Mitau, Latvia
1942
Back from before the 1st World War, a large barracks complex called “Hindenburg” was built here. Mitau is located about 30 km south/west of Riga and is today called Jelgava. The barracks buildings are still there and are used by the Latvian Home Guard and as a local police station. The Danish Free Corps was pulled out from the frontline in Demjansk, Russia to this barracks to be reorganized, de-loused and get ready for war. The Free Corps arrived on 12.8.1942 and left again on 13.10.1942 to go on leave to Denmark. After leave, they returned on 18.10.1942 to complete a final training course and get ready for winter duty on the front.
The large box-shaped buildings were a good setting for the now experienced soldiers and were excellently suited for training and further education.
The time spent at the cash register was used, among other things, to complete a non-commissioned officer’s training/school. In the middle of the photo is party member Ejner Jørgensen, who had joined the Frikorps for the occasion. To the right is Ejgild Poulsen and next to him (to the right) is the infamous Jens “Lyn” Nielsen.