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CHAMPS D HONNEUR
Mp40
 
Inscrit le: 28 Mar 2004
Messages: 10359
Localisation: Leodium (BE)
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Posté le: 13 Oct 2006 13:29
 Sujet du message: Wallonien: "aube et crépuscule"
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| Citation: | Walloon Infantry Battalion No. 373, was formed, chiefly from members of the fascist "Rexist" party in Belgium, and was attached to the 100th Jäger Division, fighting its first major battle during the Soviet counter offensive of 1941. Some 300 of the battalion's 600 Belgians managed a successful defensive battle, and though some 30 percent casualties were suffered, the Germans were suitably impressed with their abilities. It remained in the line until March 1942 when its shortages of men caused it to be withdrawn. It saw action again in May, and by July was attached to the German 97th Infantry Division and advanced some 800 km during a single month of the German summer offensive. After hard fighting in the Caucasus, it withdrew to Germany to refit.
By June 1943, the unit was back up to strength and the rapidly expanding Waffen SS accepted the "Legion Wallonie" into its own ranks, expanded, and titled the 5. SS Freiwilligen Sturmbrigade "Wallonien." In late 1943 and early 1944 the brigade distinguished itself fighting alongside the German Wiking SS Division. Only 632 men were fit for duty of the original 2,000 after being cut off in the Tscherkassy Pocket. After rest and refit, the division moved to the Narva front in the spring of 1944, and was upgraded to divisional status by October 1944, becoming the 28th SS Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier Division "Wallonien" including Spanish and French troops as well. The division briefly served in the west, then in early 1945 moved back to the Eastern Front where it was reduced to some 700 men during the fighting in February, March and April. |
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Horum Omnium Fortissimi Sunt Belgae
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