SS Obersturmbannfuhrer Haralt Riipalu

[Paul E]

Hope someone can help,

I am tyrying to find out where / when and by whom Riipalu was taken prisoner ?

I know that he was still in command of a Kampfgruppe in late March 1945 during the 20th Estonian SS Divisons breakout from the Oppeln pocket but what happened after that ?

Many thanks in advance

Paul

[Jens]

He was captured in Denmark and questioned by CIC ( British Army) I have a copy of a photo of him i Denmark.

Several Estonian units were in Denmark in may 45.

regards Jens

[RaymondG]

Hi Paul

I have a reference that he died 4.4.60 in Heckmondwike. I believe Heckmondwike is in West Yorkshire, England

Source: 'Fuhrerliste der Waffen SS" by John P Moore.

Best wishes

Raymond

[Paul E]

Thanks Jens,

That helps to clarify how he ended up in Britain and settled here , could you share the Denmark photo ?

Raymond,

Heckmondwike is indeed in West Yorkshire however the date of death is 4/4/1961.

Regards

Paul

[Jens]

Hello Paul.

Glad to help! I will try to make a scan of the Picture.

regards Jens