German occupation of Latvia, 15th and 19th Waffen SS Grenadier, 1st and 2nd Latvian, Heinrich Lohse
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
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Episode 107
This rare combat footage from January of 1944 from an obscure news reel series fits in well with todays content which covers the Latvian soldiers who fought for the Waffen SS. At the end of this video I’ll show more from the same reel so stick around, it’s worth it.
The footage you just saw comes from the series Ostland Woche, which was produced in the Kommisariat Ostland which included the Baltic states Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
The occupation of Riga, the capital of Latvia, took place in July of 1941 and the Germans greeted as liberators. This rare footage shows them just after their arrival.
Heavy fighting had caused serious damage to much of the city which the Germans blamed on the Soviets. Latvian militias were allowed to arm and began playing an ever increasing role in the keeping of order. In addition symbols of Latvian nationalism that had been suppressed under the Soviets, for example the showing of the Latvian flag, were tolerated. Little did the Latvians know, in the secret protocols of the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact the Germans had agreed to Soviet domination of the Baltic states which lead to the loss of their independence in 1940.
The main role of the police battalions was to ensure security but it was intended that they would also be active in other occupied territories. To a limited extent some saw also combat at the front under the command of the Wehrmacht.
In early 1942 the German Occupation Authority began conscripting Latvians giving them the choice of joining the labor service, similar to the German Reichsarbeitsdienst, or police battalions. Soon thereafter Germans began conscripting military age men specifically for the Legion which was intended to become a full military fighting formation. As a result only 15-20% of the Legionnaires were actually volunteers. Although there were instances of individuals trying to avoid military service for the Germans, most accepted being involved in the fight against Bolshevism.
Let’s stop the film here for a moment. We can see by this officer’s shoulder insignia that he’s recruiting for the German police.
So let’s talk about those that were recruited for the Police battalions first. This is an original collection of the 1942 Die Deutsche Polizei periodicals. We are looking at Nr. 20 from October of 1942.
The police battalions followed the advance of the front line German troops. In addition to fighting partisans they also took over control of recently taken urban areas to maintain security. This article goes over some of the basic tasks that this were involved in this duty.
Nr. 1. Durch die Staubwolken… Through clouds of dust from typical roads in the east that are in terrible condition, the police arrive to take over responsibility of a recently taken city from the soldiers.
Nr. 2. A bicycle mounted police patrol enters a burning city.
Nr. 3. Quickly, radio and telephone communication is established in the new location. Important messages and orders are sent out.
Nr. 4. The police oversee the initial cleaning and repairing of city services that are most important. They make sure that the roadways are clear and usable.
Nr. 5. Police checkpoints are set up all over the city. All suspicious individuals are taken in for interrogation.
Nr. 6. The main roads are hermetically controlled. Suspicious individuals are stopped and searched.
The Latvian Legion was created in January of 1943. It was a Waffen SS formation which would be made up of the 15th Waffen Grenadier, or 1st Latvian and the 19th Waffen Grenadier or 2nd Latvian divisions. The core of these divisions had come from Latvian Police battalions and the rest were new conscripts. As it turned out only about 15-20% of the soldiers fighting in these divisions were volunteers. The division commanders and most of the staff were German SS officers. The individual combat regiments were typically commanded by Latvian officers.
Before I show more of the combat footage, I’d like to take a second to thank my Patreon supporters who have made the buying of the originals I use in these videos possible. If your are not yet a member please consider becoming one. As a member you get access to exclusive footage that can’t be shown here. It’s worth it, I promise.
Soon i will be starting a series which covers an original diary and photo album written by a famous platoon leader in the 2. SS PzD Das Reich. The division was mauled during operation Typhoon in the effort to take Moscow. As part of the “Der Führer Regiment” he was one of the 35 men out of the 2,000 that had started the campaign in June that still remained. It’s a sensational first-hand account, the best I’ve seen. If you haven’t subscribed yet make sure to do that.
Thanks for watching.
As a subscriber I continuously wonder about your fascination with everything "Waffen SS". The Latvian Arajs Kommando murdered tens of thousands of women and children as did the Lithuanian and Ukrainian units. You omit completely the atrocities and redefine these units as proud/nationalistic. There's no historical value here. Maybe it's time for a change of name to your website.
Soviet deportations to behind Ural's and mass murder sorry genocide.. that is a reality of man even 2022, Peaceful Russian regime or Nazi are no better than the other.
