Paul Maitla

Paul Maitla (born Paul Mathiesen; March 27, 1913 – May 10, 1945) was an Estonian commander in the German Waffen-SS during World War II. He is one of the four Estonians who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany. He received his award for his actions during the Battle of Tannenberg Line.

Early life

Paul was the youngest of three children of the family. His brother died in the Estonian War of Independence, 8 years older sister had died in Estonia a few years after World War II. Paul Maitla attended elementary school in Sipe from 1921, Tartu Kommertsgümnaasium from 1927, graduating from the Poeglaste secondary school in 1934. and he received the Iron Cross II class on 8 December for bravery.

Maitla was appointed a Hauptsturmführer (captain) and in April 1944 he was commander of the 1st Battalion of the 45th Regiment of the newly formed 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian). In the same year, Maitla with his battalion took part in the Battle of Auvere and received the Iron Cross I class. On 29 July, he and his battalion took part in the Battle of Tannenberg Line for which he was awarded the Knights Cross on 23 August.

The fate of Paul Maitla was uncertain for number of decades, until some information was discovered in 2005 in the city archives of the Czech town of Nymburk. These archives show that Maitla was arrested on May 9, 1945, and tried and executed together with 4 other Estonian soldiers after the war on May 10 by Czech communists.

Quote

Awards Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 August 1944 as Waffen-Hauptsturmführer and leader of the I./Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment 45 of the SS (estn. Nr. 1)