BATTLE BY BAUSKAS AND RETREAT TO KURZEME (COURLAND)

 (FIGHT FOR COURLAND)

         In the middle of June 1944 started the Russian Great offensive not only in Latgales, but also towards the Lithuanian direction. Already 19^th July the Red army crossed Ostrovas—Rezeknes highway, marched to the Latvian border and gave for Vilakas, Liepnas, and Aluksnes direction. On 26 of July Narva and day later Rezekne, Daugavpils and Sauli fell. In the last days of July, Russian tanks started a pointed surprise attack and broke out from Lithuanian side to the Gulf of Riga between Sloku and Kemeriem, separated Kurzemi from rest of Latvia and truly endangered Riga. On 1 August the Russians took also Jelgavu.    The Germans counterattacked with enough strength soon after and drove the Russians from Tukuma, Slokas and Kemeriem and again opened the road traffic with Kurzemi and East Prussia.
    On 29^th of July the enemy came close to Bauska, where Latvian and German units for 6 weeks one after another repulsed all attacks. The first attack on the city already on 29/30. July night one after another repelled by previous days gathered city defense battalion led by Major J. Ulukas’ command. 3 Latvian kd Battalions fought heavy battles by Bauska also: 319, 322 and 23^rd.
    After many orderly but backward attempts by the enemy, on 19^th of August early morning powerful artillery and machine gun fire aided a Battalion strength unit which crossed Musas river by Dirdas Shallows and broke in to the city. Following a counter attack, and with close combat the Latvian and German units attack liquidated the Russian battalion.
    For 6 weeks the enemy tested defenses of weak places, letting them reach across Musai and Lielupei, used Dirdas, Vimbu Kroga, Bornsmindes and Mezotnes Shallows. Sometimes for some small units, they were successful, but all attacks were again liquidated. Then, the seventh week followed an especially heavy attack on 11^th of September when the first great aerial attack hit the city. On the 12^th of September followed the next.  These attacks and the ability of artillery firepower destroyed the city.
    On the 13^th of September about the battles by Bauska the information office ON (Ostland Nachrichten) informed: “East from Bauskas Bungas we found the Russian local main battle center. This tank reinforced Russian Battalion encountered our strongest defenses; here shot up 3 enemy tanks, in the weaker enemy  areas, which were found wandering on Memeles North shore and thrown back.
    On 14^th of September morning the enemy started to function with all classes of weapons and with wave like aerial attacks. The entire city and the area around it shook and rolled. Smoke and dust clouds filled air and covered the sun until lunch time when Bauskas defense resistance was broken. The defense units left the burning city under a hail of enemy machinegun fire and crossed the Memeles river and carried along our wounded. Our fallen comrades were thrown away in the burning city.”
    On 15/16^th September nights from Lecavas region, automobiles from Riga transported the 2^nd Latvian Border guard regiment led by Pltn. Janson command and immediately lead them in defense battles.
    About the heavy battles by Bauskas also were written by the German press when on 17^th of September 1944 the reported information: "North from Bauskas counterattacks in the last 3 days here destroyed 234 Soviet tanks."