Unfortunately, not all divisions in the German military were filmed/photographed as much as the Waffen SS. These units were always in the most strategically important battles, rarely spent time away from the front, and they possessed the most up-to-date equipment & best trained soldiers. Consequently, in addition to political reasons, Waffen SS units were the first choice for propaganda units wanting to document the fighting. Furthermore, initially, the Waffen SS had many well-educated officers who could afford cameras, very experienced soldiers who could comment intelligently on tactics, and some of the best generals, so Waffen SS units probably had more men who were writing diaries & documenting the day-to-day struggles on the front lines. All of this resulted in a disproportionate amount of primary source material from the Waffen SS surviving the war & being stored in German, Soviet & western Allied archives. Therefore, it's not surprising that Waffen SS units appear in this channel's videos quite often.
Most people don't even know that the Waffen SS included divisions comprised of foreign (non-German) volunteers. Like most other Americans I used to believe they were all comprised entirely of blonde-haired blue-eyed brainwashed German young men fanatically torturing and killing everyone in their path - per the Allied Narrative. Finding out that there were foreign divisions, and learning more about them, is simply fascinating. Including the fact that many of the volunteers were sold a bill of goods before enlisting. Told they would be fighting for one thing then being sent to fight for some totally unrelated objective. I think Frederick does a pretty good job of just presenting the material and letting the viewer form their own opinion. One must always consider the perspective from which they are viewing things before making accusations.
We all know the atrocities..this man brings us good content..why not leave it at that.
@@DarryllC He does a very good job on a difficult subject.
Regarding "fanatically torturing and killing everyone in their path," this sounds a lot like the orders Stalin repeatedly gave, which the Red Army followed. The same Red Army that was fighting alongside the democratic countries who were promoting "freedom and self-determination." Everything about the Allied Narrative is a lie.
My father's grandfather, joined the police force shortly after the german occupation, and in 1944 got taken in the Latvian legion (I don't know which division), fought in the Courland Pocket, then got sent to fight near Berling, survived the war, and died in Canada in the year of 1991.
He was most likely in the 15th division then, since near the end of the war it was moved to Danzig
The Latvian 15th and 19th division was a frontline unit, it should not be confused with a police bat. which were formed sooner and which were added later.
If we talk about these two frontline combat divisions, then their activities can be clearly traced.
Progress of the 19th division:
Ground forces
Military operations in the positions of the Combat Regiment
Battles in the positions of Volkhov
Battles in Velikaya positions
Battles on the Opochka front
Battles in the Vidzeme highlands
Battles of the Sea
Battles in the Kurzeme fortress
15th Division
Battles in the positions of Novosokolniki
Battles in Ostrov positions
Battles in Velikaya positions
Battles in the positions of Opochka
Battles on the Pomeranian Line
The 19th division is considered one of the most effective and most decorated fronts
(for non-German / foreigner) SS units.
15th and 19th also, the Estonian 20th SS division is not included and has never been considered criminal and harmful to the Allies.
It was for this purpose that the Nuremberg guard companies were formed from Estonian and Latvian legionnaires
Excellent commentary! Learned a few things I wasn’t even aware of. Loved the footage depicting the difficult conditions they fought in. Looking forward to the Das Reich video as I’m very familiar with it. Great work! 👍
I had for years in my extensive Waffen SS collection a beautiful M42 tunic belonging to an SS Flak kanonier. It had the Latvian pattern sleeve shield and mid war red piped shoulder straps. After 3 years of harassing me, I finally gave in and sold/traded it to the Son of a Latvian SS volunteer who today lives in Belgium. I visited Latvia several times in the 90s and bonded with the nice people and culture there. Riga is one of the truly beautiful cities of Europe...at least the original Germanic part is. Also the Teutonic Ritterburg of Sigulda was amazing to see.
Ah, yes, seeing the opening scene brought you to thinking about it. If it was original it is pretty valuable now
@@M1945 oh...be assured. My SS collection is legendary. 70% from the Vets themselves. I'm a HIAG and OdR member over 45 years.
Thanks mate
@@Bigsky1991that’s incredible! How did you manage to find these veterans, let alone convince them to sell their uniforms, etc?
Yet again. More outstanding history on film .
Robert, take a look at a follow up video ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
These are really excellent presentations. I'm really impressed. I love the inclusion of printed material. Really cool.
Glad you like them!
Another surprisingly well done video! The footage keeps getting more and more interesting with every episode.
Glad you like them!
An important production, matching historical video to the facts that not only make this worth watching, but also compel me to ponder the "then and now" comparisons with what is happening in Ukraine. Some things never change....! I believe this channel is the best when it comes to the Second World War in Europe.
W M, please come look at the new video ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Thanks for the informative video!
