WWI Historical Exploration Route and dugout Trail
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Located in Olaine, near the Olaine History and Art Museum.
The historical route was created in 2018 at the site of the Russian army fortifications during World War I, which were part of the area's defense system. The battles between the German and Russian armies in the Olaine area attract attention for several reasons. The swampy terrain prevented the warring parties from achieving quick success and required soldiers to have diverse skills when operating in adverse conditions. Accurate terrain analysis, reconnaissance, and fortifications or engineering structures played a major role in warfare.
Today, the educational route is freely accessible and provides a rough idea of the living conditions of the soldiers. The restored buildings are closed, but can be viewed by contacting the specialists of the Olaine History and Art Museum in advance.
Used sources and references:
Official website of the Olaine History and Art Museum. Available: https://olainesmuzejs.lv [Accessed: 20.03.2021.].
Publications of the Latvian Old Riflemen Society. Latvian Riflemen. Historical Materials and Memories Part 1. Riga: Army Printing House, 1929.
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About Latvian riflemen in the Olaine area
The memoirs reflect the daily life of Latvian riflemen in the Olaine area. Not only are the living conditions described, but also their usual task - reconnaissance of enemy positions.
Building defensive positions.
The description examines the problems of battlefield fortification in general. It is based on the experience of World War I and the situation when it was necessary to organize extensive work on the creation of fortifications.