Recalling Estonia's World War II Displaced Population

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Autumn of '44, Estonians beset with unease, as the Red Army marched towards their homeland, saw about 80K individuals escape to Germany, Sweden, and other nations, later settling in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Let's recall the ordeal faced by our Estonian elders who were forced to leave their motherland due to the looming terror and oppression of Soviet domination.

With the German front on the verge of crumbling, fearing the Soviet takeover, Estonians fled during August and September of '44. Weighing their lives on fragile wooden fishing boats, these war-weary souls sought refuge in any ship that stayed afloat.

Estonians began seeking refuge in Sweden as early as spring '43, but it was the exodus in '44 that reached its zenith. From the 19th to the 23rd of September, when it became apparent the German forces were unable to fend off Soviet aggression, the exodus peaked.

The Estonian populace did not favor any occupying force. Their nation had found itself sandwiched between the malevolent armies of Nazi Germany and the menacing Soviet Union during World War II. The Soviet occupation from '40-'41 had brought untold suffering, compared to the comparatively less miserable Nazi occupation, instilling a crippling fear of the communist states among the Estonians.

The brutal policies of the Soviet Union were vividly evident. Over 10K individuals were exiled to Siberia, countless politicians, judges, clergy, business magnates, and landowners were executed or imprisoned. Commercially productive lands and businesses were stolen, and the dreaded NKVD, the Soviet secret police, had committed at least one prisoner massacre in Tartu, executing 193 detainees.

The stormy seas and relentless enemy fire claimed the lives of about 9% of the refugees. Most found refuge in Sweden and Germany, while thousands ended up in displaced persons' (DP) camps in Germany, making it their temporary home for several years.

Post-World War II, Europe lay in ruins, with an estimated loss of 60M lives. Over 11M to 20M Europeans were displaced, leaving nations divided and devastated. Germany, under occupation by the Allied forces, was left with millions of homeless, relying on aid for survival. Approximately 200K Baltic people were registered as displaced persons in Germany by '45, with 33K being Estonian refugees.

In '45, the military missions in the British, American, and French sectors established DP camps to provide temporary shelter, sustenance, and medical care for the refugees. Hundreds of these camps sprawled across Germany, Austria, and Italy. Running of the camps was later handed over to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) in '47 and the International Refugee Organization (IRO) by '48.

The initial intent of the DP camps was to repatriate people to their respective countries of origin as quickly as possible. By the end of '45, around 5M displaced persons were successfully repatriated. However, the Baltic peoples proved an exception. Despite the war's end, their countries continued to be held captive by the Soviet Army, making returning home a death sentence.

Life in these DP camps was filled with uncertainty and fear of extradition to the Soviet Union. DPs were divided by nationality, and upon arrival, they were registered with their details and given a Displaced Persons (DP) identification number. Many DPs hoped the US Army might intervene to save Estonia from the Red Army, but it was never a priority. For the Estonians living in these DP camps, they were left with no choice but to adapt and survive.

Memories of Geislingen Camp, located near Stuttgart (American sector), are reminiscent of a "Hilton resort." Conditions were far better than what many DPs experienced in other camps, with families occupying confiscated German homes, providing some semblance of privacy. The camp was primarily Estonian, with around 2,000 residents constructing a vibrant cultural community within its boundaries.

Emotions ran high within DP camps. Many found love, by necessity distractions in these dire times, paving the way for new families. Australia's DP Group Resettlement Scheme presented a ray of hope for many, offering a chance to escape from the mire that was Europe. Excluding the need for sponsorship, Australia welcomed families, bringing a much-needed sense of security for separated individuals.

One can't help but marvel at the resilience displayed by the displaced Estonians, as they adapted and contributed to their adopted countries, imparting their skills, culture, and cuisine, enriching the lives of their fellow citizens. Australia has indeed reaped the benefits of its diverse and harmonious immigrant population, standing tall among the nations that accepted refugees.

Shared Tales:- Venezuela: 17K Refugees- Belgium: 22K Refugees- Brazil: 29K Refugees- Argentina: 33K Refugees- France: 38K Refugees- UK: 86K Refugees- Canada: 157,687 Refugees- Australia: 182,159 Refugees- United States: 400,000 Refugees

Photos Courtesy of Tania Lestal and Estonica.org.

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