You bet!
Another you will probably like ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Looked forward to this .
You should really like the film footage. Can you see the graphic, for some reason I can't see it.
@@M1945 I can . No problem .
Robert, have you seen this one? ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Your videos have been extremely captivating. Since watching many of the videos in your UA-cam library (but not nearly all of them), I've found the depth of your material and film sources to be truly profound. I feel as if you are providing me a college course for free, and the unique knowledge that you are teaching us here is something I am very grateful for. As a sidenote, your videos have also spurred me to finally start my living history impression by getting a pair of schnurschuh. Thank you for what you do
Much appreciated Floyd.
Floyd, did you see the new video containing Latvian footage? ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Very interesting. My grandmother was born in Latvia (von Siver), whose parents were assassinated by communists in early 1900s. Her oldest brother fought against the Germans in WWI in Russian military, while her younger brother fought in the German army against the Russians in WWII.
To learn more about my grandmother's family, please see:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_von_Sivers
Come see the next ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up as a support
Take a look at this video ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Wow, thanks for the video kinda. I`m from Latvia and my grandfather was an officier in the Latvian waffen
Did you see this one Yaboy? ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Hey Fred: As usual, great stuff! The number of people subscribing to the channel has nearly doubled.
Parts of this video recall the "1944" movie. I really liked that story of the Baltic soldiers fighting for the Reich.
Yes, the combat footage it is from the battles around Zhitomir
Tekis0, here is a follow up video ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
You made interesting discussuion taking place here. Very nice!
Yes, I am happy that it is being discussed.
The conversation related to the newest could also be good Zoid fist ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Excelente!!! Gracias.
de nada Everardo. Ya estoy haciendo el siguiente
Wow, thank you very much, sir! Where did you find this footage? As a Lithuanian with strong Latvian family ties and family history with military past (Lithuanian Army in the Interwar Period, Forest Brothers, Territorial Defense Battalions affiliated with the Germans in Lithuania and possibly but not too sure similar structures in Latvia) it's interesting to see something new.
Aivaras, if you liked that footage come take a look at this . . . ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Another excellent production
Appreciate that
Todd, I think you will like this one ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
Nice topic! Look forward to the next video
More to come!
VKash, have you seen the latest? ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
my grandfather was in the latvian ss legion and surrvived russian firing squad made it to the west to end up in uk pow camp. people need remember russia invaded latvia etc first.
Pt 16 of the Das Reich series is now up, take a look and let me know what you think ua-cam.com/video/sq3ssDfk8hM/v-deo.html
Let's finish the Russian threat this time once and forever!
My wife and I were in Finland, Estonia, and Lativia in 2017, and believe me they still hate the Russians.
the world does not need any more hate. come on dude.
I agree Floyd. This was not meant as an anti-Russian production. The Latvians were between a rock and a hard place.
Yes, none of those countries had much to thank the Germans for either. Finnland somehow managed to maintain their independence. Had they been active in the push for Leningrad as the Germans had wanted they too would have been occupied until 1989.
@@M1945 that's actually really interesting. The Finns saved their hides from the Soviets in that respect
RuSSia*
Hating the people for the actions of their government is a level of close-mindedness not *_THAT_* many people possess here anymore (at least among younger people). Though Putler's current invasion isn't doing this sentiment any favours, as most of the people in RuSSia apparently support the war (though that can be 99% blamed on state propaganda).
This is one THE best videos i have seen on the topic.
love that there is no steriopytical - ss bad, soviets good BS , but honest , as it was reporting.
Thank you
You seen the next one? ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
7:13 I am guessing the words are in Latvian ... are they gaining Zhitomir?
I heard it right because at 7:36 the sign even says Shitomir. So they were also deployed in Ukraine? I thought the 15th and 19th only fought close to Latvia.
Was this the fighting around the time of the Cherkassy pocket where the 5th SS the Wiking was badly mauled and lost most of its equipment? Wiking had a lot of recruits from other nations but I do not see Latvians mentioned there. Estonians yes. So maybe there were also Latvians 🤔
You are right, fighting for Zhitomir, I am sure. The footage is from the Latvian newsreel and shows the Waffen SS in combat but don't believe either that Latvians were actually involved. At least that's what I think . . .
Translation from Latvian is:
Start: "In the big Donbas (cannot tell well) encyrclament, developed German counterattack"
"Multiple enemy aircraft got hit"
Ending: "City is surrounded from all fronts"
"After intensive fighting, German troops take Shitamir"
@@thepenguin11 wow, this is cool, thanks for translating :)
The guy said "german groups are taking over Zhitomir"
@@M1945 The Latvian 15th and 19th division was a frontline unit, it should not be confused with a police bat. which were formed sooner and which were added later.
