Liberation of Latgale from the Bolsheviks
I Wars of Independence

Latgales atsevišķā eskadrona standarts Latgales atbrīvošanas laikā. Foto no Latvijas Kara muzeja.

After the victory over Pavel Bermont's forces, the Latvian government decided on an operation to liberate Latgale, which needed the support of neighboring countries. After unsuccessful talks with Lithuania at the end of December, the Supreme Command agreed to co-operate with the Polish army. On January 3, 1920, Polish and Latvian forces attacked South Latgale, liberating Daugavpils, and on January 9, the Latvian army liberated Latgale until the beginning of February.

At the time of the liberation of Latgale, the Commander-in-Chief of the Latvian Army was General Jānis Balodis, and the Chief of Staff of the Commander-in-Chief was Colonel Pēteris Radziņš. The Daugavpils capture operation was led by Polish General Edward Ridge-Smigli. The liberation of Rēzekne and the central part of Latgale was led by the commander of the Kurzeme division, Lieutenant Colonel Jānis Puriņš. The liberation operation in northern Latgale was led by the headquarters of the Latgale Division in Vecgulbene, led by Colonel Krišjānis Berķis.

At the same time, at the beginning of January 1920, a delegation of the Latvian Red Cross went to Moscow to conclude the ceasefire, which was signed on January 30 (entered into force on February 1). Peace talks began in Moscow on April 16, but continued in Riga over the summer, depending on events on the Soviet-Polish front. The peace treaty was signed in Riga on August 11, 1920.

In April and May 1920, the newly formed Zemgale division joined the army on the Latgale front, while in the middle of April the Polish army left Latvia, remaining only in Daugavpils. It was forced to leave the city in early July as a result of the Red Army's offensive. Then Latvian forces took over part of the present-day town of Grīva (then a separate town on the left bank of the Daugava) and six parishes of Ilūkste district, which had been declared to belong to Poland. Already after the peace was concluded in the beginning of September 1920, the 12th Bauska Infantry Regiment and other units repressed Lithuanian army units in the Subate district, but in October the Latvian army occupied the last parishes of Ilukste district, which were left by the Lithuanian army.

LatgalesAtseveskadr.jpg
Ulmanis-Berķis.jpg
Valmieraspulkasakarukom1919.jpg
More information sources

Eric Jacobson. Latvian War of Independence. The struggle of the Provisional Government of Latvia and its armed forces to ensure the independence of Latvia on November 18, 1918 - August 11, 1920. - National Encyclopedia: https://enciklopedija.lv/skirklis/22216-Latvijas-Neatkar%C4%ABbas-kar%C5%A1

Juris Ciganovs. The liberation of Latgale in 1920 marked the end of Latvia's War of Independence. SARGS.LV, 03.01.2020. https://www.sargs.lv/lv/latvijas-neatkaribas-kars/2020-01-03/latgales-atbrivosana-1920-gada-iezimeja-latvijas-neatkaribas

Liberation of Latgale. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latgales_atbr%C4%ABvo%C5%A1ana

North Latgale liberation operation. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zieme%C4%BClatgales_atbr%C4%ABvo%C5%A1anas_oper%C4%81cija

Related objects

Exhibition "Ziemeļlatgale in the freedom struggle" in Balvu County Museum

The exhibition allows you to look into the history of Latvian Independence from the point of view of Northern Latgale. What is the contribution of the people of our side, how did our grandfathers get involved in the fight for the common cause of Latvia, what are their fates, how is their memory preserved? Answers to these and other questions can be found in Latvian, Russian and English.

The Northern Latgale liberation operation, also called the Viļakas-Jaunlatgale capture operation, was part of the Latgale liberation attack operation carried out by the Latvian armed forces during the Latvian freedom struggle. Its purpose was to occupy the northern part of Latgale and cut the Pskov-Daugavpils railway line in order to prevent the arrival of additional units of Soviet Russian troops from the Estonian front and from inside Russia. The most important battles took place between January 9 and 20, 1920, when control over the railway line from Pitalova (Abrene) to Kārsava was gained.

Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Art exhibition "Museum stories for Latvia"

It is located in the premises of the Preiļi Cultural Center.

Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Art (PVLMM) exhibition "Museum stories for Latvia" about the First World War, the War of Independence and the Second World War can be viewed.

The "Story of Drywys" section of the exhibition "Museum Stories for Latvia" (opened in 2018) of the Museum of Preiļi History and Applied Arts is dedicated to the First World War, the War of Independence and the liberation of Latgale, as well as to the knights of the Lāčplešana War Order. The exhibition section "The story of the flag" tells about the difficult events of the Second World War period, during which the people of Preila were affected by deportations, the Holocaust, involvement in the military units of the warring parties, and after the war - in the ranks of national partisans. The "Righteous Among the Nations" medal awarded to Vladislav Vuškānas, the savior of the Jews from Preiliat, can also be viewed.

