Adeer transportation battalion (Russian:оленно-транспортный батальон) was a specializeddeer-drawn transportationbattalion of the SovietRed Army on theEastern Front of World War II. Deer, which were traditionally used by theindigenous peoples of the Russian North asworking animals, were deployed as a military transport in November 1941, when horses andmules failed inArctic conditions.[1] About 12,000 male deer were deployed at theKarelian Front.[1] In November 1941 three deer transportation units were formed in the14th Soviet Army, each of them included 1,000 deer and 140–150 herdsmen and soldiers.[2] TheKomi ASSR was tasked with supplying deer and equipment to the newly-formed units.[2] Deercompanies were also created.[2] Deer units were used for communication, transportation of guns and delivery of ammunition, pales and wire for obstacles.[2] On their way back they transported the wounded and killed.[2] The deer units saw the toughest actions in the winters of 1942/43 and 1943/44.[2] Manyreindeer herdsmen died from enemy fire.[2] Along with the 14th Army, deer transportation was also used in the19th Soviet Army.[2]
AMemorial to the Servicemen of the Deer Transportation Battalions [ru] was opened on 23 February 2012 in the Russian city ofNaryan-Mar.[3] On 18 June 2013 the Memory Day of the Participants of the Deer Transportation Battalions was established in theNenets Autonomous Okrug, which falls on 20 November.[4]