  319-F. BATTALION

          On 22 of July the 319th battalion started on foot for Daudzevas region but couldn’t reach, because the front conditions had swiftly changed. Jelgava was already burning and was under strong Russian tank and aircraft fire. Battalion changed directions to Bauska, which they reached on night of 29./30^th July. There the battalion took up defense positions on the Musas river right shore, from Bauskas tobacco factory past Pamusai. Already on the 31^st of July the Russian army showed up by Bauskas from the Lithuanian side. These battalions together with other small German units defended Bauskas Northern edge. In Bauska were also the 23d and 322nd battalions. Both Battalions were with German "Kampfgruppe Gieseke".
    The 319^th  Latvian battalions’ positions were along Musas river, starting from Bauskas cement bridge until Ziglu home and further by left between Egertu and Vepru home towards the direction of Memeles River were  there all of  the month of August. The Battle by Bauska at August end turned out very heavy, because Bauska for the Russians was significant for a successful attack on Riga. With these battles the battalion lost many soldiers and the battalion commander Major. O. Tiltinu was wounded and his place was temporary filled by Captain J. Krumins.
    On the 22^nd of August the Battalion structure was 14 leaders, 79 NCO and 225 soldiers, all together 318 men. They were armed this time without guns but still had 6 heavy mortars, 25 automatic weapons and 15 machine guns. Lieutenant Krasts, 2nd Company by Lieutenant, commanded the 1st Company. Dzenitis, 3^rd Company by Vltn. Grigals, 4^th Company by Captain Krumins and Sappers command by lieutenant. Kalnins.
    The 5^th of September the battalion transferred to new positions in Jaunsaules region along Memeles river, where they were replaced with some German units. To keep this front from encirclement, they built foxholes and bunkers. Here the battalion was to take up positions approximately 2 km wide between every company, because the German command thought this front as passive and unimportant. Here yet battalion could not stay long, because of the Russian offensive towards Bauskas’ region and battalion was nearing a menacing encirclement. At the Jaunsaules region battles fell Lieutenant Sarkans and many others battalion soldiers.
    16^th  of September the battalion received command to withdraw from its positions at Jaunsaules region and go back to Lecavas river line, Bata Kroga region, where battalion appeared next day early in the morning and took up positions along Lecavas River North shore. Battle noise rolled strong along the battalion’s rear. Soon also the Battalion’s right wing after being placed started to battle with the approaching enemy. To avoid encirclement, the battalion received command to withdraw to the Barbeles—Tomes estate direction by the forest road, which the enemy hadn’t taken. All weapons that were damaged were thrown away to the enemy. Also the Battalions baggage fell into Russian hands. Soldiers individually with their personal incentives came through the forest to North Tomes—Lielvardes direction. After many days the remaining Battalion gathered at Lielvarde, where soldiers for several days were attached to road repair work and finding working weapons. From Lielvardes the battalion’s 3 companies transferred to Ogre. The Ogre battalion left after only several days had passed and marched to Daugavas bridge and went to Olaini, where they reached the 5^th of October. Here the battalion worked on road repair to let the army go back to Kalnciemu. From Olaines the battalion moved to Kurzemi, where they were used mainly for building work. Here battalion since 8^th of November was attached to Sicherungs Regiment 120, what was further subordinate to Koruk 584 (Kommandeur des ruckwartigen Armeegebiets) and 16^th ARMY Post.
    The Battalion posts in the beginning were at Kuldigas District Lejas, later Zemites District Pekas. 1945 February beginning the Battalion count was 382 men, but 13^th March with no more than 120 men. Many had fallen, were wounded or were sick, but no more replacements arrived. Kurzeme (Courland) battalion commanded by Major O. Tiltins, 1^st company by Captain Krumins, 2^nd company by lieutenant. Ozols and 3^rd company by Vltn. Grigals.

322-F. BATTALION

      In 1944 the 23^rd of July Pltn. K. Gerbers received from the Latvian police unit post command about 322^nd  Latvian police Battalion formed, what then was last of a long Latvian police battalion group. Some of the battalion was taken from 20^th Rigas Battalion and Police unit NCO school Bolderaja. The Battalion was from the sapper regiment barracks in Bolderaja and was not fully 24 hours in uniform when sent to the front. The Battalion was promised training in approximately 6 weeks time.
     After forming, 26^th of July, Battalion command was composed of the following:

     Battalion commander — Pltn. Gerbers,

    1. company commander     Captain E. Elsis,

    2. Company —   Vltn. A. Ozols,

    3. company —   Vltn. Balodis    

    4. company —   Captain A. Roga

   Sapper unit commander — Lieutenant. N. Zirnis.

   Battalion doctor was Captain H. Bruveris.

