Rannakaitse rügement
One of the first units formed in 1941 after the German occupation was the short-lived Rannakaitse r�gement (Coast Guard Regiment or Coastal Infantry Regiment). The regiment was formed under the auspices of German Navy at the end of the year. The commander was colonel Villem Saarsen, an Estonian career officer, and the two battalions of the regiment were likewise commanded by Estonian officers, majors Mullart and Kõrgma.
It was intended by both the German naval officers and Estonian officers and politicians involved that the regiment would be ran solely by Estonians and even the uniforms used were those of the Estonian army. This was, however, not well looked upon by the SS, who could not tolerate such independence. In the spring of 1942 the regiment was faced with two alternatives: either join the SS or disband. Colonel Saarsen gave the command freeing all officers and men.
