Harald Riipalu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harald Riipalu
|
|
|---|---|
Harald Riipalu in 1944
|
|
| Born | 13 February 1912 Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire |
| Died | 4 April 1961 (aged 49) West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | Estonia, Soviet Union, Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
Estonian Army Red Army Wehrmacht Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1935–45 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer |
| Unit | 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian) |
| Commands held | 36th Estonian Police Battalion |
| Battles/wars | World War II Eastern Front |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Harald Riipalu (born as Harald Reibach) was an Estonian military leader. He was born on February 13, 1912, and passed away on April 4, 1961. He served in different armies during World War II, including the German Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS. He received a very important medal called the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his bravery.
Contents
Harald Riipalu's Military Journey
Starting His Service
In 1940, Estonia was taken over by the Soviet Union. Harald Riipalu was made to join the Red Army, which was the Soviet military. He served there until 1941.
However, during the war, he decided to switch sides. He then joined the German forces.
Leading Soldiers in World War II
From 1942 to 1943, Riipalu worked as a leader in the 36th Estonian Police Battalion. He started as a platoon leader, which means he was in charge of a small group of soldiers. Later, he became a company commander, leading a larger group. By November 1942, he was the commander of the entire battalion.
Between 1943 and 1945, he served in other parts of the German military. He was part of the 3rd SS-Brigade and the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. In April 1944, he became the commander of the 45th SS-Grenadier Regiment. This meant he was in charge of a large group of soldiers.
Important Battles and Awards
Harald Riipalu was recognized for his actions in battle. On August 23, 1944, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was a very high award given for great bravery during wartime.
He earned this medal for his actions in two important battles: the Battle of Tannenberg Line and the Battle of Auvere. In these battles, Riipalu and his regiment successfully pushed back attacks from the Soviet Army. Their actions stopped the Soviet forces from surrounding a group of German soldiers called Army Detachment Narwa. Felix Steiner, a commander of a German army corps, presented him with the award.
After the War Ended
When World War II finished, Harald Riipalu did not want to be captured by the Soviet Union. He managed to escape to Denmark. Later, he moved to Great Britain, where he passed away in 1961.
Awards and Recognition
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on August 23, 1944. He received this as a high-ranking officer and commander of the 45th SS-Grenadier Regiment.
