ROYAL DANISH EMBASSY Riga

Danish volunteer soldiers in Latvia’s war of independence

1919

By PhD. Historian and Author MIKKEL KIRKEBAEK FOREWORD

1.

When we celebrated the 25 years anni- versary of the re-establishment of dip- lomatic relations between Denmark and Latvia in 2016, Senior Researcher at the University of Latvia, Ph.D Didzis Klavins, wrote an elaborate and comprehensive article about the role of Denmark in the renewal of Latvia’s independence. It was very useful and contributed in shedding Hans Brask Ambassador light on the Danish-Latvian relationship during an important historical phase in Latvia but also in Denmark and Europe in general. actively present in assisting Latvia in establishing her nationhood. The role of F In 2018, we celebrate the 100 years an- the Danish state was less daring than in niversary of the establishment of the the early 1990s, but as President Guntis Latvian Nation. This time we have asked Ulmanis so kindly notes in his foreword, historian at the Royal Danish Defence H.B. the times were different in 1918 compared College, Ph.D. Mikkel Kirkebæk, to write to 1991. an article about the bilateral links during Latvia’s war of independence, which took I am very pleased that these two articles place throughout a historic period that demonstrate that the Danish-Latvian re- was equally difficult and problematic to lationship has been strong from the very Latvia, the Baltic States and Europe in beginning. We are proud to have played general. As in 1991, the turbulent time in a small role during the historical accom- 1918-19 also provided decisive opportuni- plishments of Latvians in the struggle for ties that Latvia and her Baltic neighbour- independence. As Mikkel Kirkebæk rightly ing were very skillful in exploiting. notes at the very end of his article about Latvia’s tough struggle: first of all, “the Mikkel Kirkebæk has accomplished new Latvians themselves freed Latvia”. This and enlightening research that shows will power of the Latvian people is an im- that Denmark – in terms of a contin- portant part of what we celebrate this year. gent of volunteering soldiers – was also

2 3 FOREWORD

2.

In the course of history one can observe occasional reoccurrence of similar constel- lation of circumstances as the human nature and the political regularities that follow from it have not changed much over the decades, centuries and even millennia. In the world where the major developments are dictated by the global powers, such constellations of circumstances sometimes create a situation Guntis Ulmanis that may decide the destiny of a small na- President of Latvia, 1993–1999 tion, offering it “a window of opportunity”.

Such constellations of circumstances that offered Latvia a “window of opportunity” oc- shall meet in the following pages. F curred at the end of the First World War and in the early 1990s. The following publication However there is also a starkly contrasting focuses on the former, but I would like to say side in our experiences and in these two G.U. a few words on the latter, of which I was an constellations of historical circumstances – a eye-witness and a participant. member of my family stood at the cradle of Latvia’s statehood and worked to consoli- The changes in the global correlation of date the newly acquired independence, but power caused by the First World War allowed in a couple of decades was forced to witness a shift of borders, thus opening an opportu- the European powers disregard the interests nity for the Baltic peoples, Latvians includ- of the small nations in their competition for ed, to gain their national independence. zones of influence in the world where it was Furthermore, it happened at a time when not easy for small nations to find allies. He the Latvian nation had matured for its own saw the USSR troops entering Latvia and statehood. It was an opportunity that could crushing its statehood along with the lives of not be missed and was used to a full extent. many of his compatriots as well as his own. One of the founding fathers of the Republic I, in turn, witnessed the withdrawal of the of Latvia was my great grand uncle Kārlis troops of the heir of the USSR, the Russian Ulmanis, then Prime Minister, (1918–1934), lat- Federation, from Latvia. I was also destined er President (1934­–1940) of Latvia whom you

