Estonia 2009-02-12

Eesti Post (Estonian Post Ltd.) has issued two stamps in early 2009 that feature background maps. The February 12, 2009 issue commemorates the 125th anniversary of the birth of Johan Laidoner (12 Feb. 1884 – 13 March 1953), who was Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian armed forces during the War of Independence. In 1918 Laidoner was promoted to lieutenant general for his services in the War of Independence. He retired from military service after the war ended in 1920 and was Member of Parliament in 1920–29. He served in the Estonian delegation to the League of Nations and headed a special committee to Iraq. From 1934 – 1940 he once again served as commander -in-chief of the armed forces being promoted to the rank of general in 1939. Following the Soviet occupation of Estonia, Laidoner was deported to Penza and subsequently arrested in June 1941. Laidoner died on March 14, 1953 in Vladimir prison, near the present day city of Kirov Russia.

Estonia 2009-01-29

The January 29, 2009 issue marks the January 31, 1919 Paju Manor Battle against Red Latvian Riflemen during the Estonia War of Independence. On 30 January the partisan unit headed by Julius Kuperjanov occupied the manor along with the Tõlliste Stage. But during the night the manor again passed into the hands of the Red Latvian Riflemen. In a battle that lasted the entire following day Finnish volunteers together with the partisans managed to finally gain possession of the manor at the heavy toll of 42 men dead and 113 wounded. On 1 February the partisans and the Finns marched into Valga without meeting any resistance as the enemy had withdrawn from the Estonian-Latvian border town. Julius Kuperjanov, the head of the partisan unit, along with the other wounded, was taken to a hospital in Tartu where he died of wounds on 2 February 1919. A memorial was erected on the Paju Battlefield in 1994.

[ most of the text from this article came from Eesti Post, however I could not find out much about the maps featured on the stamps. the map behind General Laidoner appears to be of the campaigns of the Estonian War of Independence, but i am not sure. The map on the Paju Manor Battle shows the immediate area of the battle. we welcome any additional information. –web admin]