    They were armed with several Russian guns, several automatic weapons and several grenades. The German promise of 6 weeks of training was only a promise, because already on 25^th of July the battalion received orders to get ready the next morning for travel to Bauska, where they were to be taken by auto transport. On 26th of July morning the auto transports could take only one half of the Battalion soldiers.  The first echelon of the Battalion sent the 2^nd and 4^th company. They appeared in Bauska that afternoon at 4 o’clock, where immediately they were put under Bauskas region operating German command.
    The Battalion Commander a German General explained, how he had poor information about the enemy that was across the Musas rivers’ northern shore. Against the enemy stood the German 16^th police Battalion and other smaller German units. The General assigned Pltn. Gerberam with both companies to join German police regiment commanders actions at Vaskos, approximately 25 km South from Bauska on Lithuanian territory. When the company arrived by auto transport in Gineiku district, they found in front also the 16^th Police Regiment unit with its headquarters. Uninformed about the fronts overall positions, the regiment commander assigned Pltn. Gerberam with both companies to attack the enemy in the direction of Vaski— Joganiskel, and occupy Joganiskel. Pltn. Gerbers explained, how, he didn’t know the overall positions and noticed both companies were weakly armed; the tasks given his two companies were not capable. Then the German Regiment Commander gave the companies other orders. One company was sent on to Tetervin to aid some German companies at Pasvalu in Bauskas direction. One half of the company sent to positions approximately 1km west from Gedzjuniem and half of the company to settle Vaskos. First orders filled sent the 2^nd Company, other orders sent the other half company from the 4^th Company. Next day early in the morning also appeared in Vaskos the 3^rd company and Battalion command headquarters. Together with this company appeared also commander of the German 16^th Regiment, Captain Steinbergs with regiment Commanders new command. The 3^rd Company had destroyed the Saursliez railroad bridge in the enemy rear. This railroad was built 1^st World War time and wasn’t found on map. The 3^rd Company commander Vltn. Balodis explained how 1^st Company and sapper unit will not show in this region because the German command had overtaken them and sent them towards the Saulu direction.
    The Battalion commanders group now at Vaskos was half of 4th company and newcomers 3^rd Company, and the 4^th company other half at Gedzjuniem German Police Regiment. That day (27^th July) Pltn. Gerbers with 3^rd company left for Gedzjunu positions. The soldiers left the cars because the road along Musas River shore up to their positions was under strong enemy artillery and machine gun fire. Company took up positions from approximately 1 km west of Gedzjuniem until 1 km on East from village. One half of 4^th company’s’ command after changing positions was on a hilltop approximately 1 km north from Gedzjun village. The Battalion command center positions were at the village’s Eastern end. Neighboring soldiers on the right weren’t known. On the left found Battalion 2^nd Company and some German police units. Regiment command center was found in the Gineiku district, approximately 18 km north from Battalion Headquarters and was connection with regiment headquarters having successfully established only that afternoon through local telephone lines.
    The enemy was very active but all the attempts to get across the Musas river in Gedzjunu Region, the battalion repulsed. The fighting was at all times a continuous battle and they started to run short of ammunition.
    At 16:00 hours the 3^rd Company position before the bridge, couldn’t repulse the enemy attacks and retreated. The Russians widened the attack and directed itself against Gedzjunu village. Condition was critical but at 17:00 hours, Gedziunos Battalion appeared with SS-Ostubaf. with 70 SS-men that were battle hardened and heavily armed. With this German unit’s aid, the enemy was repulsed and earlier positions were renewed. Night of 28^th of July passed by peaceful.
    Next morning by telephone the Battalion Commander called the Regiment Commander with orders to withdraw 8 km to Polepi district, because of anticipated regroupings. Before going The Regiment commander Pltn. Gerbers assigned Captain Jenkevicam, to take his  place as rear guard while the command took up new position at Anuni—Turcini—Vendzindzi line , and after these positions were secured , the front units would withdraw.
    At 7:30 the enemy simultaneous started to attack the Battalion positions at both flanks. The Battalion returned fire with automatic weapons and the enemy was stopped. Used to these happenings, the Battalion soldiers burned some hay stacks at Gedzjunu villages Eastern end, and with gratefully favorable winds, units were not bothered as they withdrew.  Simultaneous from the Tetervin region came back also the 2^nd company.
    On 29^th of July 01:00 O’clock the battalion reached new positions across Musas river West from Ceraukste and after several hours was placed in Ceraukst. After a short rest the battalion took up defense positions along Musas river Eastern shore on line Bauska—Ceraukste—Brunava and started to fortify. Morning broke, heard also the first enemy shots from the rivers west shore.
    On 29^th of July Pltn. Gerberu was evacuated to Army hospital in Riga. The Battalion Commander who took his place was Captain A. Kikutu. This time battalion included General. Jekelna battle group.
    After Musas River defense positions were lost , the battalion took up defense positions between Musas and Memeles rivers line Krasta Tavern — Mzsr. Vilks — Bungas, where they fought heavy battles. After several Russian attacks in time these positions were lost also. Particularly heavy losses by the battalion were suffered on 20^th of August at Arces Estate region. Killed 19 Soldiers and also Vltn. A. Gailitis and Lieutenant. T. Eglajs and wounded 73 soldiers.
    28^th of August Battalion structure was 9 leaders, 87 NCO and 301 soldiers. 1^st Company commanded Lieutenant. A. Lavenieks, 2^nd Company — Lieutenant. Z. Remesis and 3^rd Company — Vltn. V. Briedis. Without guns but still had 2 heavy grenade launchers, 35 automatic weapons and 26 machine guns. With those the Battalion also had 2 anti tank cannon and 5 mortars.
    9^th of September the Battalion from Arces Estate region transferred to Jaunsaules Region, where they were left until 15^th of September, when received command go back. Retreat operations by the battalion overtook enemy tanks and by Barbeles Popjiem engaged in heavy fighting. Here the battalion lost many soldiers and all transports. The remaining Barbeles Battalion gave across Daugava and gathered at Ogre. From the approximately 400 Battalion men that started across the swamp reached only some 170. Afterwards the Ogre Battalion soldiers helped with building defense positions.
    After regrouping the battalion on 28^th of September left Ogre and, crossed  Daugava by Ikskiles, gave on Olaines station region, where to again helped with position building work along Misas river East from Riga—Jelgava highway.
    13^th of October the Battalion received command go back across Tirela Swamp in Kurzeme (Courland), where between Dobeli and Dzukste again helped with building defense positions. 20^th of October battalion here received enemy tank fire, but suffered some what trifling losses.
    After several days the Battalion was transferred to Tukuma region, where between Tukuma—Slokas Road and Pravinu Station was to take defensive positions. There, 24^th of October, the enemy with artillery shot up Pravinu Station and Ozolpils school region and they lost 3 Battalion Soldiers.
    27^th of October the Battalion changed, and marched through Tukumam, Stendei, Sparei, Usmai and Rendai. All November the battalion shoveled foxholes by Vanes, Aizupes and Zemites. After that the Battalion transferred to Adzeles Estate, South from Kuldigas. There, the battalion was left for a longer time, building foxholes and tank defenses. From there battalion transferred on Kabiles region, where the Battalion built Ventas river defense positions. Again the battalion was transferred to Zentes Estate region, where the Battalion took positions at Strelnieku House.
    Some weeks before Easter 1945 the battalion, which this time counted 354 men, rapidly were rearmed and at night were transported by automobiles to Blidene Region, where placed at the front between some German and the 19^th Latvian Division. This was the 6th and last Kurzeme (Courland) battle. Found at the front, already on the first nights end the enemy tried to encircle the Battalion with vigorous attacks. Attacks were repelled and many German tanks helped the battalion. After the battle, the battalion was pulled from the front and sent North from the railroad, where they were left in position for 4 days. Here were not any more battles but the enemy at all time was very restless and shot up Battalion positions with artillery fire. Because of continuous repulsion of the enemy attack after attack, the Battalion commander Captain A. Kikutu decorated with Iron Cross 1^st Class.
    At the battles at Blidenes Region, the battalion lost approximately 40 fallen and wounded. By muddy roads the Battalion transferred to Vanes side, where they received replacements, greatly number were unarmed from Ventspils. Vanes region battalion included 19^th Latvian Division and they constructed artillery defense positions. There the Battalion waited Kurzeme (Courland’s) capitulation. The night after capitulation, the soldiers scattered in all directions.