If we talk about these two frontline combat divisions, then their activities can be clearly traced.
Progress of the 19th division:
Ground forces
Military operations in the positions of the Combat Regiment
Battles in the positions of Volkhov
Battles in Velikaya positions
Battles on the Opochka front
Battles in the Vidzeme highlands
Battles of the Sea
Battles in the Kurzeme fortress
15th Division
Battles in the positions of Novosokolniki
Battles in Ostrov positions
Battles in Velikaya positions
Battles in the positions of Opochka
Battles on the Pomeranian Line
The 19th division is considered one of the most effective and most decorated fronts
(for non-German / foreigner) SS units.
15th and 19th also, the Estonian 20th SS division is not included and has never been considered criminal and harmful to the Allies.
It was for this purpose that the Nuremberg guard companies were formed from Estonian and Latvian legionnaires.
Cosa vuol dirmi questo filmato, in questo momento Storico?
Or liberating force from Soviet occupation 🤷♂️ depends who you ask
I hear you Jamie
Please make me understand. In Ribbentrop Milotov pact, the germans agreed that the Baltic Countries where given to USSR. And in the 41 when germans occupuied Riga, the people welcome them as liberators??? How is that, when Hitler give the their country to soviets? Thank you for a eventual answer.
In 1939 Hitler believed that signing the non aggressions-pact with the Soviets, which included secret protocols dividing Poland between the two countries and accepting the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states would allow Germany to attack Poland and possibly keep the west from declaring war. Hitler hated the idea of signing away the Baltic states but believe that the would deal with the Soviet Union in the future.
Because Latvians hated Soviets. While Russians were bussy with their revolution, Latvians essentially held down Germans alone and even pushed back in some places. Once the war was over, Russian Civil War spread into Latvia, and Commies started to act as kings, what brought up people against them and the fight for independence. In Russia mind, to this day, they believe Baltics belong to them. However, all they have done is bring tirrony to Baltic states. In overall conflict of WWI and Independence fighting, Latvia lost 50% of its population. Commies never respected Latvians, and treated them as lesser creatures. While Hitler saw them as equal. Latvians have greater history with Germans than with Russians. To this day, Latvians despise Russians. They have only brought suffering and hardship. If Russia was to invade Baltics, it would be as bad if not worse than Ukrain.
@@thepenguin11 Hitler didn't see them as equal, he deemed Latvians fit enough for "germanization", meaning pretty much the same as soviets did. While the line was drawn at the Latgalians who were not deemed fit to germanize and marked for extermination.
@@Fin4L6are i`m Latvian and ive heard stories from my grandfather and his friends who went or lived in that time that they never had any problem with germans , they were super nice. Couldn`t say that about soviets. And they told that everyone who fought with soviets were traitors to Latvia and it`s people.
"the Germans agreed to the Soviet domination of the Latvian state"
Well what could they do? The west decelared war on them and the east was obviously hostile.i think its normal that they gave up and accepted Soviet demands.
From the Latvian point of view I'm sure that they wouldn't have been happy about that arrangement of convenience. The pact made war a viable option for the Germans because they believed the west wouldn't dare declare war on both the Germans and Soviets, which of course they didn't do. That they actually entered the war was probably a surprise.
@@M1945 the Soviets belived that the previous Russian borders(under Tzar) were justified and they pushed this narrative to Germans.what Germans achived (thogh minimal) was that they brought Mainland Romania out of the deal (well Romania wasnt a part of Russia anyway) and denied Molotovs absurd claims(in return Romania had to free Communist party leaders) and warned Finland in August about a coming war.Latvia has its own view point that is true but it has to acknowledge the hardship Germany itself was in too.
The old myth that the Waffen SS were all Germans is refuted good in this documentary!
You seen the next video? ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
@@M1945 I'm on it, thanks for the info!
My mom was in Latvia as a young 1940s, she was playing in the woods and seen foam bubbles coming up from the dirt, she ran home to tell mom she said stay away from there! Later she learned it was dead Jews buried there 🇱🇻
Terrible history, it's awful that anyone would have to experience that
Come see the next ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html
@@M1945 They were communists.
M 45 ; Nice one !
Many thanks!
I can see History repeating itself. Can you ?
I hope not
*liberation
Must have been crazy. Murder out of control.
Here is the next in the series ua-cam.com/video/eqapr-RdNTE/v-deo.html