October 1943 the Legion was transferred to Triest where its members were distributed among the ships of the German Navy.