2019

LVM Supports Organisations that Search for Fallen Soldiers

The number of permits issued by the Brethren Cemetery Committee (Brāļu kapu komiteja) for the search for fallen soldiers is increasing every year in the territories managed by JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM). In the autumn of 2018, the fallen soldiers search organisation “Leģenda” (The Legend), organised a number of international expeditions to carry out probes in Zvārde Rural Territory, Saldus Municipality and exhumate the remains of the fallen soldiers.

During these expeditions, with the involvement of the fallen soldiers search enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, 17 fallen soldiers were found and exhumed in a very small former battle sector: 9 German Army soldiers and 8 Red Army soldiers. At the same time, 253 explosive items were found that were handed over to the National Armed Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for destruction.

“The majority of the German soldiers found will be identified by their identification tokens, unfortunately, soldiers of the Red Army are destined to remain unknown. The mortal remains of the fallen soldiers will be buried in the nearby German and Red Army Brethren Cemetery after the necessary expertise,” says Tālis Ešmits, Head of the Fallen Soldiers' Search Association “Leģenda”.

Zvārde Rural Territory, Saldus Municipality is known as a place where, at the end of World War II (1944/1945), there were fierce battles between parts of the German Army defending the southern boundaries of Kurzeme Fortress and the attacking Red Army forces. Those searching for the fallen soldiers find that the quest in this area needs to continue, since the fallen soldiers have not been properly buried, remains are found in the surface of the earth or in the trenches, so it is very likely that other fallen people are lying in the ground without proper burial.

There are several organisations in Latvia looking for fallen soldiers. There are organisations specialising in the search for German or Russian/USSR army soldiers. The fallen soldiers search organisation “Leģenda” searches for the soldiers that have fallen in all armies in World War I and World War II, without distinction on which side they once fought.

Searching and reburying of fallen soldiers may only be carried out with a permit issued by the Brethren Cemetery Committee, which is valid only with the registration mark of the respective municipal institution and the landowner's approval. The Brethren Cemetery Committee coordinates the condition of soldiers' burial grounds, collects information on burial sites, monitors the search for the remains of soldiers and their exhumation.

“Before carrying out this type of excavation in the state forest area, it must be agreed on with the landowner. The search, exploration and reburying or exhumation of burial grounds must be carried out in accordance with the authorisations received, which clearly define not only the excavation boundaries, but also the requirements to ensure that excavation works and their closure meet the safety and environmental requirements without affecting forestry progress in the areas managed by LVM. Unauthorised tree felling, burning or uncoordinated construction is not allowed,” says Valdis Kalns, Head of LVM Real Estate Administration.

The greatest number of permissions for warrior burials was issued by LVM in Southern Kurzeme and Zemgale regions.