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Norman Brigade

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Norman Brigade
Нормандська бригада
Normandśka Bryhada
Norman Brigade chevron
ActiveMarch 2022–present
Country Ukraine
TypeForeign volunteer brigade
RoleLight infantry
SizeUnknown
Motto(s)Beyond Words
Engagements
WebsiteOfficial Twitter page
Commanders
Current
commander		"Hrulf"[1]

The Norman Brigade (Ukrainian: Нормандська бригада, romanized: Normandśka bryhada) is a foreign unit composed of foreign volunteers which was formed in early 2022. The unit is formed by veterans and volunteers from Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, Italy, Jordan, Egypt and Norway, in addition to the United States, Canada and Britain.[2]

The name of the group alludes to the fact many Quebecers are descendants of settlers from France's Normandy region. Its members are almost entirely military veterans, who either have family in Ukraine or were simply appalled by the invasion and reports of Russian war crimes. The unit patch and badge refers to the Province of Québec's Coat of Arms: the French Fleur- de-Lysé, the Norman Leopard and the Canadian maple leaf. [3]

History

Formation

Presumably, the unit was created around early March 2022, as a reaction to the announcement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that an international fighting force would be created to help defend Ukrainian independence against the Russian invasion. The commander, going by the name "Hrulf" for security reasons, elaborated that he set up the unit for personal reasons which included "to do my part to defend Ukraine, my family and its values". Many citizens of various countries including Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, Italy, Jordan, Egypt and Norway, in addition to the United States, Canada and Britain had signed up to fight amongst the Ukrainian Armed Forces.[3] The unit included a large number of Veterans, including British, Canadian, and American, though arguably the most famous fighter that joined this unit was the "world's deadliest sniper", who went by the name of "Wali".[4]

It was alleged that the commander of the unit was a Canadian veteran who went by the name of "Hrulf", a name used to cover his identity. The unit was said to be based in a southeastern Ukrainian municipality relatively close to fierce fighting.[5]

Recruitment

The brigade has a strict set of principles for individuals who seek to join their ranks, these being relevant military experience in any combat trade, combat experience, in "acceptable" physical shape and condition, and between the ages of 18 to 45 years of age. Many positions were acknowledged to be open, this ranges from combat medics, to combat engineers, mortar specialists, mechanics, instructors, combat translators, drone operators, and electronic warfare specialists.[6]

Relations and allies

According to several publications, the brigade has several allies. A Facebook post published in July 2022, stated that in an undisclosed location, freedom fighters of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, Wallonia, and the Norman Brigade, met to discuss possible force-multiplying actions, the publication further went on thanking the accompanying units and remarked that "Ukrainians, Chechens, Wallons, and Normans are fighting against a common evil called 'Russian supremacism'. The invaders should have stayed at home".[7]

Critics of the Brigade argue that the unit has few informal ties with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and instead works primarily from "“hand-shake agreement[s]” with local militia[s]".[8] Commander "Hrulf" has countered this claim saying that the Brigade is embedded with the volunteer Ukrainian army, a claim not verified by the Ministry of Defense.[8]

Criticism

In May 2022, the National Post reported that the Brigade was facing a number of issues, including shortages of supplies and weaponry, as well as leadership concerns.[8] Canadian businessman Chris Ecklund, who has helped fund volunteers to Ukraine, has since suggested people avoid the Brigade until equipment issues can be rectified.[8] Former Brigade members complained of poor conditions in barracks and poor training. "Among almost 30 soldiers," said one former Brigade member "there were just seven or eight AK-47 assault rifles and a paltry 30-60 bullets per person".[8]

"Hrulf" rebutted these claims, suggesting that those who are critical of the unit are doing so for their own personal benefit.[8]

Russo-Ukrainian War

Several volunteers of the Norman Brigade in Ukraine.[9].

