Alfons Rebane - Revision history

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	[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]		[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]
	===Early life and career===		===Early life and career===
	Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended the secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended the Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on the armoured train "Captain Irv" of the 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian Independence Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in the Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in the Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was the Commandant of [[Lihula]].		Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended the secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended the Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on the armoured train "Captain Irv" of the 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian [[Independence]] Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in the Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in the Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was the Commandant of [[Lihula]].

	===World War II===		===World War II===
	Rebane served as an officer in the [[Estonian Army]] until the Soviet troops occupied the country in 1940. The Soviets disbanded the Estonian Army and arrested and executed the entire Estonian high command. More junior officers, such as Rebane, were dismissed after a short, forced service due to their lack of "political reliability" and were liable to be deported. For a while, Rebane worked on constructions, then fled into the forests when the Soviets began mass deportations in 1941. He established and led an anti-Soviet [[Forest Brothers]] unit in Northern Estonia in May 1941.		Rebane served as an officer in the [[Estonian Army]] until the Soviet troops occupied the country in 1940. The Soviets disbanded the Estonian Army and arrested and executed the entire Estonian high command. More junior officers, such as Rebane, were dismissed after a short, forced service due to their lack of "[[political]] reliability" and were liable to be deported. For a while, Rebane worked on constructions, then fled into the forests when the Soviets began mass deportations in 1941. He established and led an anti-Soviet [[Forest Brothers]] unit in Northern Estonia in May 1941.

	After German units had reached Northern Estonia, Rebane joined the German [[Wehrmacht]] and went on to fight against the Soviets in Northwestern [[Russia]], subsequently becoming the captain of the 184th Security Battalion, then Major of the Estonian 658th Eastern Battalion. In February 1944 Major Rebane's unit was transferred to the Narva Front and attached to the [[Wehrmacht]]'s 26th Army Corps on March 2. On April 27, 1944, the unit was released from the [[Wehrmacht]] and Rebane was reluctantly drafted into the newly-formed [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)\|20th (Estonian) Division]] of the [[Waffen-SS]], eventually becoming colonel of the 47th Waffen-Grenadier Regiment.		After [[German]] units had reached Northern Estonia, Rebane joined the German [[Wehrmacht]] and went on to fight against the Soviets in Northwestern [[Russia]], subsequently becoming the captain of the 184th Security Battalion, then Major of the Estonian 658th Eastern Battalion. In February 1944 Major Rebane's unit was transferred to the Narva Front and attached to the [[Wehrmacht]]'s 26th Army Corps on March 2. On April 27, 1944, the unit was released from the [[Wehrmacht]] and Rebane was reluctantly drafted into the newly-formed [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)\|20th (Estonian) Division]] of the [[Waffen-SS]], eventually becoming [[colonel]] of the 47th Waffen-Grenadier Regiment.

	The Estonian division played a significant role in the [[Battle of Narva]] and the [[Battle of Emajõgi]], holding back the Soviet re-occupation of Estonia until the September 1944 while suffering heavy casualties. Rebane's unit was then evacuated to Germany for refitting and saw more action on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)\|Eastern Front]] in the spring of 1945.		The Estonian division played a significant role in the [[Battle of Narva]] and the [[Battle of Emajõgi]], holding back the Soviet re-occupation of Estonia until the September 1944 while [[suffering]] heavy casualties. Rebane's unit was then evacuated to [[Germany]] for refitting and saw more action on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)\|Eastern Front]] in the spring of 1945.

	Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in the final days of the war evaded capture by the Soviets and managed to reach the Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as the "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.		Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in the final days of the war evaded capture by the Soviets and managed to reach the Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as the "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.
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	[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at the forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to the left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]		[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at the forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to the left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]
	[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]		[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]
	After World War II, Rebane joined the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting the armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led the Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into the 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from the British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.		After World War II, Rebane joined the British Secret [[Intelligence]] Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting the armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led the Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into the 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from the British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.

