Oskar Ruut

Who was Oskar Ruut?

Oskar Ruut was an Estonian Hauptsturmführer in World War II, who served in the famous Battalion Narva and in 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS.

Oskar Ruut was born in Valga where he studied in Valga grade school and later in Valga Gymnasium. After graduating from gymnasium Ruut joined the Estonian Army serving in 3rd Infantry Battalion placed in Valga. Ruut was promoted to kapral and later sent to 7th Infantry Regiment. In civil life Ruut studied case law in the University of Tartu.

In 1941, when Estonia was occupied by Soviet Union Ruut organized a group of volunteers to fight against Red Army and Destruction battalions. His group helped to liberate Tallinn from Red Army in August 1941.

In the early 1942, Ruut joined the Estonian Auxiliary Police and was sent to the line near Leningrad.

Ruut volunteered the Estonian Legion next year and was sent to SS-Junkerschule located in Bad Tölz, from where he graduated with best results from his course. He was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer. Ruut became the company leader in famous Battalion Narwa which was sent to the line at Dnieper River. He fought with Battalion Narwa in Izium and Cherkasy. He received Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class for showing bravery in these battles.