in april, the 658th and 659th estonian battalions were transferred to the waffen-ss to become ii. and i. battalions of the newly-formed 47th ss volunteer grenadier regiment respectively. the commander of the 658th estonian battalion, major alfons rebane had been awarded the knight's cross of the iron cross in february, and was reluctant to transfer to the division. rebane commanded the 47th ss volunteer grenadier regiment, and was also augsberger's deputy commander.