Ostlegionen

Osttruppen were frequently stationed away from front lines and used for coastal defence or rear-area activities, such as security operations, thus freeing up regular German forces for front-line service.

They belonged to two distinct types of units: Members of Osteinheiten usually faced execution or harsh terms of imprisonment, if they were captured by Soviet forces or repatriated to the USSR by the western Allies.

In 1944, a number of Ost-Bataillone were stationed in northern France, in anticipation of an Allied invasion of Western Europe.

Units that fought in Normandy against Allied Operation Overlord were part of the German 243rd and 709th Static Infantry Divisions, positioned in the vicinity of the Utah, Juno and Sword invasion beaches.

[2] Ost-Bataillone were also present in southern France, during the Allied landings codenamed Operation Dragoon (August 1944).

Soldiers of the Turkestan Legion in France, c. 1943 .
Members of the North Caucasian Legion in France in 1943.
Uniform of Ukrainian soldier part of Ostlegionen during WW2
Russian soldiers performing a traditional dance, 1944.