Monument to the soldiers of the Autotank Regiment of the Latvian Army
Memorial site
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The monument was opened in 1939 as a tribute to the fallen fighters of the 1st Armored Division (later the Tank Regiment) of the Latvian Army. An armored vehicle is depicted on the hill, and on the front of the pedestal - a sign of belonging to the unit. Made in the Art Deco style, it is a valuable work of art that tells the story of the "iron soldiers" of the War of Independence.
Armored cars were characterized by speed (max. - 60 km/h) and the ability to surprise opponents by suppressing them with machine guns. Built on a light car frame with 4 - 8 mm armor plates, armed with machine guns or small caliber guns. Ammunition and fuel stocks are calculated for half an hour long, continuous battle. It had up to 5,000 cartridges, up to 30 hand grenades or other explosives. An armored car needed a large amount of fuel, for example "Lāčplēsis" consumed 1350 l of fuel in November 1919.
Its crew consisted of 3-5 men who performed a dangerous and responsible task. Enclosed in combat vehicles, they went towards the enemy with a large amount of ammunition. Often the motors were overworked and stopped working. Fighting vehicles and their crews inspired and gave hope for victory.
Today, you can see the monument, which is located near the former barracks of the Latvian Army Tank Regiment.
Used sources and references:
Kalkis, J. Br. the use of cars in offensive combat. Military Review, No. 3. 1934
Eserts, M. Iron soldiers, or the history of Latvian combat vehicles. 1998