Upon prior application, a tour is available in Russian and English.

Monument to the fallen soldiers of the Latgale partisan regiment 1919 - 1920

A monument dedicated to the Latgale partisan regiment.

In the history of the War of Independence of Latvia (1919-1920), the Latgale partisan regiment, whose cradle was once in the territory of the former Balvi district, was formed from the "green" regiments already at the end of 1918.
The monument was opened for the first time on August 14, 1938, with the participation of General Jānis Balodis. The author of the monument is the artist Kārlis Jansons.
In 1940, the communists destroyed the monument, after the establishment of Soviet power, the executive committee of Abrene district decided to demolish the monument in the spring of 1941, but the image of the partisan was buried in the courtyard of the Balva militia. During the German era, the monument was restored, but when the Red Army returned, the monument was torn down a second time, taken away and destroyed. When Latvia regained its national independence, the people of Balveni collected donations for the restoration of the Latgale partisan monument. On November 11, 1993, the restored monument of Andrej Jansons, the son of the artist Kārļis Jansons, was unveiled at Balvos.

 
A monument to the soldiers who died in the battles for the liberation of Latvia in Jaškov

The road section Viļaka – Vientuļi (P35) is on the left side of the road, near the chapel of the Jaškova grave.

Monument to Latvian and Estonian soldiers who died in the War of Independence.

The monument created by the sculptor Kārlis Zemdega in 1920 in memory of the soldiers who fell in the Freedom Struggle in Jaškov was first unveiled on September 22, 1935 at the graves of the Viļaka brothers established in 1929.
The struggle for freedom against the Red Army in Viļakas district began with the attack of the Latvian army and the Latgale partisan regiment on January 9, 1920. Estonian soldiers also participated in it. Viļak was liberated already on January 9, but the fighting to the east of it continued for several more days. Both before and after the liberation of Vilakas, the fallen soldiers were buried in different places known to local residents. As the state of Latvia stabilized, Viļakas began to think about setting up joint graves of brothers. Already from November 18, 1923, after a solemn service in the Catholic church, held by dean P.Apšinīks, a large procession went to the newly formed burial place of the brothers on the hill, in the so-called Jaškov - in the immediate vicinity of Viļaka. Soon, the foundation of the monument was built, the collection of donations for the monument began. Identifying the graves of the fallen soldiers took time, only on November 3, 1929, the reburial took place in the future graves of the brothers. The 31 Latvian and 14 Estonian soldiers who fell in the vicinity of Viļakas were buried in them. In 1935, the monument was ready and on September 22, it was solemnly consecrated.
In the pre-war years of Latvia's independence, all important national events in Viļaka parish were connected with the brothers' graves and this monument.
The monument was destroyed during the post-war years of Soviet rule, but its granite parts, although damaged, were preserved. The monument was restored on November 11, 1990 - Lāčpleš Day.

"United Latvia" monument

The monument to the liberation of Latgale (popularly known as "Latgales Māra") is the most recognizable symbol of Rēzekne. Dedicated in 1920 to the participants of the Latvian freedom struggle and embodies the idea of the freedom and unity of the Latvian state. The monument was opened in 1939. (artist L. Tomasickis, sculptor K. Jansons), its bronze sculptural composition consists of: a chain puller, symbolizing the freedom won by the heroic sons of Latgale over foreign powers, a kneeling girl next to him crowns the liberator with a wreath of oak leaves, and above both figures - a national daughter who in his hand he holds a raised golden cross - symbolizing faith and satisfaction for regained freedom.

1940 the monument was demolished in 1943 it was restored, but in 1950 the ruling power destroyed it. In 1992, thanks to the funds donated by the people, the monument rose again in all its glory on the hill of Liberation Alley (sculptor A. Jansons).

Memorial place of General Pēteris Radziņš

Located in Valka parish, driving on the road Valka - Rūjiena (P22) 4 kilometers, to the right, following the signs.

Pēteris Radziņš was born on May 2, 1880 in Lugavis Parish, Jaunvīndedze. Studied at Lugaži Parish School, Valka City School and Valka Nelson Real School. Joined the Russian army as a volunteer. In the autumn of 1919, he returned to Latvia and on October 27 was appointed Chief of Staff of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, assuming this position at a time when the Bermontians were threatening Riga. As the chief of staff, he has led all the battles of Riga, Zemgale and Latgale. Promoted to General on February 5, 1920.

Today, a memorial stone dedicated to General Pēteris Radziņš (1880 - 1930) can be seen near the family house.

On November 11, 2017, a memorial plaque to Pēteris Radziņš was unveiled in Riga, at the corner of the Daugava gate.