	==Death==		==Death==
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	== Awards and decorations==		== Awards and decorations==
	===Estonian military===		===Estonian military===
	*Estonian Defence League White Cross 3rd Class in 1939		*Estonian Defence League [[White]] Cross 3rd Class in 1939
	*Latvian Aizsargi Cross of Merit in 1940		*Latvian Aizsargi Cross of [[Merit]] in 1940
	===WWII===		===WWII===
	* [[Iron Cross]] (1939)		* [[Iron Cross]] (1939)
	** 2nd Class (9 April 1943)<ref name="Thomas p185">Thomas 1998, p. 185.</ref>		** 2nd Class (9 April 1943)<ref [[name]]="Thomas p185">Thomas 1998, p. 185.</ref>
	** 1st Class (9 November 1943)<ref name="Thomas p185"/>		** 1st Class (9 November 1943)<ref name="Thomas p185"/>
	*[[Eastern Front Medal]]		*[[Eastern Front Medal]]
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	** Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the Estonian voluntary battalion 658<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 350.</ref>		** Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the Estonian voluntary battalion 658<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 350.</ref>
	** 875th Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 as ''[[SS-Obersturmbannführer]]'' and commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment of the SS 46<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.</ref>		** 875th Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 as ''[[SS-Obersturmbannführer]]'' and commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment of the SS 46<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.</ref>
	***Alfons Rebane received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in the [[28th Jäger Division (Germany)\|28. Jäger-Division]], at the time a Wehrmacht division and not part of the Waffen-SS. His nomination of the Oak Leaves was submitted to the ''Heeres Personalamt'' (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Bundesarchiv_(BRD)#Abteilung_Milit.C3.A4rarchiv ''Bundesarchiv'']) only hold a copy of the nomination. The nomination list for the higher grade of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates the nomination on 2 April 1945. The Order Commission of the [[Association of Knight's Cross Recipients]] (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on 8 May 1945. The sequential number "875" was assigned by the AKCR, the date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of the AKCR.<ref>Scherzer 2007, p. 165.</ref>		***Alfons Rebane received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in the [[28th Jäger Division (Germany)\|28. Jäger-Division]], at the [[time]] a Wehrmacht division and not part of the Waffen-SS. His nomination of the Oak Leaves was submitted to the ''Heeres Personalamt'' (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Bundesarchiv_(BRD)#Abteilung_Milit.C3.A4rarchiv ''Bundesarchiv'']) only hold a copy of the nomination. The nomination list for the higher grade of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates the nomination on 2 April 1945. The Order Commission of the [[Association of Knight's Cross Recipients]] (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on [[8 May 1945]]. The sequential number "875" was assigned by the AKCR, the date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of the AKCR.<ref>Scherzer 2007, p. 165.</ref>

	==Further reading==		==Further reading==
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	* Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000): ''Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945'', Podzun-Pallas, Friedburg, ISBN 3-7909-0284-5		* Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000): ''Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945'', Podzun-Pallas, Friedburg, ISBN 3-7909-0284-5
	* Patzwall, Klaus D. / Scherzer, Veit (2001): ''Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber'', Band II (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8		* Patzwall, Klaus D. / Scherzer, Veit (2001): ''Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber'', Band II (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8
	* Scherzer, Veit (2007): ''Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 – Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives'' (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2		* Scherzer, Veit (2007): ''Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 – Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, [[Luftwaffe]], [[Kriegsmarine]], Waffen-SS, [[Volkssturm]] sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives'' (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2

	==References==		==References==
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	~~[[Category:WWAC]]~~

	~~[[Category:the Close Combat Clasp]]~~



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			[[Category:Pages with broken file links]]
			[[Category:Pages with incorrect protection templates]]
			[[Category:The Close Combat Clasp]]
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			[[Category:Soldiers]]

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	~~[[Category:Estonian]]~~

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	\|birth_place =[[Valga, Estonia\|Valga]], [[Governorate of Livonia\|Livonia]], [[Russian Empire]]		\|birth_place =[[Valga, Estonia\|Valga]], [[Governorate of Livonia\|Livonia]], [[Russian Empire]]
	\|death_place =[[Augsburg]], [[Bavaria]], [[West Germany]]		\|death_place =[[Augsburg]], [[Bavaria]], [[West Germany]]
	\|image = [[File:Alfons Rebane (3).~~jpg~~\|300px]]		\|image = [[File:Alfons Rebane (3).png\|300px]]
	\|image_size =		\|image_size =
	\|caption =Rebane in three uniforms		\|caption =Rebane in three uniforms
	\|allegiance ={{flag\|Estonia}}<br>{{flag\|National Socialist Germany}}<br>{{flag\|United Kingdom}}		\|allegiance ={{flag\|Estonia}}<br>{{flag\|National Socialist Germany}}<br>{{flag\|United Kingdom}}
	\|branch = [[File:Coat of arms of Estonia.png\|23px]] Estonian Army <br> [[File:Soviet Red Army cockade adorned on peaked caps.png\|23px]] [[Red Army]] <br> [[File:Balkenkreuz.~~jpg~~\|23px]] [[Wehrmacht]] <br>[[Image:Flag Schutzstaffel.png\|23px]] [[Waffen-SS]]		\|branch = [[File:Coat of arms of Estonia.png\|23px]] Estonian Army <br> [[File:Soviet Red Army cockade adorned on peaked caps.png\|23px]] [[Red Army]] <br> [[File:Balkenkreuz.png\|23px]] [[Wehrmacht]] <br>[[Image:Flag Schutzstaffel.png\|23px]] [[Waffen-SS]]
	\|serviceyears =1929–1940<br>1941–1944<br>1944–1945<br>1947–1961		\|serviceyears =1929–1940<br>1941–1944<br>1944–1945<br>1947–1961
	\|rank =[[SS-Standartenführer\|Waffen-Standartenführer der SS]] (colonel)		\|rank =[[SS-Standartenführer\|Waffen-Standartenführer der SS]] (colonel)
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	==Life==		==Life==
	[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]		[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]
	===Early life and career===		===Early life and career===
	Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended the secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended the Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on the armoured train "Captain Irv" of the 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian Independence Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in the Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in the Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was the Commandant of [[Lihula]].		Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended the secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended the Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on the armoured train "Captain Irv" of the 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian Independence Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in the Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in the Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was the Commandant of [[Lihula]].
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	Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in the final days of the war evaded capture by the Soviets and managed to reach the Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as the "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.		Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in the final days of the war evaded capture by the Soviets and managed to reach the Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as the "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.
	===Post-war===		===Post-war===
	[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at the forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to the left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]		[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at the forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to the left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]
	[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]		[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]
	After World War II, Rebane joined the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting the armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led the Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into the 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from the British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.		After World War II, Rebane joined the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting the armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led the Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into the 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from the British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.

