In 1914 the Grand Duchy of Finland was part of the Russian Empire. Finnish volunteers served in the Russian Army but the Finns were planning for independence and agreed a secret deal with Berlin for Finns to serve in a German regiment. Under the agreement they would only serve on the Eastern Front. They would form a pool of trained, experienced soldiers for a future Finnish Army.
The regiment was named the 27th Royal Prussian Jagers. They wore standard Jager uniform except for a badge on the side of their caps.
All badges are from my collection. I have tried removing the background on some images to improve the image.
The Finnish Government presented the men the 27th Jagers Badge. These are numbered on the back and some partial rolls exist. German officers serving with the regiment also received the badge.
The Finns who recruited, organized and administered the volunteers received the Jager's Medal
A table medal was also struck to commemorate the Jagers.
The regiment returned to Finland in February 1918 to join the White Finns in the Independence War.
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