Militaria Archive

Polizei Bataillon 319 - Staraja Russa 1942

Small series of images from Polizei Bataillon 319. The writing on the backs include 'Starja Russa 1942 Ostern', 'Tigges' & 'Warschau' (the Warschau photograph came with this set but possibly does not belong). Polizei Bataillon 319 was formed in late 1940/Early 1941. Entering Russia in late July 1941. 1/319 Went through Vilnius, Kaunas and Riga between 28 August and 4 Sept. 1/319 also operated in Parnu and Lihula in Estonia. 2/319 Latvia from 25th July 1941 until 13 September transferred to Russia. Engaged in anti-partisan activity south of Lake Ilmen (under 281 Sicherungs division until 9th January 1942).3/319 - Between Late july 1941 and January 1942 3/319 operated in the Baltics and North Russia (under 207, 281 and 285 Sicherungs-division). 1st August to 10th Sept 1941 at rear of Leningrad front near lake Luga. 23 August - 11th September subordinate to Kampfgruppe 'Fechner' at Zapol'ye, Izvara, Sosnitsy and Repolka north of the River Luga. 26th September Headquartered at Pskov (in a former Soviet Military school). Late October anti-partisan activity protecting the Leningrad supply lines (with Pol.Btl.53) At this time Polizei-Regiment Nord was assigned to Sicherungs-division 281. 12th January 1942 2/319 & 1/319 at Raschucha. 3/319 south of Lake Ilmen (Staraja Russa) engaged in relief of the Demjansk Pocket (as were Polizei Regiment 27 and Infanterie Division 81) until 21 April 1942. Moved back from front line to stettin and reorganised into 1/Pol.Rgt 27 and sent to Norway, Oslo (July 1942), Bergen (march 1943). Included here are images of the graveyard of 'Kampfgruppe Pröhl', the grave of 'Heinrich Walen' (Wachtmeister der Schutzpolizei) & 'Franz Bauer' (Zugwachtmeister der Schutzpolizei).