Belarusian Home Defence
The Belarusian Home Defence, or Belarusian Home Guard (Belarusian: Беларуская краёвая абарона, romanized: Biełaruskaja krajovaja abarona, BKA; German: Weißruthenische Heimwehr) were collaborationist volunteer battalions formed by the Belarusian Central Council (1943–1944), a pro-Nazi Belarusian self-government within Reichskommissariat Ostland during World War II. The BKA operated from February 23, 1944 to April 28, 1945. The 20,000 strong Belarusian Home Defence Force was formed under the leadership of Commissioner-General Curt von Gottberg, with logistical help from the German 36th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS known as the "Poachers' Brigade" commanded by Oskar Dirlewanger.
| Belarusian Home Defence | |
|---|---|
| Беларуская краёвая абарона Bielaruskaja krajovaja abarona | |
| Active | February 23, 1944 – April 28, 1945 |
| Country | Reichskommissariat Ostland |
| Allegiance | Belarusian Central Council Nazi Germany |
| Size | 28,000 troops |
| Patron | Radasłaŭ Astroŭski |
| Anniversaries | February 23 |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Barys Rahula Francišak Kušal Ivan Yermachenka |
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