Latvian Legion soldiers at Nuremberg Tribunal
Propaganda of modern day Russia, name-calling Latvian Legion soldiers “Nazis” and accusing them of “crimes against humanity” (what even Soviet propaganda in the times of highest might of the USSR was not taking liberty to do), keeps telling, that International Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal would have declared Baltic soldiers, fighting on the German side during WWII against Soviet Red Army, war criminals.
Though, as it often happens with the Russian (and formerly Soviet) mass media - the truth is considerably different. Yes, indeed, Latvian Legion soldiers had their place in Nuremberg, but in a role that is quite different from what Russian mass produced disinformation is trying to depict.
Everybody has seen soldiers with white helmets and white gloves standing along the walls in Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal hall. They are Americans. But only few know, that people dressed in similar uniforms - former Latvian and Estonian legionaries - were guarding imprisoned Nazis and securing facilities of Allied army.
Let us see what photographic images of the time and contemporaries do tell us.
"In 1946 next to English and American armies there were founded so called Guard companies. (The first one was called Viesturs company.) Legionaries were recognized as units in no way connected to the crimes of SS.” “Four companies (approx. 1000 men), including Viesturs company, in 1947 took over the guard at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice (!) and the prison!” “At their sleeves and later at their helmets there were the red-white-red national colors of Latvia” “Besides it shall be taken into account, that attitude of Allied authorities to the Nazi war criminals was very serious and consistent”. [1]
”References about the Baltic soldiers were good[...]. Almost all "viesturians" were former legionaries, therefore soldier drilling was not required, only “americanised” military code had to be adjusted to. [...] Officers and soldiers of the company were on garrison duty in several cities of Germany (from spring 1947 - were also on guard in Nuremberg Palace of Justice and the prison).” [2]
"Paramilitary units of Latvians and Estonians in Germany were also working at the Nuremberg Trials (1947 - 1949), where they were guarding war criminals. [...] guard posts were located not only at the perimeter of the Palace of Justice, but also at the doors to the cells. Baltic guards were escorting inmates to the walking areas and to the interrogations. [...] Only two functions at the Nuremberg Trials were performed by American military police: escort of inmates in the court hall and to the execution (hanging).” “When Berlin crisis took place and airlift for supply of West Berlin started to operate, viesturians were transferred to the forests near the border to secure the most important field storages of the USA Army. After that Latvian guards were transferred to the surroundings of Stuttgart to guard USA Army corps headquarters".[3]
The sign of the Viesturs company.[4]
Viesturs company being visited by the ambassador of the Latvian Republic Karlis Zarins. American Zone, Stuttgart, 1948.[5]
Ambassador Karlis Zarins visits Viesturs company. Stuttgart, 1948. g.[6],[7]
Ambassador Karlis Zarins (right) and guards of the Viesturs company. Stuttgart, 1948.[8]
On duty. Stuttgart, 1948.[9]
American zone. Stuttgart, 1948.[10],[11]
Legionaries in Nuremberg. Parade at the Palace of Justice.[12]
Legionaries in Nuremberg. Before going to guard duty at the Palace of Justice.[12]
Criminal Wing I in the Justice Prison. Nuremberg, 1947.
“It was in one of these cells along this particular corridor that Hermann Goering, Rudolf Hess, and other top Nazis were confined during their international trial.”[13] Baltic guards - former legionaries - patrol and check the cells.
Image 1: American officers discussing guard matters (left). “Behind them, peering into individual cells, are Baltic guards utilized by the U.S. Army to supplement American personnel in such work.” [14]
Image 2: American officer checks guard roster with Baltic interpreter.[15]
Baltic guards on patrol. Nuremberg, 1947.
“Baltic guards form security detatchment in the Justic(e Prison?) at Nurnberg. Her on the second and third floors they pat(rol?) the cells in Criminal Wing I. Miles of wire mesh were in(stalled?) along all catwalks to prevent suicide leaps..”[16]
Baltic guard inspects a prisoner. Nuremberg, 1947.
“A Baltic guard checks the cell of two defendants of a war crimes case at the Nurnberg Justice prison. Ports in the cell door are kept open at all times and sentinels moving along the block stop for periodic inspection of the prisoners.”[17]
Member of a Latvian paramilitary unit. English zone.
“English military authorities established paramilitary units, where DPs [i.e. “displaced persons”] could come to serve.” ”They were former legionaries, who were used to do different jobs at the [displaced persons] camp and also as guards.”[18]
English zone, Luebeck, February 1949.
English regiment commander is inspecting Latvian paramilitary unit, Latvian section commander is following him.[19]
Details of the images seen above:
- Banner of the Viesturs company sign in Latvian national colors, bearing inscription BALTIC.
- Obviously Viesturs company sleeve chevron.
- Different sleeve chevron (because of English zone?) - similar in shape to the chevrons of the Legion. Diagonally placed colors of the Latvian flag and inscription LATVIJA(?).
- Samples of helmet painting in Latvian national colors.
Sources: