|
5th SS WIKING DIVISION
The Wiking Division was greatly in need of manpower after the previous battles and there for was reinforced by Ukrainian volunteers from SS Galicia. Galicia's volunteers whole regiment in strenght of two battalions (around 1500 soldiers) had joined SS Wiking in July 1944. At Modlin training camp the Ukrainians together with the Dutch, Swedish, Danish and Baltic volunteers underwent a number of exersises and latter taken into Wiking's batallions. Most of them joined the "Germania" and "Westland" panzergrenadier regiments. Although the majority ended up in infantry, some were posted into the artilllery, anti-tank, communications, and support elements in those regiments. The volunteers engaged heavily against the Bolsheviks NKVD forces at Modlin-Legionovo and at the end the total number of casualties reached 200 people. By October 1944 the Ukrainians were recalled back to fill the ranks in their own Galicia Division.
On November 4th, Wiking's Divisional Commander,
Volunteer Fighters Against Bolsheviks! Three weeks of difficult, heavy combat lay behind us. You have, in your own capacity, carried out your duty, so that the Front has been able to hold against a manifold enemy superiority. The Reichsfuhrer SS has at this time ordered your detachment from the Wiking Division and your transfer to the Galician SS Volunteer Division. I thank you for your demonstration of resolve in the struggle against the Bolshevik's and wish you "soldier's luck" in the Galician Division until the final victory over our hereditary enemy "Bolshevism" Signed: Ulrich
|
Wiking emblem
|
