Stende railway station in narrow gauge railway network and the memorial stone for deportations
Memorial site
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The railway line Ventspils - Mazirbe, as well as the Stende - Dundaga extension to Mazirbe with a branch to Pitrags, were intended only for strategic military needs. During the construction of these lines, and afterwards, all civilians were evacuated from the region. The main task of the military railways in the Irbe Strait area was to provide the German army's coastal defence positions with guns and ammunition.
These military-only military railways also connected the three most important lighthouses, located in Oviši, Mikeltornis and Šlītere.
Nevertheless, passenger transport was also provided as early as the years of World War I.
A memorial stone (1989) to the deported Latvians of 1941 and 1949 is located at the Stende railway station.
On 30 October 1919, Stende railway station was occupied by Bermont troops. On 17 November, soldiers of the Latvian army led by K. Šnēbergs attacked the station, driving away a wagon with weapons, war materials and grain. 6 soldiers were awarded the Order of the Order for these battles: K. Bumovskis (1891-1976), P. Strautiņš (1883-1969), R. Plotnieks (1891-1965), E. Jansons (1894-1977).
Used sources and references:
Toms Altbergs, Andris Biedriņš, Dainis Punculs, Artūrs Tukišs "Mazbānītis de facto"
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