History
Narrative Summary
The Latvian Guards (Aizsargi) was founded in 1919 by the Latvian Provisional Government as a volunteer militia or National Guard, during the period of unrest following Latvia’s independence from Russia. In 1921 it was re-organised on a more permanent basis. It continued as a nationalistic paramilitary organisation that co-operated closely with the armed forces. It’s main purpose was to train citizens in the military arts, and to provide a reserve of trained people for the Latvian Armed Forces.
In 1931 the Guards formed an aviation section, Aizsargu Aviacija, which used gliders and single-engined light aircraft to provide air experience flights and basic pilot training to potential recruits of the Air Force. The organisation was disbanded following the Soviet invasion in 1940.
Key Dates
| Key Dates: | ||
| 30 March 1919 | Aizsargi officially established | |
| 17 April 1931 | Aviation section first established | |
| 5 December 1931 | First aircraft received – a GL-22B3 gifted from the Air Force | |
| 18 June 1940 | Aizsargi disbanded by Soviet occupiers | |
Current Status
Not applicable.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
National Insignia
Aircraft Serial Numbers
AA aircraft carried one or two-digit numerical serial numbers ranging between 1 and 47, e.g. VEF Irbitis I-12 ’37’. These numbers were sequentially allocated as aircraft were acquired.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Riga.
Organisational Structure
By 1938 the AA was organised into four Squadrons, with new squadrons having been added as more aircraft were acquired.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
1st Squadron
2nd Squadron
3ed Squadron
4th Squadron
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
Latvian Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.
Magazines
To be added.
Websites
Main Marking
