German-Russian volunteer Idel Ural Legion cap cockade
These badges were all found at the same place. The guy who found them said the following:
"I found all the cockades and Jäger badges north of Berlin in a former camp. I suspect that since there were a large number, they should probably be passed on to the Cossacks and Eastern front units. But then the war ended, and everything was hidden. "
These badges were worn on the Ubanka(Typical Cossack fur cap), see attached picture. Could also be worn on a visor cap or side cap. They were always sewn in place and you can see the 4 holes meant for that purpose.
These were used together with their "German "uniform with special insignia and the well known cloth patch we is much more commonly encountered.
These cockades are extremely hard to find, if you ever find them most are newly painted.
Condition is very good with almost complete ORIGINAL paint. Stamped iron.
Roughly 35 x 25 mm.
HISTORY;
The Volga-Tatar Legion (German: Wolgatatarische Legion) or Legion Idel-Ural (Janalif: Idel-Ural Legionь) denoted a series of units within the Wehrmacht in World War II. It was recruited among Muslim Volga Tatar in the Soviet Union, but also included other Idel-Ural peoples such as Bashkirs, Chuvashes, Mari people, Tatars, Udmurt people, and Mordva.
The legion was established in 1942 and comprised around 12,500 men, spread over seven battalions with the numbers 825 to 831. On February 23, 1943, near Vitebsk, the entire 825 battalion (about 900 soldiers) went over to the partisans.
One of the most notable members of the legion was Tatar poet Musa Cälil, who was later executed by the Gestapo for sabotage.