2022 Russian invasion

Due to social media publications, it is known that the unit has participated in various operations towards the Southern and Eastern directions of the frontline in Ukraine, the unit stated on a Twitter post that they had accepted and taken part in missions that spanned between the settlements of Velyka Novosilka, Neskushne, and Vremivka.[10] It is likely that the unit has participated in the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in early June, with the counteroffensive being launched on the southern front focusing on multiple directions, including Velyka Novosilka.[11] It is unknown as to how involved or whether these missions were successful, though it could be assumed that they have performed effectively due to the nature of the frontline being relatively stable and in favour of the Ukrainian defenders in the area, ultimately the brigade can be seen to be playing a somewhat pivotal position alongside their Ukrainian counterparts with their relevant and unique experience being considerably effective and useful in defending various areas of the frontline. While some claim it is unclear to what extent such foreigners will make a tangible difference in the war, the commander "Hrulf" in an interview in early 2022 had stated that they seemed to be a morale-booster for Ukraine's military and civilians.[3]

It is known that the unit has made significant contributions in providing humanitarian aid to the Southern and Eastern municipalities of Ukraine. Their efforts encompass a range of activities to support locals, such as delivering medical assistance and supplying medical personnel. The brigade further aided the survival and well-being of those affected by conflict by distributing supplies such as food, water, clothing, and other essential items. Overall, helping to alleviate the suffering and helping civilians in these regions. A Twitter publication stated that the people of the agglomerations of Velyka Novosilka, Neskushne and Vremivka, had "suffered so much".[10]

Notable members

A former Canadian Armed Forces sniper, famously going by the name of "Wali", had stated he connected with several other Canadian veterans as well as former British soldiers on their arrival in Poland through his network, making their way to Ukraine to fight against the Russian invasion. At the time, the Norman Brigade was a group of former Canadian soldiers that had started a humanitarian effort to deliver aid in Eastern Ukraine, it was also known that he was conducting reconnaissance patrols due to photographs shared by him on social media.[4] The sniper is no longer affiliated with the Brigade as of May 2022 after reports the commander challenged him to a fistfight.[8] Despite this, "Wali" said of "Hrulf" "I personally like the NB commander... He is a good fighter and warrior…. We are all on the same side against Russians and that’s what matters the most.”[8]

Additionally, another former member of the brigade that is somewhat known, Joshua Jones from the United States, was killed in action at the frontline while under the command of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine. It was acknowledged that Joshua had passed away during a mission which involved taking a trench occupied by Russian forces, serving under the command of the brigade from May until June 2022. Social media posts mentioned that he embodied the "core values of a Norman" that were displayed on the battlefield.[12]

See also

  • Canadian-Ukrainian Brigade – A foreign brigade made up of international fighters, those typically from Canada, serving in the Ukrainian International Legion.
  • Azov Brigade – The Azov Assault Brigade, similarly it has taken a role in allowing the recruitment of foreign fighters from countries such as the United Kingdom.

References

  1. ^ "Canadian infantry veteran enters 'living hell' in Ukraine to capture village from Russians". National Post. April 5, 2022.
  2. ^ "Democracy defenders and Rambo wannabes: Ukraine's volunteer foreign". Washington Post. January 18, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Canadian infantry veteran enters 'living hell' in Ukraine to capture village from Russians". National Post. April 5, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Ukraine looking for foreign volunteers with military, medical experience, embassy says". CBC. March 11, 2022.
  5. ^ "Canadian infantry veteran enters 'living hell' in Ukraine to capture village from Russians". National Post. April 5, 2022.
  6. ^ "Official announcement, Norman Brigade is recruiting". Facebook. November 15, 2022.
  7. ^ "Collaboration of units". Facebook. July 1, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h Blackwell, Tom (6 May 2022). "Incompetence or the realities of war? Turmoil for Canadian-led foreign battalion in Ukraine". National Post. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Norman Brigade flags". Facebook. May 14, 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Missions of the Brigade". Twitter. June 7, 2023.
  11. ^ "Russian offensive campaign assessment". Understanding War. June 8, 2023.
  12. ^ "Statement from our commander". Facebook. August 27, 2022.
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