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	~~[[Category:Waffen-SS personnel]]~~
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	==Death==		==Death==
	SS Standartenführer a. D. Alfons Rebane died of lung cancer on 8 March 1976 in Augsburg. The funeral took place on 12 March in Augsburg. In 1999, with the financial support of [[OdR]], Rebane's ashes were transferred to Estonia, where he was once again ceremonially buried in the Tallinn Forest Cemetery with state honors. This caused a number of [[~~Jewish~~]] and [[Russian]] protests, despite Rebane not being convicted of any [[war crimes]].		SS Standartenführer a. D. Alfons Rebane died of lung cancer on 8 March 1976 in Augsburg. The funeral took place on 12 March in Augsburg. In 1999, with the financial support of [[OdR]], Rebane's ashes were transferred to Estonia, where he was once again ceremonially buried in the Tallinn Forest Cemetery with state honors. This caused a number of [[jewish]] and [[Russian]] protests, despite Rebane not being convicted of any [[war crimes]].

	===Plaque===		===Plaque===

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	\|rank =[[SS-Standartenführer\|Waffen-Standartenführer der SS]] (colonel)		\|rank =[[SS-Standartenführer\|Waffen-Standartenführer der SS]] (colonel)
	\|commands =		\|commands =
	\|unit = 1929, 1st Armored Train Regiment<br/>1935, Viljandi County Territorial Regiment<br/>1939, Lääne County Territorial Regiment<br/>1940, Commandant of Lihula<br/>1941, 184th Security Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1943, 658th (Estonian) Ost Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1944, [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of ~~tbe~~ SS (1st Estonian)]]<br/>1947 MI6		\|unit = 1929, 1st Armored Train Regiment<br/>1935, Viljandi County Territorial Regiment<br/>1939, Lääne County Territorial Regiment<br/>1940, Commandant of Lihula<br/>1941, 184th Security Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1943, 658th (Estonian) Ost Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1944, [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)]]<br/>1947 MI6
	\|battles =[[Eastern Front (World War II)\|World War II: Eastern Front]]		\|battles =[[Eastern Front (World War II)\|World War II: Eastern Front]]
	\|awards =[[Iron cross\|Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class]]<br>[[Knight's Cross of ~~tbe~~ Iron Cross\|Knight's Cross of ~~tbe~~ Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]		\|awards =[[Iron cross\|Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class]]<br>[[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross\|Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]
	\|relations = ∞ 1931 Agnia Soomets (daughter Tiiu died young)		\|relations = ∞ 1931 Agnia Soomets (daughter Tiiu died young)
	\|laterwork =MI6		\|laterwork =MI6
	}}		}}
	'''Alfons Vilhelm Robert Rebane''' (b. 24 June 1908 in Valga, Governorate of Livonia, [[Russian Empire]]; d. 8 March 1976 in Augsburg, [[Bavaria]], [[West Germany]]) was an [[Estonia]]n military officer. During [[World War II]], he commanded several Estonian units attached to [[Wehrmacht]] and [[Waffen-SS]], among them ~~tbe~~ [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of ~~tbe~~ SS]]. He was awarded with [[Knight's Cross of ~~tbe~~ Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]], ~~tbe~~ highest military decoration that an Estonian has ever received.		'''Alfons Vilhelm Robert Rebane''' (b. 24 June 1908 in Valga, Governorate of Livonia, [[Russian Empire]]; d. 8 March 1976 in Augsburg, [[Bavaria]], [[West Germany]]) was an [[Estonia]]n military officer. During [[World War II]], he commanded several Estonian units attached to [[Wehrmacht]] and [[Waffen-SS]], among them the [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS]]. He was awarded with [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]], the highest military decoration that an Estonian has ever received.

