German soldier found after 63 years

The remains discovered in the woods near a World War II defensive line on the Sorve peninsula were lying practically on the ground and only a few meters from a well-trodden path.

"The boots were sticking out from beneath moss," Janno Vahter, a war history enthusiast, told the paper. "The soldier had apparently fallen during retreat, because he had not been buried. Moss had covered the bones."

The dog tag was found nearby, so the soldier can be identified. Further finds included a wedding ring, shaving gear, a notebook, pencils, a comb and a mirror. There was no weapon or medals. The cartridge belt was full of ammunition and the knapsack contained cartridges and a grenade. The latter was taken away by explosive ordnance disposal experts.

It has been established by now that the soldier was a member of the 68th regiment of the 23rd infantry division.

Vahter said the unit had been dispatched to recapture the Gulf of Finland island of Suursaari (Hogland) from the Finns. "Most fighters were taken prisoner or killed. How this man ended up in Saaremaa at the other end of Estoniais a mystery."

The fallen fighter will be reburied in the Narva military cemetery.