Georgian Uprising of Texel facts for kids

The Georgian Uprising of Texel was a brave rebellion by Georgian soldiers on the Dutch island of Texel during the final days of World War II. It happened between April 5 and May 20, 1945. These Georgian soldiers were part of the German army, but they turned against their German commanders. This event is sometimes called Europe's last battlefield.

What Happened on Texel?

Texel is an island in the Netherlands. During World War II, the German army had taken control of it. The island was a very important part of Germany's "Atlantic Wall," which was a strong line of defenses along the Atlantic coast.

The Georgian Soldiers

The Georgian soldiers were originally from the Soviet Republic of Georgia. They had been captured by the Germans on the Eastern Front. To avoid staying in harsh prisoner-of-war camps, they agreed to fight for the Germans. Their job was to help the German troops on Texel.

The Uprising Begins

On the night of April 5–6, 1945, the Georgian soldiers believed that the Allied forces (like the British and Canadians) would soon land on Texel. They decided it was their chance to rebel. They attacked the German soldiers and took control of most of the island. About 400 German soldiers were killed during this surprise attack.

Fighting Continues

However, some parts of the island remained under German control. More German soldiers were sent to Texel to help fight the Georgians. The fighting was very tough and lasted for several weeks. Eventually, the Germans managed to take back control of the island.

Unfortunately, the British and Canadian forces, who had been told about the uprising by people who escaped Texel by boat, did not believe the reports. Because of this, they did not send help to stop the fighting.

The End of the Fighting

On Texel, this event is often called the Russian War. Many lives were lost during the uprising. Around 800 German soldiers, 500 Georgian soldiers, and 120 people from Texel were killed. Many farms on the island were also burned down.

Even after Germany officially surrendered in the Netherlands and Denmark on May 5, 1945, and even after Germany's full surrender on May 8, the fighting on Texel continued. Finally, Canadian soldiers arrived on May 20, 1945, and stopped the fighting for good.

The Fate of the Survivors

The Georgian soldiers who survived the uprising did not have a happy ending. They were sent back to the Soviet Union. At that time, the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, believed that any Soviet soldier who had been captured by the Germans was a traitor because they had not fought until death. Many of the two million Soviet prisoners sent back by the Allies after the war were punished, and some were even killed, when they returned home.

Today, there is a museum at the airport on Texel that tells the story of this important and tragic event.

Images for kids

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  Shalva Loladze, the leader of the Georgian uprising

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  Two wounded Georgian soldiers at Texel in 1945

See also

In Spanish: Revuelta georgiana de Texel para niños