Aizvīki in the Kurzeme Cauldron
In Aizvīķi Park, you can still clearly see the remains of World War II bunkers, trenches and caponier ramparts where weapons were stored. One of the types of weapons was the Katyusha rocket launcher system.
During the Kurzeme Cauldron from October 8, 1944 to May 8, 1945, the area around Aizvīķi was the 2nd line of the Soviet Army's front, or supply line, but trenches and bunkers were built in the park, as well as a place to store various weapons. One of these weapons was the Katyusha rocket launcher system, built on the basis of the American Studebaker US-6 truck. Briefly about the history of this combat vehicle -
On June 17, 1941, a presentation of the new military equipment of the Red Army was held at the Moscow training ground, the latest missile launcher system was demonstrated as the last. The demonstration made a very good impression on the leadership. The order to start serial production of these combat vehicles was signed after only 3 days, when only a few hours remained until the start of the war. On June 26, the first two serial vehicles, which received the designation BM-13, were completed at the Voronezh plant. They were designed to launch 132 mm rocket shells. This launcher was installed on the basis of a ZIS-6 truck. After the volley was fired, the missile system quickly changed its location so as not to come under a counterattack. The commanders had to be strictly accountable for the loss of each vehicle.
In April 1943, a unified rocket launcher system BM-13N was launched into production, with the aim of improving the technical characteristics of the machine and making production cheaper. The BM-13 N was mainly based on the American Studebaker US-6 truck, which was imported to the USSR under the terms of lend-lease. The BM-13N was capable of launching a projectile up to 8.5 km away and carried 16 shells with a crew of 5-7 people.
Several such missile launch systems were located in Aizvīķi Park, even after the end of World War II, and these places are clearly visible in nature.
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Evidence of the 2nd World War in Aizvikai Park
Aizvīkai Manor Park is located in Aizvīki, Gramzda Parish, just a few kilometers from the Lithuanian border.
The places of bunkers and trenches from the 2nd World War are still clearly visible in Aivvikai Park. One of the types of weapons was the Katyusha rocket launch system. Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīki Park, even after the end of the 2nd World War, and these places (caponieri) are clearly visible in nature.
This unique forest park, shrouded in secrets and legends, was created at the end of the 19th century as the Aizvīkai Manor Park, when the baron of the manor von Korff covered the nearby hilly land with a pine and spruce forest. Later, walking paths were laid on the 40 ha area, trees of other species were also planted and a pheasant garden was established.
In addition to the picturesque forest landscapes, there are also fairy-tale and fairy-tale figures made of wood, as well as stone sculptures, which tell travelers about events from the history of Aizvīkai and mark the cultural and historical places in the park. A Green Class has also been created in the park.
In order to get to know the cultural and historical heritage of Aizvīkai Manor Park more fully, we recommend using the services of a guide.
Bunker of the Red Army and caponiers in Aizvīkai Park
Aizvīkai Manor Park is located in Aizvīki, Gramzda Parish, just a few kilometers from the Lithuanian border.
The places of bunkers and trenches from the 2nd World War are still clearly visible in Aivvikai Park. The Red Army bunker has been restored in the park.
One of the types of weapons during World War II was the "Katyusha" rocket launch system. Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīki Park, even now these places (caponieri) are clearly visible in nature.
In order to get to know the cultural and historical heritage of Aizvīkai Manor Park more fully, we recommend using the services of a guide.