Video: Memorial event of General P. Radziņš in Riga Brothers Cemetery in 2019

Video: On May 2, 2019, on the 139th birthday of General Pēteris Radziņš, a commemoration event took place on the embankment of November 11, near the Presidential Palace, covering the memorial plaque to the guard of honor and those interested.

The exposition of Valka Local History Museum “Valka - the cradle of Latvia's independence” also reflects the life and work of General Pēteris Radziņš.
In addition to the traditional ways of displaying the collection, the exhibition uses interactive multimedia solutions. Information and annotations translated into Estonian and English.

Monument to the 2nd Ventspils Infantry Regiment in memory of the soldiers killed in the War of Independence

Located in the cemetery of the city of Varakļāni, in the Lutheran section.

Monument to the 2nd Ventspils Infantry Regiment in memory of the soldiers who died in the War of Independence.

In 1937, two unknown soldiers of the 2nd Ventspils Infantry Regiment were reburied from the nearby forest edge in Varakļāni Cemetery, who had been captured and later killed by Bolsheviks during the reconnaissance. On September 8, 1937, a monument to the grave was built by Ansis Bērziņš, an architecture student. The seven-meter-high monument, built of brick and granite, matches the gate and chapel of the Art Deco cemetery consecrated on the same day.

Monument to the soldiers of the 1st Liepaja Infantry Regiment at the battlefield of 1919

Located in Madona district, Murmastiene parish, Meža Strodu village, 6 km from Varakļāni.

A monument to the Freedom Fights can be seen at the battlefield of the 1st Liepaja Infantry Regiment, where in 1919 they fought against the "red" army. Not far from this place, Aleksandrs Lakstīgala, a countryman, was seriously wounded in the battle. A dead man was found near his home. Therefore, the location of this monument was chosen.

On August 16, 1936, the granite Victory Monument (it was called in the press of that time) was unveiled to commemorate the Freedom Fights, engraved with the words: “1. every corner of our homeland - so now ours. ” It was installed by the leadership of the Rēzekne Guard Regiment, consecrated by the senior pastor of the Rēzekne Guard Regiment Vincents Tomašūnas with the local parish dean Kalinka. The opening debts were accepted by Žanis Bach, the commander of the Zemgale division and a knight of the Lāčplēsis Order. In 1950, it was demolished and destroyed. On November 16, 1996, the restored monument was inaugurated, also in honor of the 78th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.

Exposition "Latvian Army in Pļaviņas in the 20th Century"

Located at Odzienas Street 2, Pļaviņas.

The permanent exposition "Latvian Army in Pļaviņas in the 20th Century" can be seen.

The building in Pļaviņas, Odzienas Street 2, has a long history - from the time when Stukmaņi wholesaler Hugo Apeltofts started active economic activity in it, thus promoting the development of Pļaviņas city, until the headquarters of the Latvian Eastern Front was established here during the War of Independence. In 1919, the activities of Latvian army units against the Red Army in Latgale were commanded directly from Pļaviņas.

In 1934, a memorial plaque was unveiled near this house with the inscription: "In 1919, the headquarters of the Eastern Front was located in this house, and here General Jānis Balodis took over the command of the Latvian National Army." It was removed and destroyed by the Soviets in 1940, but on June 16, 1990, with the support of the LNNK Plavinas branch, it was restored.

Now, next to the former headquarters building, there is a memorial stall dedicated to 15 cavalry of the Lāčplēsis Military Order born in Pļaviņas region. In Pļaviņas, as well as provides an insight into the life stories of the Knights of the Lāčplēsis War Order.

Not far from the exposition building is the Latgale Division headquarters building, which was built in 1913 by Count Teodors Medems as a Stukmaņi liqueur factory. In 1919 it was taken over by the regime of P. Stučka, where it had also established a prison. After the expulsion of the Bolsheviks, in 1925 the building was taken over by the Latvian Army, which housed the headquarters of the Latgale Division. 10 generals and other officers of the Latvian Army spent their military careers in this building. In 1940, the building was taken over by the Red Army. In the post-war years, it housed a school as well as a municipality. Around 1970, the building was started to be used by the production association "Rīgas Apīrsbs".

Visits to the exhibition must be booked in advance by calling T. 28442692.

Exposition “Abrene Rooms”

The exhibit ‘Abrene Rooms’ is located near the city centre of Viļaka. It covers the period from 1920 to 1960 when Viļaka was part of Jaunlatgale, Abrene district, and became the centre of Viļaka district and Abrene municipality. The exhibit is located in the building with the most interesting and diverse history in Viļaka. Initially located on the old Marienhausen Market Square, it later housed apartments, offices and various shops and, during World War  II, the Latvian Self-Defence headquarters, the Gestapo and also the Cheka. The exhibit features items from the national partisan camp in the Stompaki Bog, which are related to the national partisan movement in the Latgale region, as well as documents and photos associated with the War of Independence. With a guided tour booked in advance, the owner, Dzintars Dvinskis, will present the testimonies available in the exhibit.

