03-08-2011, 12:16 AM
While looking for some background information to a scenario I am about to start, I found this excellent document from YouTube.
Sinimäed, The Blue Hills, were the center of some fierce action as the Red Army moved towards West in the Baltics.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tannenberg_Line
The document does an excellent job, capturing histories and moments for men, and a country, who were caught in the middle of an epic fight between two totalitarian regimes.
Interviews of Estonian veterans, from both sides, a German and Russian veteran, the document should provide for some very interesting viewing for anyone interested in one of the less documented, fierce battles of Eastern Front.
The location can be found using the search "Sinimae, Estonia" in Google Earth. It looks very tranquil at the moment.
The history buff that I am, I am often trying to find books to go with a scenario I play. I don't have that many scenarios going on, I have found this a nice way to enjoy history and to get an understanding of the both sides.
For Tannenberg line, I am considering buying this book:
Battle in the Baltics 1944-45
However, the reviews are not that good. Is anyone aware of a better book to document the histories of the three Baltic countries during the latter part of war?
For a better understanding of Estonia, I already ordered the book written b their previous prime minister:
War in the Woods, Estonia's Struggle for Survival
When the Nazis finally retreated, many Estonians turned their weapons on German supply columns, to arm themselves. The resulting guerilla organisation, "the Brotherhood of the Forests", consisting of Estonians having fought both on Red Army and on SS, fought relentlessly for Estonian independence, fighting until the 1950s. The last Forest Brother was killed, or killed himself, when found by KGB - in 1978... Many of them were betrayed by actions of the rogue British spy, Kim Philby.
Finally, the document - available, with English subtitles , at:
Sinimäed Document
It is 1944. The Red Army that moves nearly a thousand kilometres towards the west elsewhere in Europe cannot conquer three heights of land near the eastern border of Estonia - the Blue Hills. Concentrating on the destiny of Paul Maitla, a hero of these defence battles, the film tells a story of the young men who had to make their choice at this complicated time in between two totalitarian powers..
Personal histories, contemporary footage, current on location filming, interviews of surviving Estonians on both sides, Germans, Russians, discussing personal life and battle tactics... - highly recommended!
EDIT: Footage from at least these two WW2 German newsreels were included in the document (warning graphic images included)
The Battle of Narwa
Combats in Narwa
Comments, thoughts?
Sinimäed, The Blue Hills, were the center of some fierce action as the Red Army moved towards West in the Baltics.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tannenberg_Line
The document does an excellent job, capturing histories and moments for men, and a country, who were caught in the middle of an epic fight between two totalitarian regimes.
Interviews of Estonian veterans, from both sides, a German and Russian veteran, the document should provide for some very interesting viewing for anyone interested in one of the less documented, fierce battles of Eastern Front.
The location can be found using the search "Sinimae, Estonia" in Google Earth. It looks very tranquil at the moment.
The history buff that I am, I am often trying to find books to go with a scenario I play. I don't have that many scenarios going on, I have found this a nice way to enjoy history and to get an understanding of the both sides.
For Tannenberg line, I am considering buying this book:
Battle in the Baltics 1944-45
However, the reviews are not that good. Is anyone aware of a better book to document the histories of the three Baltic countries during the latter part of war?
For a better understanding of Estonia, I already ordered the book written b their previous prime minister:
War in the Woods, Estonia's Struggle for Survival
When the Nazis finally retreated, many Estonians turned their weapons on German supply columns, to arm themselves. The resulting guerilla organisation, "the Brotherhood of the Forests", consisting of Estonians having fought both on Red Army and on SS, fought relentlessly for Estonian independence, fighting until the 1950s. The last Forest Brother was killed, or killed himself, when found by KGB - in 1978... Many of them were betrayed by actions of the rogue British spy, Kim Philby.
Finally, the document - available, with English subtitles , at:
Sinimäed Document
It is 1944. The Red Army that moves nearly a thousand kilometres towards the west elsewhere in Europe cannot conquer three heights of land near the eastern border of Estonia - the Blue Hills. Concentrating on the destiny of Paul Maitla, a hero of these defence battles, the film tells a story of the young men who had to make their choice at this complicated time in between two totalitarian powers..
Personal histories, contemporary footage, current on location filming, interviews of surviving Estonians on both sides, Germans, Russians, discussing personal life and battle tactics... - highly recommended!
EDIT: Footage from at least these two WW2 German newsreels were included in the document (warning graphic images included)
The Battle of Narwa
Combats in Narwa
Comments, thoughts?