Soomepoiss: Leo Peeter Lembaru / 1.8.1920 – 19.9.1944 / (24.y.o)

Facebook group “Eesti ajalugu” (Estonian History) mediated “Soomepoisid” (Finnish Boys) group post recently deceased soomepoiss Raul Kuutma / 3.8.1924 – 17.7.2021 / at age of 97 years. That brought up topic circulating among the history buffs of a Tartu front-line 1944 occasion where bothers-in-arms had to swing died from wounds soomepoiss to the burning house due to inability to bury the body and in fright of leaving it to the Red Army to disfigure later they had to opt for swinging into a burning building. As a result, there was factual confirmation by moderators of “Soomepoisid” group who gave precise description of events with correct chronology.

Vänrikki (Finnish army 2nd Lieutenant *) LEO PEETER LEMBARU 100

/ 1.8.1920 – 19.9.1944 /

vänrikki

Born in Pärnumaa, Tihemetsa, graduated Viljandi District Gymnasium and Military Academy post-graduate course, served as policeman in Tallinn. Went to Finland in September 1943, fought at Rajajoe, Karelian Isthmus, at Bay of Viiburi, and Vuoksi, awarded VR4 (Finnish Cross of Liberty, Class 4*). Back to Estonia on 19.08.1944, fought at Tartu front-line as a head of platoon and company.

The defence line of the battalion was on 19.09 at Jõgeva.

Due to German mortar battery miscalculation of fire distance and some of the mortar rounds landing too close, shrapnel of the exploded ordinances at the treetops wounded seriously and killed several men, among them vänkrikki VAAS and LEMBARU, who died from the wounds.

Died from the wounds on the way to the emergency station, but due to heavy enemy fire his body couldn’t be buried. In attempt to avoid his remains to be left to the Red Army, and later mutilated, the body was thrown into a burning building.

https://www.facebook.com/soomepoisid/posts/4935648319794005

* SA VALDEF remark

Vapauden Risti 4