Hando Ruus

Who was Hando Ruus?

Hando Ruus was an Estonian SS-Hauptsturmführer in World War II, serving in Battalion "Narva" and in the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. His nickname was Tou.

After graduation of art school Ruus joined Estonian Army serving in 10th Independent Infantry Battalion. On July 6, 1940 after finishing officer courses, Ruus was promoted to Sergeant and on September 8, 1940 he was assigned to a reserve unit.

In 1941 Hando Ruus didn't follow the mobilization call of the Soviet Army. He decided to hide himself in the woods and became a Forest Brother. He became a group leader of Saku Omakaitse. In 1941 he volunteered for Wehrmacht where he was promoted to lieutenant and later sent to the Estonian Legion. He started serving in SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier Bataillon Narva which was simply known as Battalion "Narwa".

After Battalion "Narva" was ordered to be separated from Estonian Legion and united with 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking, Ruus was promoted to company leader where he led his unit in all battles that "Narva" was involved in, including the Battle of Izium and Battle of Cherkasy. In Cherkasy Ruus got wounded and was sent to Riga.