Tallinn Secondary School of Science during the Estonian War of Independence  1918-1920

 

In 1917, after the February Revolution, Tallinn Secondary School of Science’s PE teacher Anton Õunapuu founded a Students Home Guard Squad. On the 24th February 1918 the unit was defending strategic locations in Tallinn. With their aid, Estonian leaders and politicians were able to declare the independence of Estonia. After the occupation of German army on 25th February Student Home Guard Squad went underground.

 

The Estonian War of Independence  began in Narva on 28th November. At the outbreak of war 1 of 4 soldiers in Estonian defence forces were students.

 

Student soldiers from Tallinn Secondary School of Science fought mainly on the Armored Train nr 2. Students were also represented in the Kalev Battalion, which was founded by the former PE teacher Anton Õunapuu.

 

Approximately 100 soldiers in Estonian Independence War were from Tallinn Secondary School of Science. Four students and Anton Õunapuu gave their lives for the sovereignty of Estonia. Their names were carved in a marble plaque in 1923 which now is in the Tallinn Secondary School of Science’s assembly hall. In front of the school there is a sculpture in honour of the soldiers and teachers who lost their lives fighting for Estonia’s freedom. The sculpture is called Reaali Poiss (Boy of the Science School).