The Danish Island of Bornholm in the baltic was liberated not by the Western Allies in May 1945 - but by the Soviets on May 9th, after a prolonged air attack that destroyed 800 civilian houses and damaged 3000 more on the island. They left a year later on April 5th 1946.
Before the Russians arrived, the 12,000 strong German garrison had telegraphed to Copenhagen asking for at least ONE British soldier to be landed on the island, so they could surrender to the British! The garrison commander, Gen.von Kamptz, had had orders to surrender to the Western Allies rather than the Soviets.
What was the regime of the Soviet liberation and life for the civilian population like during that year?
The island of Bornholm
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phylo_roadking
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The island of Bornholm
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Waleed Y. Majeed
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Re: The island of Bornholm
Better than expected by the Germans. Still strict in Danish eyes compared to being actually
and truly liberated. The Soviet liberation was seen more like a new occupation by the Bornholmers.
General Dewing was actually ready to send small unit to Bornholm but stopped by Monty and Eisenhower...
Official request was to come from Danish government first... but too late. By the time this was obtained
the russians had already bombed Nexø and Rønne and by this made it clear the island was a Soviet matter
of Baltic interest! 9.000 men were stationed on Bornholm in the 11 months the "liberation" lasted.
No mention of Bornholm in the famous May 4-5 radio broadcast announcing the German capitulation.
Not the first time Bornholmers have been "forgotten" by Copenhagen (Denmarks political centre) and
the feelings towards their fellow men have not always been the best - Betrayal might be the right word!
Life was as mentioned much better than expected. Tensions all around but still "make the best out of it"
was the motto... Very uncertain 11 months - Would they return to the Kingdom (Bornholm has always been
very Royal-loyal and still are) or end up on the Eastern side of a curtain which was slowly being drawn shut.
Should be mentioned the Soviet troops behaved very well. Violations of any sort towards the local population
was not allowed in any way. Soldiers committing rape were SHOT! Stealing etc. was punished hard! If not wanting
the island after the end of "liberation/occupation" (knowing Denmark wanted it back) they at least wanted to leave a
good impression and hopefully obtain an "allied ally" in the post war bargaining and deals making.
waleed
and truly liberated. The Soviet liberation was seen more like a new occupation by the Bornholmers.
General Dewing was actually ready to send small unit to Bornholm but stopped by Monty and Eisenhower...
Official request was to come from Danish government first... but too late. By the time this was obtained
the russians had already bombed Nexø and Rønne and by this made it clear the island was a Soviet matter
of Baltic interest! 9.000 men were stationed on Bornholm in the 11 months the "liberation" lasted.
No mention of Bornholm in the famous May 4-5 radio broadcast announcing the German capitulation.
Not the first time Bornholmers have been "forgotten" by Copenhagen (Denmarks political centre) and
the feelings towards their fellow men have not always been the best - Betrayal might be the right word!
Life was as mentioned much better than expected. Tensions all around but still "make the best out of it"
was the motto... Very uncertain 11 months - Would they return to the Kingdom (Bornholm has always been
very Royal-loyal and still are) or end up on the Eastern side of a curtain which was slowly being drawn shut.
Should be mentioned the Soviet troops behaved very well. Violations of any sort towards the local population
was not allowed in any way. Soldiers committing rape were SHOT! Stealing etc. was punished hard! If not wanting
the island after the end of "liberation/occupation" (knowing Denmark wanted it back) they at least wanted to leave a
good impression and hopefully obtain an "allied ally" in the post war bargaining and deals making.
waleed