| Belarusian Home Defence | |
|---|---|
| Беларуская краёвая абарона Bielaruskaja krajovaja abarona | |
 Cap badge of the BKA[1] | |
| Active | February 23, 1944 – April 28, 1945 |
| Country |  Reichskommissariat Ostland |
| Allegiance |  Belarusian Central Council Nazi Germany |
| Size | 28,000 troops[2] |
| Patron | Radasłaŭ Astroŭski |
| Anniversaries | February 23 |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Barys Rahula Francišak Kušal Ivan Yermachenka |
The Belarusian Home Defence,[3] or Belarusian Home Guard (Belarusian: Беларуская краёвая абарона, romanized: Biełaruskaja krajovaja abarona, BKA; German: Weißruthenische Heimwehr)[4] 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.[5] 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,[5] with logistical help from the German 36th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS known as the "Poachers' Brigade" commanded by Oskar Dirlewanger.[5]
- ^ Littlejohn, David (1994). Foreign Legions of the Third Reich. Volume 4. United States of America: R. James Publishing. p. 322. ISBN 9780912138299.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Mironowiczwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Wilson 2011, also: Home Defence Force.
- ^ Abbott 1983, p. 16.
- ^ a b c Wilson 2011, p. 113.