4 5 to lead my country in its efforts to consoli- a predictable and loyal to democratic values risked their lives (and almost ten times as several historical aspects and levels and it is date and make irreversible its independence. buffer zone between their prosperous life- many were ready to do so) in order not only valuable to summarise the lessons that the Why our experiences, while containing strong styles and Russia which for them at that time to counter the international threat posed relevant historical developments have taught parallels, still were so different? Something was (and still largely is) an unpredictable by Bolshevism, but also to help our young us. Publications such as this one are of great must have changed in the world in our phenomenon. Yet I believe that the support state – was of considerable moral impor- help in this regard. I welcome this timely attitudes. received from the Western countries, includ- tance, showing that Latvia was not alone. The research effort that teaches us to learn from ing Denmark, was at least accompanied or Danish nation, also being relatively small, historical experience and to appreciate our In international politics of 1990s a similarly even strongly influenced by human empa- was capable of empathy for the Latvian trustworthy allies. benevolent constellation of circumstanc- thy and a sense of historical justice – same people and, being situated in our region, un- es had occurred: the collapse of the USSR, as the support that my predecessor Kārlis derstood the threat caused by the ideology same as the upheavals of the First World Ulmanis felt in Denmark in 1919. emerging towards the east. War, had created an opportunity for a shift of borders, thus opening for the former It is vital for nations, especially, for small During my presidency, I also received and Soviet republics a road to independence. The ones, in the name of their statehood and highly appreciated support from Denmark. above-mentioned withdrawal of the Russian future prosperity, not only resolutely to make Denmark has consistently supported us troops was the most important step in the use of the “windows of opportunity”, but also on our road towards the EU and NATO. The consolidation of our newly regained inde- to learn from the lessons taught by histori- open discussions with Danish politicians pendence as it made complete at the same cal precedents and similar constellations of and diplomats encouraged me. For example, time opening for us the road to international political circumstances. a significant turning point in our efforts to organisations as a guarantee of the continu- achieve the withdrawal of the Russian troops Latvia, I am sure, has learned much from the ity of our statehood. I was destined to take was a three-day visit of me as the President historical pre-war experience and drawn personal part in this process and consider of Latvia to Western Europe on 11th–13th April two fundamental conclusions. First, in our its successful completion in August 1994 as 1994, during which time I visited not only the geopolitical situation a small nation cannot one of the most important achievements continental powers France and the UK, but preserve both its independence and neutral- of my presidency. The withdrawal of the also Denmark. ity. In order to safeguard its independence, Russian troops was successful thanks both Latvia must be part of international security The current developments testify that to balanced and pragmatic work on the part and economy community. Thus, right after Denmark, too, has drawn an important con- of Latvian politicians as well as to a “window the regaining of our independence, accession clusion from the 20th century history: every- of opportunity” opened by a constellation of to international structures, first and fore- one must contribute to international security historical developments. First, at that point most the EU and NATO, was set as Latvia’s and in our region peace and integrity of Russia was far from the height of its might foreign policy priority. And second, in our borders cannot be taken for granted. Let me and had not yet clearly defined the course geopolitically sensitive situation, small na- just mention the most significant and latest of its future policies, including its relations tions absolutely need trustworthy allies. contribution of Denmark to security in the with the new neighbours; furthermore, it had region. Latvian Land Force Infantry Brigade to face many other topical issues in the close Denmark is one of such allies. As the follow- takes part in international peace-keeping proximity of its borders and within its tra- ing pages will illustratively show, already missions as part of the Danish Division and ditional sphere of interests. Second, Latvia in the aftermath of the First World War hold regular joint exercises. As of 2019 a part received support from the Western countries, the founding fathers of Latvia considered of this force, NATO multinational division including Denmark, support, without which Denmark as one of our most trustworthy North, will be based in Latvia. Thus we may this step, so important for our independence, allies. It was to Denmark that they, includ- say that the further described aspirations of would not have been possible. As the author ing my predecessor Kārlis Ulmanis, went in my predecessor Kārlis Ulmanis and his as- of the following research clearly illustrates, search of international support, which was sociates to place the armed forces of Latvia the Western powers usually are guided by vitally necessary for the survival of the young under the command of a Danish officer, to pragmatic interests. And at that point the state. The support that was granted within some extent have been realized… Western democracies were interested in en- the limits of political reality of that time – suring stability in our region and in creating and materialized as 200 Danish voluntaries Thus the circle has become complete in

