Daugavgrīva Fortress Fortification
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Daugavgrīva Fortress (entry from Birzes street) is located on the Daugavgrīva Island where Buļļupe river joins the Daugava river. The fortress was built in the 17th century to defend from enemies moving in the direction of Riga, which was an important administrative, trade and production centre. Later it became the main fortification of the Latvian Army coastal defence with several support points. This defensive fortification system is one of the most valuable objects of Latvia's military heritage. This fortress has witnessed Latvian military history. For example, during the Crimean War (1853-1856) Latvian and Estonian gunboat crews were trained here. The main objective of these units was to protect local ports and the coast from attacks by the British navy. During World War I Daugavgrīva militiamen companies were formed here. These were the first Latvian combat units, which came even before the Latvian Riflemen. Nowadays it is possible to see the territory of the fortress. ‘Komētforts’ and the Seaside Nature Park are located nearby and Mangaļsala fortifications are on the other side of the Daugava river.
Used sources and references:
Zariņš, K. Forgotten Soldiers: Latvian Guardsmen of the Daugavgrīva Fortress. Sargs.lv, 2015.
Available: https://www.sargs.lv/lv/pirmais-pasaules-kars/2015-04-15/aizmirstie-karaviri-daugavgrivas-cietoksna-latviesu-zemessargi [accessed 12.03.2021.].
Baltiņš, K. The Ancestors of Rifle Regiments. Military Review. 1934.
Andersons, E. Latvian gunboat battalions in the Crimean War. Tilts, No. 98/99. 1969.
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