Description
Schutzmannschaft Brief History
The Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft, or Auxiliary Police—often abbreviated as Shuma were established in 1941 by Henrich Himmler to manage the occupied territory.
During the early years, over 45,000 men were included in these units, and this number grew to 300,000 by 1942. The battalions were largely composed of local volunteers and were operated under German command, with reporting directed to the Order Police (Ordnungspolizei; Orpo), while security duties and anti-partisan operations were assisted by these forces.
The units were disbanded as the Soviet front advanced in 1944, with many members either forced to flee westward or captured by Soviet forces.