	==Life==		==Life==
	[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]		[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]
	===Early life and career===		===Early life and career===
	Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended ~~tbe~~ secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended ~~tbe~~ Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on ~~tbe~~ armoured train "Captain Irv" of ~~tbe~~ 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian [[Independence]] Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in ~~tbe~~ Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in ~~tbe~~ Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was ~~tbe~~ Commandant of [[Lihula]].		Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended the secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended the Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on the armoured train "Captain Irv" of the 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian [[Independence]] Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in the Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in the Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was the Commandant of [[Lihula]].

	===World War II===		===World War II===
	Rebane served as an officer in ~~tbe~~ [[Estonian Army]] until ~~tbe~~ Soviet troops occupied ~~tbe~~ country in 1940. The Soviets disbanded ~~tbe~~ Estonian Army and arrested and executed ~~tbe~~ entire Estonian high command. More junior officers, such as Rebane, were dismissed after a short, forced service due to their lack of "[[political]] reliability" and were liable to be deported. For a while, Rebane worked on constructions, then fled into ~~tbe~~ forests when ~~tbe~~ Soviets began mass deportations in 1941. He established and led an anti-Soviet [[Forest Brothers]] unit in Northern Estonia in May 1941.		Rebane served as an officer in the [[Estonian Army]] until the Soviet troops occupied the country in 1940. The Soviets disbanded the Estonian Army and arrested and executed the entire Estonian high command. More junior officers, such as Rebane, were dismissed after a short, forced service due to their lack of "[[political]] reliability" and were liable to be deported. For a while, Rebane worked on constructions, then fled into the forests when the Soviets began mass deportations in 1941. He established and led an anti-Soviet [[Forest Brothers]] unit in Northern Estonia in May 1941.

	After [[German]] units had reached Northern Estonia, Rebane joined ~~tbe~~ German [[Wehrmacht]] and went on to fight against ~~tbe~~ Soviets in Northwestern [[Russia]], subsequently becoming ~~tbe~~ captain of ~~tbe~~ 184th Security Battalion, then Major of ~~tbe~~ Estonian 658th Eastern Battalion. In February 1944 Major Rebane's unit was transferred to ~~tbe~~ Narva Front and attached to ~~tbe~~ [[Wehrmacht]]'s 26th Army Corps on March 2. On April 27, 1944, ~~tbe~~ unit was released from ~~tbe~~ [[Wehrmacht]] and Rebane was reluctantly drafted into ~~tbe~~ newly-formed [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of ~~tbe~~ SS (1st Estonian)\|20th (Estonian) Division]] of ~~tbe~~ [[Waffen-SS]], eventually becoming [[colonel]] of ~~tbe~~ 47th Waffen-Grenadier Regiment.		After [[German]] units had reached Northern Estonia, Rebane joined the German [[Wehrmacht]] and went on to fight against the Soviets in Northwestern [[Russia]], subsequently becoming the captain of the 184th Security Battalion, then Major of the Estonian 658th Eastern Battalion. In February 1944 Major Rebane's unit was transferred to the Narva Front and attached to the [[Wehrmacht]]'s 26th Army Corps on March 2. On April 27, 1944, the unit was released from the [[Wehrmacht]] and Rebane was reluctantly drafted into the newly-formed [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)\|20th (Estonian) Division]] of the [[Waffen-SS]], eventually becoming [[colonel]] of the 47th Waffen-Grenadier Regiment.

	The Estonian division played a significant role in ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Narva]] and ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Emajõgi]], holding back ~~tbe~~ Soviet re-occupation of Estonia until ~~tbe~~ September 1944 while [[suffering]] heavy casualties. Rebane's unit was then evacuated to [[Germany]] for refitting and saw more action on ~~tbe~~ [[Eastern Front (World War II)\|Eastern Front]] in ~~tbe~~ spring of 1945.		The Estonian division played a significant role in the [[Battle of Narva]] and the [[Battle of Emajõgi]], holding back the Soviet re-occupation of Estonia until the September 1944 while [[suffering]] heavy casualties. Rebane's unit was then evacuated to [[Germany]] for refitting and saw more action on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)\|Eastern Front]] in the spring of 1945.

	Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in ~~tbe~~ final days of ~~tbe~~ war evaded capture by ~~tbe~~ Soviets and managed to reach ~~tbe~~ Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as ~~tbe~~ "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.		Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in the final days of the war evaded capture by the Soviets and managed to reach the Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as the "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.
	===Post-war===		===Post-war===
	[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at ~~tbe~~ forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to ~~tbe~~ left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]		[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at the forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to the left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]
	[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]		[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]
	After World War II, Rebane joined ~~tbe~~ British Secret [[Intelligence]] Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting ~~tbe~~ armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led ~~tbe~~ Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into ~~tbe~~ 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from ~~tbe~~ British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.		After World War II, Rebane joined the British Secret [[Intelligence]] Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting the armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led the Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into the 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from the British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.

	==Death==		==Death==
	SS Standartenführer a. D. Alfons Rebane died of lung cancer on 8 March 1976 in Augsburg. The funeral took place on 12 March in Augsburg. In 1999, with ~~tbe~~ financial support of [[OdR]], Rebane's ashes were transferred to Estonia, where he was once again ceremonially buried in ~~tbe~~ Tallinn Forest Cemetery with state honors. This caused a number of [[jewish]] and [[Russian]] protests, despite Rebane not being convicted of any [[war crimes]].		SS Standartenführer a. D. Alfons Rebane died of lung cancer on 8 March 1976 in Augsburg. The funeral took place on 12 March in Augsburg. In 1999, with the financial support of [[OdR]], Rebane's ashes were transferred to Estonia, where he was once again ceremonially buried in the Tallinn Forest Cemetery with state honors. This caused a number of [[jewish]] and [[Russian]] protests, despite Rebane not being convicted of any [[war crimes]].

	===Plaque===		===Plaque===
	In June 2018, a plaque commemorating Rebane was unveiled on ~~tbe~~ wall of a private building in Mustla where he had lived.The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested ~~tbe~~ unveiling.		In June 2018, a plaque commemorating Rebane was unveiled on the wall of a private building in Mustla where he had lived.The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested the unveiling.

	== Awards and decorations==		== Awards and decorations==
Line 58:		Line 58:
	* War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with Swords		* War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with Swords
	* [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Tapferkeits-_und_Verdienstauszeichnung_f%C3%BCr_Angeh%C3%B6rige_der_Ostv%C3%B6lker ''Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Angehörige der Ostvölker''], 2nd Class in Bronze und Silver		* [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Tapferkeits-_und_Verdienstauszeichnung_f%C3%BCr_Angeh%C3%B6rige_der_Ostv%C3%B6lker ''Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Angehörige der Ostvölker''], 2nd Class in Bronze und Silver
	*[[Knight's Cross of ~~tbe~~ Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]		*[[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]
	** Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of ~~tbe~~ Estonian voluntary battalion 658<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 350.</ref>		** Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the Estonian voluntary battalion 658<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 350.</ref>
	** 875th Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 as ''[[SS-Obersturmbannführer]]'' and commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment of ~~tbe~~ SS 46<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.</ref>		** 875th Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 as ''[[SS-Obersturmbannführer]]'' and commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment of the SS 46<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.</ref>
	***Alfons Rebane received ~~tbe~~ Knight's Cross of ~~tbe~~ Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of ~~tbe~~ estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in ~~tbe~~ [[28th Jäger Division (Germany)\|28. Jäger-Division]], at ~~tbe~~ [[time]] a Wehrmacht division and not part of ~~tbe~~ Waffen-SS. His nomination of ~~tbe~~ Oak Leaves was submitted to ~~tbe~~ ''Heeres Personalamt'' (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Bundesarchiv_(BRD)#Abteilung_Milit.C3.A4rarchiv ''Bundesarchiv'']) only hold a copy of ~~tbe~~ nomination. The nomination list for ~~tbe~~ higher grade of ~~tbe~~ Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates ~~tbe~~ nomination on 2 April 1945. The Order Commission of ~~tbe~~ [[Association of Knight's Cross Recipients]] (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on [[8 May 1945]]. The sequential number "875" was assigned by ~~tbe~~ AKCR, ~~tbe~~ date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of ~~tbe~~ AKCR.<ref>Scherzer 2007, p. 165.</ref>		***Alfons Rebane received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in the [[28th Jäger Division (Germany)\|28. Jäger-Division]], at the [[time]] a Wehrmacht division and not part of the Waffen-SS. His nomination of the Oak Leaves was submitted to the ''Heeres Personalamt'' (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Bundesarchiv_(BRD)#Abteilung_Milit.C3.A4rarchiv ''Bundesarchiv'']) only hold a copy of the nomination. The nomination list for the higher grade of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates the nomination on 2 April 1945. The Order Commission of the [[Association of Knight's Cross Recipients]] (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on [[8 May 1945]]. The sequential number "875" was assigned by the AKCR, the date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of the AKCR.<ref>Scherzer 2007, p. 165.</ref>