6 7 Estonian army but actually fought longer on DANISH Latvian territory than in Estonia. This article deals with the Danish military efforts in VOLUNTEER Latvia in 1919.1 SOLDIERS IN LATVIA’S BACKGROUND - THE SITUATION IN THE BALTICS WAR OF AT THE END OF 1918 INDEPENDENCE Between 1917 and 1920, the situation in the C Baltic Sea Region changed drastically both 1919 politically and geographically. During these few years, the region’s traditional great pow- ers, the empires in Germany and Russia, broke Contents In recent years, the Danish defense has in- down, and along the Baltic Sea new states creased its presence in the Baltic States. As such as Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and part of NATO’s advanced defense in the East, Poland emerged. The Baltic border states had Denmark has contributed 200 soldiers to the all formed part of the great Russian Empire. NATO force “Enhanced Forward Presence” in However, in the wake of World War I and the 2018, and it is likely that it will make a similar 9 BACKGROUND - THE SITUATION IN THE Russian Revolution, the Baltic national move- BALTIC AT THE END OF 1918 contribution from spring 2020. At the same ments gained momentum, and the demand time, Denmark has offered to lead a new SCANDINAVIAN INTERVENTION IN THE for independence was steadily increasing. 10 NATO division headquarters in Rīga, which BALTIC REGION, 1918? During World War I between 1914 and 1918, will support the Baltic countries’ defense the Baltic territory had formed part of the BALTIC STATES CALL FOR HELP 12 planning. The task is to commence in the au- eastern front of the war, where huge German 13 THE IDEA OF ​​A DANISH EXPEDITION tumn of 2018, and in this connection up to 50 and Russian armies collided in a series of Danish soldiers will be posted in Latvia. violent battles. In the wake of the chaotic sit- 13 THE LATVIANS’ MEETING WITH WESTENHOLZ However, few are aware that Danish military uation in Russia after the Russian Revolution in 1917, the German military experienced DANISH SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE forces have previously helped to ensure great military and political victories, giving it 16 LATVIAN NATIONAL FORCES? the independence and security of the Baltic countries. In 1919, more than 2,000 Danes control over the entire Baltic Region. When a THE DANISH CORPS IN LATVIA 17 volunteered to participate in the indepen- ceasefire was declared on November 11, 1918, German troops occupied an area reaching as 19 THE MILITARY PLANNING BEHIND THE dence wars of the Baltic countries. Mainly MISSION IN LATVIA due to financial problems, however, only the far as Narva in northern Estonia. FORCED MARCH AND MOBILE WARFARE first of at least four planned companies went. 19 The approximately 200 men came to join the 23 RELATIONS TO THE CIVILIANS THE BRUTALITY OF THE WAR 1 This article is written with support from the Danish 24 Defence Staff, Copenhagen 27 ADVANCING SOUTH AGAIN