  23^rd  GAUJAS BATTALION

    After they returned from the Ukraine, the  23^rd Gaujas battalion was fully replenished with new draftees. On the 4^th of April 1944, the Battalion Captain K. Brigadera command left for Abertnes region, where it did training  and was directed to defend the local inhabitants against Russian terrorists.
    July end the battalion was transported to Zemgali, where the 215. Infantry Division soldiers assisted in battles by Bauska and became encircled by the enemy. Suffered heavy losses but the battalion escaped from encirclement broke out and returned back to Kegumu and Lielvardi.
    5^th of August battle group leader General Giseke with documents gave thankfulness to the Battalions 3rd company "about the terrible shock".  11^th of August 1^st ARMY Corps commander General. Hilperts wrote 215. Infantry Division: "Gave their unusual opinion, General. Gisekem gave Captain Helda battle group Latvian and German SS-police units their greatest honor.
    11^th of August the battle group of German and Latvian Soldiers, together fighting, opened a hole in their encirclement by stronger Russians and these attacks, cleaned out the enemy with terrible counter attacks and repulsed the GKL."
    Also Gmaj. Giseke in his 12^th of August Days Command book wrote: "Started unusual thankfulness and highest opinion the 23rd Latvian Police Battalion Commander, Captain K. Brigaderam and all the rest Battalion leaders, NCO and soldiers about 11^th of August, one after another carried out counter attacks and old main battle line renewed, with which seized the enemy intended goal to break out through Memeles Front and to scatter the 215^th Division."
    This fight battalion received 28 attacks and acquired many weapons and ammunition. Two Battalion leaders and 6 NCO and soldiers decorated with Iron Cross 2^nd Class.
    Also on the12^th of August some part of 23^rd Gaujas Battalion attacked at Upeniekiem, the enemy ran and they acquired 18 prisoners and 3 anti tank cannon.
    From Lielvarde battalion transferred to Kurzeme (Courland) VI SS-Corps group middle of February 1945 the battalion found themselves in Irlavas—Grencu region, with approximately 350 men. Also in the Kurzeme (Courland) Battalion were found a company from Pltn. J. Zvaigznes construction Battalion (Lett. Pol. Bau-Btl. Star).

