[citation needed] The new 3rd Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade had by November 1943, 5,099 men and was ready for active service.

[citation needed] In October the brigade was first allocated anti-partisan duties in northern Belarus.

At the end of October, the Red Army broke through the German lines after intense fighting in the nearby Nevel section of the front.

Since the German command had no reserves in the area, the Estonian Brigade was transferred to the front line where it pushed the Soviet forces back 5-15 kilometers by 13 November.

[1] The Brigade was put under command of the VIII Corps of Army Group North.