The major leave in Denmark
8 September – 13 October 1942
After a frontline deployment that had left its mark even on the most hardened Danish soldiers, leave was finally granted. However, the leave itself also left its mark on those who returned. They had assumed that the Danish population would see and understand the hardships and ordeals they had endured, and that they had gone through this harsh training and the frightening experiences at the front for Denmark, and therefore needed support and recognition. But things did not turn out entirely that way—the mood in Denmark had begun to shift, and groups of civilians made this increasingly clear. During the leave period, especially in Copenhagen, some unrest arose, along with various stories, including one about shooting on a public street in front of civilians. It turned out to involve, among others, Per Søren, J. Nielsen, and 3–4 others who, in a state of excitement/intoxication, fired at street lamps.
Here is a prominent photo series from the DNSAP press service of Frikorps’ leave march through the streets of Copenhagen on 8 September 1942.
SS-Untersturmführer (Ustuf.) Per Sørensen with the Iron Cross 1st Class (EK I) and Thor Jørgensen on the left flank.
Frikorps personnel, note the sleeve stripe (Gothic script), which was the early version originating from the Treskau clothing depot. When the Frikorps arrived in Mitau, the “dress” uniforms from the Treskau depot were prepared, and they were issued these in order to go on leave in proper attire. Many had bought welcome flowers for the volunteers, but as Robert L. Hansen once said, “some had bloody well forgotten to remove the flower pot first.”
A Wehrmacht military band stood ready to receive the returning Danes.
Prominent figures received the Danish volunteers: G. Pancke, the Danish General E. Görtz, and Kanstein.
DNSAP soon after published a postcard series with photos from the parade.
Before the Danes went on leave, they were briefed on the situation in Denmark and what was expected of them. Direct instructions on behavior were also given.