	==Further reading==		==Further reading==

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:53, 26 April 2024
Line 13:		Line 13:
	\|rank =[[SS-Standartenführer\|Waffen-Standartenführer der SS]] (colonel)		\|rank =[[SS-Standartenführer\|Waffen-Standartenführer der SS]] (colonel)
	\|commands =		\|commands =
	\|unit = 1929, 1st Armored Train Regiment<br/>1935, Viljandi County Territorial Regiment<br/>1939, Lääne County Territorial Regiment<br/>1940, Commandant of Lihula<br/>1941, 184th Security Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1943, 658th (Estonian) Ost Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1944, [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of ~~the~~ SS (1st Estonian)]]<br/>1947 MI6		\|unit = 1929, 1st Armored Train Regiment<br/>1935, Viljandi County Territorial Regiment<br/>1939, Lääne County Territorial Regiment<br/>1940, Commandant of Lihula<br/>1941, 184th Security Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1943, 658th (Estonian) Ost Battalion, [[Wehrmacht]]<br/>1944, [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of tbe SS (1st Estonian)]]<br/>1947 MI6
	\|battles =[[Eastern Front (World War II)\|World War II: Eastern Front]]		\|battles =[[Eastern Front (World War II)\|World War II: Eastern Front]]
	\|awards =[[Iron cross\|Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class]]<br>[[Knight's Cross of ~~the~~ Iron Cross\|Knight's Cross of ~~the~~ Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]		\|awards =[[Iron cross\|Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class]]<br>[[Knight's Cross of tbe Iron Cross\|Knight's Cross of tbe Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]
	\|relations = ∞ 1931 Agnia Soomets (daughter Tiiu died young)		\|relations = ∞ 1931 Agnia Soomets (daughter Tiiu died young)
	\|laterwork =MI6		\|laterwork =MI6
	}}		}}
	'''Alfons Vilhelm Robert Rebane''' (b. 24 June 1908 in Valga, Governorate of Livonia, [[Russian Empire]]; d. 8 March 1976 in Augsburg, [[Bavaria]], [[West Germany]]) was an [[Estonia]]n military officer. During [[World War II]], he commanded several Estonian units attached to [[Wehrmacht]] and [[Waffen-SS]], among them ~~the~~ [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of ~~the~~ SS]]. He was awarded with [[Knight's Cross of ~~the~~ Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]], ~~the~~ highest military decoration that an Estonian has ever received.		'''Alfons Vilhelm Robert Rebane''' (b. 24 June 1908 in Valga, Governorate of Livonia, [[Russian Empire]]; d. 8 March 1976 in Augsburg, [[Bavaria]], [[West Germany]]) was an [[Estonia]]n military officer. During [[World War II]], he commanded several Estonian units attached to [[Wehrmacht]] and [[Waffen-SS]], among them tbe [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of tbe SS]]. He was awarded with [[Knight's Cross of tbe Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]], tbe highest military decoration that an Estonian has ever received.

	==Life==		==Life==
	[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]		[[File:Drei Ritterkreuzträger Estlands - Alfons Rebane (links), SS-Unterscharführer Harald Nugiseks und Harald Riipalu, Spätsommer 1944.png\|thumb\|305px\|Three Knight's Cross recipients of Estonia: SS-Obersturmbannführer Alfons Rebane (left), SS-Unterscharführer [[Harald Nugiseks]] (center) and SS-Obersturmbannführer [[Harald Riipalu]] (right), late summer 1944]]
	===Early life and career===		===Early life and career===
	Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended ~~the~~ secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended ~~the~~ Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on ~~the~~ armoured train "Captain Irv" of ~~the~~ 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian [[Independence]] Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in ~~the~~ Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in ~~the~~ Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was ~~the~~ Commandant of [[Lihula]].		Rebane was born in [[Valga]] in southern [[Estonia]]. In 1920 Rebane, son of a railway official, attended tbe secondary school in [[Narva]]. From 1926 to 1929 he attended tbe Estonian War Collegeand graduated it with first class honours. He served as an infantry officer on tbe armoured train "Captain Irv" of tbe 1st Armored Train Regiment as a second lieutenant in 1929. Married in 1931 to Agnia Soomets, they had one daughter Tiiu who died soon afterwards. On Estonian [[Independence]] Day, 24 February 24 [[1933]], Rebane was promoted to first lieutenant. From 1935 to 1939 served as junior instructor in tbe Defence League Viljandi County Territorial Regiment, between 1939-1940 in tbe Lääne County Territorial Regiment. From January to June 1940 Rebane was tbe Commandant of [[Lihula]].

