Fatherland Defense Force
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The Fatherland Defense Force (Lithuanian: Tėvynės apsaugos rinktinė or TAR) or Kampfgruppe Mäder (German: Kampfgruppe Mäder) was a short-lived military unit hastily formed in northwestern Lithuania towards the end of World War II to combat approaching Soviet forces. Formed from local Lithuanians, the unit was directly subordinate to the Wehrmacht.[1] Their German commander was Hellmuth Mäder who was hoping to raise a division.[2] However, only two ill-equipped and ill-trained regiments were actually formed.[2] The total membership is estimated at 6,000 men. On October 7, TAR took defensive positions in Seda against the 19th Tank Corps of the 6th Guards Army.[3] TAR suffered heavy losses and retreated towards Klaipėda (Memel). In East Prussia, the remaining men were reassigned to various pioneer units.[3]
Fatherland Defense Force | |
---|---|
Tėvynės apsaugos rinktinė | |
Active | July–October 1944 |
Country | Lithuania |
Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
Branch | Wehrmacht |
Type | Infantry |
Role | Defend mainland Lithuania |
Size | 6,000 men |
Part of | 9th Army (Wehrmacht) |
Staff headquarters | Plinkšės [lt], Mažeikiai District Municipality |
Nickname(s) | TAR, Mäder Regiment |
Engagements | Battle of Seda |
Commanders | |
German commander | Hellmuth Mäder |
Commander of TAR | Captain Izidorius Jatulis |
Commander of the 1st Regiment | Major Alfonsas Urbonas |
Commander of the 2nd Regiment | Lieutenant-Colonel Mečys Kareiva |