In 2023, an exhibition for military heritage in Northern Latgale was created.

Memorial stele for the knights of the War Order of Lāčplēš

It is located next to the Roman Catholic Church of the Heart of Jesus in Viļaka.

The memorial stele for the knights of the Lāčplēš War Order in Viļakas region was opened on November 11, 2017. The destinies of 28 Lāčplēš Knights of the Military Order are connected with the name of Viļakas county.
The granite stele was created as part of the project "Remember Lāčplēšus" dedicated to the centenary of the Latvian state. Commemorative stelae of a uniform model will be installed throughout Latvia in honor of the soldiers who died in the Latvian Freedom Struggle. The initiator of the project is the Jaunsardze and Information Center.

Five knights of the Lāčplēš War Order, whose names are engraved on the memorial stele, lived in the territory of the present-day Viļakas district after the end of the Freedom Struggle:
– Jānis Kuļšs was a young farmer in Apsīs, Šķilbēni parish,
– Aleksej Lyubimov (Lavrentiev) lived on the Fortepianova farm in Šķilbēni parish, later in Vilaka,
– Teodors Mende managed the farm assigned to him and was a forest guard in the village of Katleši, Žigur parish,
– Eduard Tennyson lived at Vecumu station, later lived in Chabatrova village and worked at p/s "Viļaka",
– Jānis Burmeisters after 1928 lived in Šķilbēni parish for some time.

The brothers' cemetery in Viļakas county is the resting place of 45 soldiers who gave their lives in 1920, defending Latvia from bigots. January 9 was the day when the attacks began in North Latgale, and despite the difficult weather conditions at that time, Viļaka was also liberated on the same day.
In the battles for the liberation of Latgale, Estonian soldiers also fought side by side with Latvian army soldiers and partisans against the Red Army in Viļakas county. Many of them gave their lives for a free Latvia.

Alūksne Museum

The Alūksne Museum is located in an architectural monument of national significance: the neo-Gothic Alūksne New Castle built in the late 19th century. The museum features an exhibition named ‘Memorial Room for Victims of the Totalitarian Regime’, which tells about the fate of the inhabitants of Alūksne municipality in Siberia and the Far East, while the time periods from prehistory to the present meet in the Alūksne history exhibit ‘Feast of the Ages’. It features a separate section devoted to the contribution of the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment to the military, culture and public life. The formation of the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment began on 20 June 1919 in the Naukšēni Manor. Initially, a battle group of 22 officers and 1,580 soldiers was formed from the reserve battalion of the Northern Latvian Brigade, and was named the Dankers Division. It was included in the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Jelgava Regiment. On 23 August, following an increase in the number of companies, it became part of the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment. Having taken part in the battles against Bermondt, on 5 January 1920, the regiment was transferred to the Latgale front to fight the Bolsheviks. After the signing of the Peace Treaty with Soviet Russia, the regiment guarded Latvia’s eastern border. The Latvian War of Independence saw the deaths of more than 200 soldiers of the regiment, while 85 were awarded the Lāčplēsis War Order. In 1921, the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment was stationed in Alūksne. The regiment’s headquarters were set up in the Alūksne New Castle. After World War II, the castle was taken over by Soviet security institutions. As of the late 1950s, the castle housed various cultural institutions: the Culture and Cinematography Department of the Executive Committee, a pioneer house, a library, a cinema and a museum.

Related stories

Liberation of Northern Latgale from the Bolsheviks

On December 1, 1918, parts of the Red Army, based on the Red Rifle units, invaded the territory of Latvia. In order to protect their homes, families, native counties and escape from terror, the men around Balvi took up arms and went into the forests, and the first "green" groups began to form. In the spring of 1919, when the mobilization was announced, many men in the Balvi area were not allowed to fight in the Soviet Latvian army and they joined the "green" groups. Balvi, Silakrog, Rugāji, Teteru-Dūrupe and Liepna groups were formed. In the vicinity of Balvi, the activity of "green" groups became more active in March 1919.

In memory of Pēteris Radziņš, General of the Latvian Army, two-time Knight of the Lāčplēsis War Order

General Pēteris Radziņš, born in Lugka Parish, Valka District, in a simple farmer's family, where he learned to do field work. He was a very smart young man, after graduating from school he decided in favor of the war and it started his army rescue of Latvia from Bermont's troops. P.Radziņš was one of the most outstanding officers of the Latvian Army and was awarded with numerous Latvian and foreign orders and memorials.