	===World War II===		===World War II===
	Rebane served as an officer in ~~the~~ [[Estonian Army]] until ~~the~~ Soviet troops occupied ~~the~~ country in 1940. The Soviets disbanded ~~the~~ Estonian Army and arrested and executed ~~the~~ entire Estonian high command. More junior officers, such as Rebane, were dismissed after a short, forced service due to their lack of "[[political]] reliability" and were liable to be deported. For a while, Rebane worked on constructions, then fled into ~~the~~ forests when ~~the~~ Soviets began mass deportations in 1941. He established and led an anti-Soviet [[Forest Brothers]] unit in Northern Estonia in May 1941.		Rebane served as an officer in tbe [[Estonian Army]] until tbe Soviet troops occupied tbe country in 1940. The Soviets disbanded tbe Estonian Army and arrested and executed tbe entire Estonian high command. More junior officers, such as Rebane, were dismissed after a short, forced service due to their lack of "[[political]] reliability" and were liable to be deported. For a while, Rebane worked on constructions, then fled into tbe forests when tbe Soviets began mass deportations in 1941. He established and led an anti-Soviet [[Forest Brothers]] unit in Northern Estonia in May 1941.

	After [[German]] units had reached Northern Estonia, Rebane joined ~~the~~ German [[Wehrmacht]] and went on to fight against ~~the~~ Soviets in Northwestern [[Russia]], subsequently becoming ~~the~~ captain of ~~the~~ 184th Security Battalion, then Major of ~~the~~ Estonian 658th Eastern Battalion. In February 1944 Major Rebane's unit was transferred to ~~the~~ Narva Front and attached to ~~the~~ [[Wehrmacht]]'s 26th Army Corps on March 2. On April 27, 1944, ~~the~~ unit was released from ~~the~~ [[Wehrmacht]] and Rebane was reluctantly drafted into ~~the~~ newly-formed [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of ~~the~~ SS (1st Estonian)\|20th (Estonian) Division]] of ~~the~~ [[Waffen-SS]], eventually becoming [[colonel]] of ~~the~~ 47th Waffen-Grenadier Regiment.		After [[German]] units had reached Northern Estonia, Rebane joined tbe German [[Wehrmacht]] and went on to fight against tbe Soviets in Northwestern [[Russia]], subsequently becoming tbe captain of tbe 184th Security Battalion, then Major of tbe Estonian 658th Eastern Battalion. In February 1944 Major Rebane's unit was transferred to tbe Narva Front and attached to tbe [[Wehrmacht]]'s 26th Army Corps on March 2. On April 27, 1944, tbe unit was released from tbe [[Wehrmacht]] and Rebane was reluctantly drafted into tbe newly-formed [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of tbe SS (1st Estonian)\|20th (Estonian) Division]] of tbe [[Waffen-SS]], eventually becoming [[colonel]] of tbe 47th Waffen-Grenadier Regiment.

	The Estonian division played a significant role in ~~the~~ [[Battle of Narva]] and ~~the~~ [[Battle of Emajõgi]], holding back ~~the~~ Soviet re-occupation of Estonia until ~~the~~ September 1944 while [[suffering]] heavy casualties. Rebane's unit was then evacuated to [[Germany]] for refitting and saw more action on ~~the~~ [[Eastern Front (World War II)\|Eastern Front]] in ~~the~~ spring of 1945.		The Estonian division played a significant role in tbe [[Battle of Narva]] and tbe [[Battle of Emajõgi]], holding back tbe Soviet re-occupation of Estonia until tbe September 1944 while [[suffering]] heavy casualties. Rebane's unit was then evacuated to [[Germany]] for refitting and saw more action on tbe [[Eastern Front (World War II)\|Eastern Front]] in tbe spring of 1945.

	Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in ~~the~~ final days of ~~the~~ war evaded capture by ~~the~~ Soviets and managed to reach ~~the~~ Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as ~~the~~ "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.		Despite being encircled several times, Rebane was amongst a small group of Estonian soldiers who in tbe final days of tbe war evaded capture by tbe Soviets and managed to reach tbe Americans to surrender. Soldiers who fought in units under his command were often colloquially referred to as tbe "Fox cubs" (''Rebane'' translates to "fox" in Estonian). Rebane was nicknamed "Estonian Rommel" for his leadership and tactical skills.
	===Post-war===		===Post-war===
	[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at ~~the~~ forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to ~~the~~ left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]		[[File:Die Urne von Alfons Rebane trifft aus Augsburg kommend auf dem Waldfriedhof in Tallinn ein, 1999.png\|thumb\|305px\|Alfons Rebane's urn arrives at tbe forest cemetery in Tallinn from Augsburg, 1999; to tbe left his old comrade [[Harald Nugiseks]].]]
	[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]		[[File:Wolfram Kertz am Grabe des Ritterkreuzträgers Alfons Rebane.png\|thumb\|305px\|Oberst der Reserve a. D. [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kertz,_Wolfram Wolfram Kertz] with an moving eulogy in German]]
	After World War II, Rebane joined ~~the~~ British Secret [[Intelligence]] Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting ~~the~~ armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led ~~the~~ Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into ~~the~~ 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from ~~the~~ British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.		After World War II, Rebane joined tbe British Secret [[Intelligence]] Service (MI6) where he played a key role in assisting tbe armed resistance to Soviet rule in Estonia and other Baltic countries. He led tbe Estonian portion of MI6's [[Operation Jungle]] well into tbe 1950s. In 1961, Rebane retired from tbe British intelligence services and moved to Germany, where he stayed until his death.

