| 285th Security Division | |
|---|---|
| 285. Sicherungs-Division | |
| Active | 1941–1944 |
| Country |  Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Army (Wehrmacht) |
| Type | Security division |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements | World War II |
The285th Security Division (285. Sicherungs-Division) was arear-security division in theWehrmacht ofNazi Germany. The unit was deployed in German-occupied areas of theSoviet Union, in theArmy Group North Rear Area.
The division was formed in 1941, prior the German invasion of the Soviet Union,Operation Barbarossa. It operated in theoccupied Baltic States andNorthern Russia behindArmy Group North's front lines.[1] Its duties included security of communications and supply lines, economic exploitation and combatting irregular fighters (partisans) in Wehrmacht's rear areas.[2]
The division was subordinated toFranz von Roques, commander ofArmy Group North Rear Area. Along with other security and police forces in the occupied territories, the division participated inwar crimes against prisoners of war and civilian population. For the period from 22 June to 1 December 1941, the division reported 1,500 enemies "killed in battle" or shot as "partisans", for the loss of seven dead and eleven wounded.[3]