World War 2 In Review

by Ted Koppel With the launching of the German Operation BARBAROSSA against Russia on 22 June 1941, Estonians in Finland (either volunteers who had fought in the Russo-Finnish ‘Winter War’ or later escapees when Russian forces had taken over Estonia in June 1940) immediately planned a return to their occupied homeland to help in its liberation. On 23 June a special group, code-named “Erna,” was authorized and immediately began the training and orientation of Estonian volunteers. About sixty-five men were selected, including some specially trained radio operators. At the start of July, the initial group was sworn in (in Helsinki) and departed for their launching point on an island in the Gulf of Finland. After about a week’s delay due to bad weather and enemy naval movement, the main component landed their boats on the Estonian coast and moved inland with no enemy contact. Two attempts to land four more boatloads of men, escorted by Finnish torpedo boats, were intercepted by S...

Assault Pioneers on patrol. by David A. Fastabend The U.S. Army has long realized the significance of that intangible asset known as combat initiative. Initiative at all levels of command is highly touted as the great equalizer, capable of reversing unfavorable balances of men and equipment. However, there are few detailed analyses of this elusive combat quality. The following account is condensed from the U.S. Army Historical Series on the Russian Campaign, 1941-1945. The account illuminates several aspects of initiative in combat. It is possible to assess several factors that enhance combat initiative and to reach tentative conclusions on the potential performance of the U.S. Army in combat. At 0600, 3 August 1941, the Germans of Company C, 744th Engineer Regiment, were resting and seeking cover from sporadic Russian shellings. Company C had just successfully supported the assault crossing of the Kodyma River by the 239th Division. Events of the last few hours, however, were...