	==Death==		==Death==
	SS Standartenführer a. D. Alfons Rebane died of lung cancer on 8 March 1976 in Augsburg. The funeral took place on 12 March in Augsburg. In 1999, with ~~the~~ financial support of [[OdR]], Rebane's ashes were transferred to Estonia, where he was once again ceremonially buried in ~~the~~ Tallinn Forest Cemetery with state honors. This caused a number of [[jewish]] and [[Russian]] protests, despite Rebane not being convicted of any [[war crimes]].		SS Standartenführer a. D. Alfons Rebane died of lung cancer on 8 March 1976 in Augsburg. The funeral took place on 12 March in Augsburg. In 1999, with tbe financial support of [[OdR]], Rebane's ashes were transferred to Estonia, where he was once again ceremonially buried in tbe Tallinn Forest Cemetery with state honors. This caused a number of [[jewish]] and [[Russian]] protests, despite Rebane not being convicted of any [[war crimes]].

	===Plaque===		===Plaque===
	In June 2018, a plaque commemorating Rebane was unveiled on ~~the~~ wall of a private building in Mustla where he had lived.The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested ~~the~~ unveiling.		In June 2018, a plaque commemorating Rebane was unveiled on tbe wall of a private building in Mustla where he had lived.The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested tbe unveiling.

	== Awards and decorations==		== Awards and decorations==
Line 58:		Line 58:
	* War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with Swords		* War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with Swords
	* [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Tapferkeits-_und_Verdienstauszeichnung_f%C3%BCr_Angeh%C3%B6rige_der_Ostv%C3%B6lker ''Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Angehörige der Ostvölker''], 2nd Class in Bronze und Silver		* [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Tapferkeits-_und_Verdienstauszeichnung_f%C3%BCr_Angeh%C3%B6rige_der_Ostv%C3%B6lker ''Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Angehörige der Ostvölker''], 2nd Class in Bronze und Silver
	*[[Knight's Cross of ~~the~~ Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]		*[[Knight's Cross of tbe Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]]
	** Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of ~~the~~ Estonian voluntary battalion 658<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 350.</ref>		** Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of tbe Estonian voluntary battalion 658<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 350.</ref>
	** 875th Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 as ''[[SS-Obersturmbannführer]]'' and commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment of ~~the~~ SS 46<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.</ref>		** 875th Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 as ''[[SS-Obersturmbannführer]]'' and commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment of tbe SS 46<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.</ref>
	***Alfons Rebane received ~~the~~ Knight's Cross of ~~the~~ Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of ~~the~~ estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in ~~the~~ [[28th Jäger Division (Germany)\|28. Jäger-Division]], at ~~the~~ [[time]] a Wehrmacht division and not part of ~~the~~ Waffen-SS. His nomination of ~~the~~ Oak Leaves was submitted to ~~the~~ ''Heeres Personalamt'' (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Bundesarchiv_(BRD)#Abteilung_Milit.C3.A4rarchiv ''Bundesarchiv'']) only hold a copy of ~~the~~ nomination. The nomination list for ~~the~~ higher grade of ~~the~~ Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates ~~the~~ nomination on 2 April 1945. The Order Commission of ~~the~~ [[Association of Knight's Cross Recipients]] (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on [[8 May 1945]]. The sequential number "875" was assigned by ~~the~~ AKCR, ~~the~~ date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of ~~the~~ AKCR.<ref>Scherzer 2007, p. 165.</ref>		***Alfons Rebane received tbe Knight's Cross of tbe Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of tbe estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in tbe [[28th Jäger Division (Germany)\|28. Jäger-Division]], at tbe [[time]] a Wehrmacht division and not part of tbe Waffen-SS. His nomination of tbe Oak Leaves was submitted to tbe ''Heeres Personalamt'' (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Bundesarchiv_(BRD)#Abteilung_Milit.C3.A4rarchiv ''Bundesarchiv'']) only hold a copy of tbe nomination. The nomination list for tbe higher grade of tbe Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates tbe nomination on 2 April 1945. The Order Commission of tbe [[Association of Knight's Cross Recipients]] (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on [[8 May 1945]]. The sequential number "875" was assigned by tbe AKCR, tbe date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of tbe AKCR.<ref>Scherzer 2007, p. 165.</ref>

	==Further reading==		==Further reading==