  BAUSKAS VOLUNTEER DEFENSE BATTALION

      To the Bauskas Defense Battalion was also attached the local Militia, police units and many other volunteers. Already on the 23^rd of July, threatened with encirclement, the Militia took up defense positions along Lithuanian border, but soon learned that the enemy approached the city from Jelgava direction, where the defense units were pulled from.
    29^th of July, Major. J. Uluks formed a battle battalion of 300 man structures from local police, workers, and other volunteers. Already that same day they took up defensive positions on Lielupes right shore against Bornsmindes shallows.  This place was particularly horrible, because in previous wars the invaders came across these same shallows.
    They still hadn’t dug in when the enemy from across the river opened mortar and automatic pistol fire. The Battalion held back the first attack, until police units organized the inhabitants and evacuated them from the bombed out city. If Major Uluka hadn’t gathered and commanded the Battalion at this unguarded area at Bornsmindes shallows, then already on the 30/31^st of July night the Russians would have crossed Lielupei and taken the city. After 3 days German units replaced the Battalion. After a short rest the Battalion with its leaders was divided between different Latvian and German (380. Grenadier regiment) units and placed in defense of the city.  
     Latvian police unit completed post 1944. g. 24. September reached General Jekelnam following documents:

LATVIAN POLICE UNIT

COMPLETED POST   Riga, 1944. g. 24. September

 Department    I.      Dienasgr. Nr. 6396

Highest SS- Police Leader Ostland and Runo.

Copy to:         Latvian Legion General Inspector.

In Regards to: Latvian volunteer Police Battalions 23, 319 and 322 withdrawn from front lines...

    This year at the end of July, Latvian Police Volunteer Battalions 23, 319 and 322 joined in the battles around Bauska. This Battalion under Brigf. Gisekes command fought on the main battle line, where they showed themselves as outstanding warriors, as seen from the many praises the German leadership gave and many rewarded with the Iron Cross. The Russians broke through by Bauska and encircled the Battalions. These Battalions broke the encirclement and escaped by road, with fast relocation came by Lielvardes—Keguma. There the 58th Infantry Division refurbished the Battalion and its command ordered to give all usable needed automatic weapons. The Battalion left only rifles and Russian machine guns, which lacked ammunition.
    The 215^th  Infantry Division commander had promised the Battalion they would be withdrawn from the front, because after heavy fighting the soldiers uniforms were torn, dirty, and the footwear completely worn out and soldiers had fleas, but the withdraw didn’t happened. Also 2/3 of those soldiers had bad feet from the fast march relocation.
    Never the less about the soldiers written conditions, 58^th division helped this Battalion to build positions, while two companies guarded the bridges by Kegum and ferry by Lielvardes, but yet some units didn’t have automatic weapons and soldiers were without coats and blankets.
    Based on what was said, I plead for a chance to let the above mentioned Battalions to be pulled back from the front and after replenished and rearmed and made battle capable units. Now the conditions left, give impression in the heavy battles we have showed ourselves and were rewarded as soldiers, but now are being reassigned to different units but who don’t have the promised withdraw from the front to be recondition battle capable.

A. Bulle,

Latvian poi. Pltn. and commander.

    Late Fall 1944, the Latvian Legion General Inspector post was divided into two parts — one in Kurzeme (Courland) (Liepaja) and other Germany (Danzig). 27^th of November Legion post leader wrote from Danzig VI Corps post operations region (General.-Kdo VI. SS-Frw. A. K., Abt. Ia) Kurzeme (Courland):

    "Latvian SS-volunteer Legion General inspector please inform us, where we can find the Latvian Police Battalions 23, 267, 271, 319 and 322. If these battalions­ are placed with VI. SS-volunteer Corps what happened with these Battalions. If the Battalion had been divided to different units and that is why they no longer are as a group, pray we know what news of the Battalion and why that has happened."

      From General Inspector Post Liepaja, Vltn. Vairoga 15^th January and 28^th March 1945 information received of how all mentioned Battalions (except 271. Valmiera) units were found subordinate to Kurzeme (Courland) VI. Corps units, except 267^th Reznas Battalion, who guard the sea shore at Ventspils—Uzavas region and was subordinate to DR Region Commander. 271^st Valmieras battalion was already 19^th of October 1944 was included with the 19^th Latvian Division 43^rd regiment. KdOL. didn’t send the information, but that is how it was seen on 13^th of December 1944.

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