About the last Vidzeme partisan group
An incredible story about how the Chekists "surrendered" in front of the last partisan group in Vidzeme, asking them to come out of the forest.
Until 1956, the last Vidzeme partisan group operated in the Cesvaine area, commanded by the former Polish agricultural worker Stanislavs Zavadskis ("Pans"). The "Pana" group was formed in 1946 in the Kārzdaba forest of Gulbene district and its basic composition was unchanged for almost all ten years of the group's existence: Pēteris Tirzītis ("Vecais"), Ivars Grabāns ("Puika"), Valdis Bebris ("Šoferis"). Back in 1954, when there were only 3 partisans left in the group - "Pans", "Vecais" and "Puika", it continued the fight, attacking and injuring the head of the KGB of Cesvaine district Stepanov in June. Unable to cope with this elusive group, the Chekists "surrendered" for practically the only time in the history of Latvian national guerrilla warfare. The head of the KGB of the LSSR, Major General Jānis Vēvers, wrote a letter to the partisans asking them to stop the fight and promising freedom. The partisans received a Latvian translation of the letter from their supporters, to whom a copy had been provided by Stanislav Zavadsky's mother.
The picture shows the partisans of Stanislav Zavadsky (Pan) group Valdis Bebris (Driver) and Peter Tirzitis (Old) by the fire. Autumn of 1949. Photography of the collection of Madona Local History and Art Museum.
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Museum of the National Resistance Movement in Renda
The museum is located a few kilometres from the centre of Renda parish. The exhibit tells about the 50-year-long resistance movement in Latvia: resistance to the first Soviet occupation, resistance to the Nazi German occupation, and the armed and non-violent resistance to the Soviet occupation. The exhibit is located in two buildings. The first building houses evidence of the first Soviet occupation and German occupation. The exhibit showcases a restored barn building where the focus lies on the National Partisan War. Between the two buildings there is a bunker with an authentic layout and trenches used by soldiers. Located near the museum in Renda, excavations, blindages and an obstacle course serve as a training ground for youth guards and anyone interested. Visits must be booked in advance.
One of the largest battles of the national partisans, called the Āpūznieki Battle, took place in January 1946 not far from here. The battle saw the Kabile National Partisan Group overpower much larger forces of the occupying power. Featuring information stands, the battle site is now home to a rest area.
Bunker of national partisans – Forest Brothers
The Forest Brothers’ Bunker is located by the Riga-Pskov (A2) highway 76 kilometres from Riga and 11 kilometres from Cēsis. The Latvian national partisans or Forest Brothers were small, armed groups of local residents who fought their independent battles against the occupation regime of the USSR in the territory of Latvia from 1944 to 1956. Forced to hide in the forests, these were people who could not or did not want to live in the Soviet Union. A total of around 20,193 Forest Brothers operated in Latvia. The bunker was formed based on the stories and memories of former Forest Brothers about life in the forests, hiding and fighting for the independent state of Latvia after 1945. The bunker showcases armaments and household items. The personal belongings, weapons and photos of partisans are on display. The guide’s narration is enriched by a video from interviews with Forest Brothers. There is a place for picnic campfires by the bunker. It is possible to pre-order a soup prepared on the fire or enjoy an evening of outdoor cinema by the fire.
