Sometimes ignorance makes me chicken out of something but then I find out. Earlier this year, in the forest cemetery outside Tallinn, I saw a memorial to “The Finnish Boys”.
I assumed, never assume, they were young men from Finland who died fighting to liberate Estonia from either the Germans or the Russians; take your pick. I was wrong. They were Estonian volunteers who enlisted in Finland in 1944 to fight against the Soviet re-occupation of the Baltic states. They could have enlisted with the German forces occupying Estonia, as did many of their countrymen. (When the Red Army prevailed, Churchill sent Stalin a telegram congratulating him on re-capturing Tallinn: needs must.)
“On February 8, 1944, Finnish Field Marshal Mannerheim ordered the formation of the Estonian volunteer regiment, Infantry Regiment 200. The regiment consisted of two four-company infantry battalions. On May 4, 1944, there were 1,973 Estonians and 361 Finns in Infantry Regiment 200, including 67 officers and 165 non-commissioned officers. The regiment took part in the defensive battles of summer 1944 on the Finnish front. They were sent to the front, on June 10, 1944, as part of the Finnish 10th Division, and they took up positions around the Bay of Viipuri. The regiment became known as “The Finnish Boys.” (Wikipedia)
The Finnish Boys are not to be confused with The Forest Brothers, but I am only halfway through Neil Taylor’s excellent history of Estonia so haven’t got to that bit yet.
Thank you for the Historical facts Christopher.
It is the only way to truly honour the names of those who were prepared to die for the freedom of their fellow human…and did.
For the public record.We can all speak up and speak out but few do.So thanks again.