Idel Ural Legion

The Volga-Tatar Legion (German: Wolgatatarische Legion) or Legion Idel-Ural (Janalif: Idel-Ural Legionь) was a volunteer Wehrmacht unit composed of Muslim Volga Tatar, but also included other Idel-Ural peoples such as Bashkirs, Chuvashes, Mari people, Tatars, Udmurt people, and Mordva.[1][2]

A Volga Tatar in German uniform
A Volga Tatar Wehrmacht unit

The legion was established in 1942 and comprised around 12,500 men, spread over seven battalions with the numbers 825 to 831. On February 23, 1943, near Vitebsk, the entire 825 battalion (about 900 soldiers) went over to the partisans.

One of the most notable members of the legion was Tatar poet Musa Cälil, who was later executed by the Gestapo for sabotage.


One of three patches used in the Legion Idel-Ural (Wolgatatarische)
One of three patches used in the Legion Idel-Ural (Wolgatatarische)

See also

References
  1. http://stosstruppen39-45.tripod.com/id10.html Hitler's Soviet Muslim Legions
  2. http://anthrocivitas.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6814 Volga Tatar Legion Idel-Ural signs Idel-Ural Legionaries brought together about 40,000 volunteers mainly ex-prisoners of war.
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