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Ukrainian National Army became the largest Ukrainian
formation during the war and included most of Ukrainian
volunteers from the German Army. The Ukrainian National
Committee which was formed in 1944 and approved by Alfred
Rosenberg had elected former officer from UNR (Ukrainian
People's Republic 1918-1921) Pavlo Shandruk as the general
and supreme commander of UNA. Members of his staff had included
Dr. Kubijovych from the Military Board, representatives from
Eastern Ukraine and both OUN-M (Organization of Ukrainian
Nationalists) and OUN-B fractions. Chief of staff was colonel
Vyshnivsky and chief of communications V. Serediuk. Other
generals included Omelanovych-Pavlenko and D. Bakun.
In beginning of 1945 division of UNA began to form.
Two divisions were already formed:
a. 1st Division of UNA - from 14th Division SS Galicia which was
handed over in March 1945.
b. 2nd Division of UNA - from anti-panzer brigade "Vilna Ukraina",
which grew in strength to equivalence of full division and some Schuma
battalions.
There were also plans for creation of 3rd and 4th divisions out
of Ukrainian SS youth and members of UVV but these were prevented
by the end of the war.
ANTI-PANZER BRIGADE "VILNA UKRAINA"
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Anti-Panzer Brigade "Vilna Ukraina" (Free Ukraine) was part
of UNA (Ukrainian National Army) and was formed in February 22nd
1945 with approval of general Shandruk. Most of the men were taken
from Berlin firefighters units which included 85% of Ukrainians in
them. From the firefighter crues 500 people were extracted. These
were mostly Ukrainians from the Soviet Army and some of them held
officers ranks. Latter more troops were added and the brigade
personnel totalled 2000 people.
The training started on February 25th and was conducted in
the city of Nimek, 40 kilomiters west from Berlin. From the
recruits 3 jaeger detachments were formed, one machinegun,
mortar, maintainance and motorcycle platoons were also created.
The formation of Brigade was typical to other German Anti-Panzer
or Falschirm-Jaeger brigades. Major General Petro Diachenko was
selected to be in charge of the Brigade and Major Volodymyr Hladych
was the head of staff. Most of the officers were Ukrainian officers
from the Soviet Army and former police units.
After the end of training the brigade was dispatched
for frontal action around Glaz region. The brigade then joined
the German Goering corps. The briged was fighting around the
city of Bautsen and cleared the Autoban Bautsen-Drezden from the
enemies. At the battle of Bautsen the Brigade defeated part of
the 7th Polish Divison formed by the Soviets, mainly the 19th
regiment, capturing 300 prisoners, including the commander of the
Polish division, Lilewski.
In this battle the Brigade proven its skills. Many officers
were awarded iron crosses, and General Diachenko was personally
awarded this medal by the commander of German Goering corps,
with whom they became friends.
At this time the Brigade became better equipped. It was armed
with Stg-44 automatic rifles, captured machine guns and artillery and
was completely motorized. The HQ had few Volkswagen in their disposal.
By early Spring, Frei Ukraine was co-joined with another Ukrainian brigade
(Pituley Brigade, commanded by major Pituley) and formed the 2nd division of
Ukrainian National Army (UNA). On the 5th of May the division left the German
Goering corps to join the 1st division of UNA (former 14th SS Galicia). Unfortunatelly
by this time the division was trapped along with other German units around Sudeten
region and for many days had to fight trough the Soviet ranks in order to try
to reach the Western Allies. Only 30% of 2nd div. UNA managed to reach the American
side, others were either captured by the Soviets or died fighting.
PARACHUTE BRIGADE "GRUPPE B"
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The parachute brigade was party of UNA and was formed in beginning
of February, 1945 under the orders of general Pavlo Shandruk. From the
German side, the paratroopers brigade was sponsored by the Jagdverband
Ost under the command of SS standartenfuehrer Otto Scorzeny. The German
side was represented by major Aeuh and Ukrainian section in the Jagdverband
Ost by T. Bulba-Borovets (former commander of UNRA - Ukrainian National-Revolutionary
Army). The brigade totalled 400 men, forming two regiments, although plans
were to increase it to 5,000 people. The brigade was trained in city of Jaltburgund.
In the spring of 1945, the brigade was to be involved in operation
"Maiglockchen" (Konvalii). It was to be parachuted in Western Ukraine
and continue waging a guerilla type war against the Red Army, however
the operation did not occur due to lack of fuel for the planes.
Members of "Gruppe B" wore typical falschirmjaeger uniforms, probably
with UNA cap badges. T. Bulba-Borovets himself wore uniform of a Wehrmacht
general without any UNA distinctions.
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General Pavlo Shandruk, commander of Ukrainian National Army.
Anniversary medal for all members of UNA.
P. Diachenko, commander of the Brigade,
and latter general of the 2nd UNA Division.
V. Hladych, chief of staff of the Bridade.
Gen. Bulba-Borovets, commander of "Gruppe B".
Gen. Bulba-Borovets (in the middle)
and the members of his staff:
colonel A. Dolud and M. Boyar.
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