9 Second Stage of Latvian War of Independence. January – February, 1919 Britain began working on plans for the period with the neighboring great powers of The following German occupation. Hence, the Soviet Union and Germany. The repercus- Territory of Latvia controlled by Estonian army, February 1919 idea of temporarily letting a Scandinavian sions would be incalculable. At the same military force take control was born. time, they expected a strong domestic re- sistance towards any thought of taking up To achieve success in the Baltic region, it was arms against the Russians, because of the important for the intervention forces to be strong positions held by the labor parties in able to act as neutrals in a field of tension Scandinavia. On the other hand, it would be between both local and international poli- difficult for the Scandinavian countries to flat Territory of Latvia where Sovjet tics, and not be seen to be holding any impe- power has been out reject the allies, who would be coming established rialist motives. The Scandinavian countries out of World War I as the undisputed winners seemed perfectly suited for this task. They in Europe. But ultimately the Scandinavian had been neutral in World War I, had no am- governments declined to send troops to bitions of great power, and contrary to many the Baltics. The Scandinavian attitude was other nations, they were not worn-down Under control of Latvian provisional government considerably annoying for the British, who and German army, January – February 1919 from the war, because they had managed felt that it would be in the interests of the January 3rd, 1919: Latvian provisional government retreats from capital Rīga and settles in Liepāja city. to not take part in actual combat. Also, January 5th, 1919: the 1st Latvian Independent Battalion, under command of Colonel Oskars Kalpaks is formed in Jelgava city. January 16th, 1919: Oskars Kalpaks Independent battalion fights its first Scandinavians themselves to prevent the battle against the Bolshevik forces near Lielauce, Latvia. January 29th, 1919: First victory by Kalpaks historically the Scandinavian countries had batallion over Bolsheviks in the battle of Skrunda. Liberation of Latvia is under way. Febaruary, 1919: In spreading of Bolshevism to the neighbor- Estonia a separate Latvian force is being set up under a unified name North Latvian Brigade, lead by colonel strong ties to the Baltic Region and would J.Zemitāns. By then most of Latvia has fallem under control of Bolsheviks. ing countries. Consequently, the Danes and likely also see a benefit in the removal of the Swedes in particular felt obliged to offer Germans from the North, as well as keeping After the Allied victory in World War I, the sit- that Latvian nationalists needed external the allies an acceptable alternative in the the Bolsheviks away from their own back- uation in the Baltic states turned even more assistance if their struggle was to succeed. Baltic question. The Swedes had something yard. Furthermore, many outside Scandinavia chaotic than during the war. Just a few days As both the Soviet and Germany had inter- to prove after their partially German-friendly felt that since the Scandinavians had gotten after the ceasefire, on November 18, 1918, ests in the Latvian territories, it was at the attitude during the war, and the Danes want- through the war relatively unscathed, they Latvian nationalists, in the newly created same time a race over time to bring togeth- ed to regain the territory of Slesvig, having had a moral obligation to help secure a “Peoples Council of Latvia,” declared inde- er pro-Latvian army units for the national lost it to the Germans in 1864. And every stable development in the region. On the pendence for Latvia and formed a provisional liberation struggle before the country was Scandinavian country had an interest in basis of these considerations, the notion government led by Karlis Ulmanis. However, again absorbed by one of the regional great stopping Bolshevism. arose of deploying troops from the armies of it would not turn out to be an easy beginning powers. the Scandinavian countries in the Baltics. The There was, therefore, a willingness to ac- for the new state. German troops were still idea originated from the Balts themselves, commodate the wishes of the British, as in the country, Soviet red troops were ready but the allies were very quick to adopt it. At long as they did not include sending regular to move in, and Russian white forces did not SCANDINAVIAN the end of 1918, there was an intense diplo- army units to the Baltics. Could a solution be want a future independent Latvia, working, INTERVENTION IN THE matic pressure on the Scandinavian coun- found, where the Scandinavian countries re- instead, for a resurrected Tsarist empire BALTIC REGION, 1918? tries to ensure that they would send a joint mained neutral, but were still helping to fight with a restoration of the frontiers from Scandinavian force to the Baltic States. Bolshevism in the Baltics? before the war. However, amidst this chaos The new Baltic states wished, unsurprising- and against all odds, Latvian national forces ly, for their German occupiers to leave. But However, a military intervention in the In fact, the Swedes were the ones to suggest began their armed and political struggle they were also aware that a likely outcome Baltic Region would be far from unproblem- a “Plan B”: The recruitment of Scandinavian for an independent Latvia, beginning what of this would be that the Bolshevists would atic. The Scandinavian governments rightly volunteer forces without officially involv- would come to be known as “The Latvian War try to gain control of the region. As a Soviet feared the consequences of an intervention ing the Scandinavian governments. This of Independence”. Without weapons, money Baltic was not of the interest of the Baltic in the Baltics, where one might risk – or, solution was quickly adopted by the British. and manpower, it became clear, however, population nor of the allies, especially Great rather, expect – a military confrontation In a report from the British representative

10 11 in Denmark in the beginning of January 1919 and Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics showed up at governments in recruitment affairs and Westenholz was deeply engaged in the to the Foreign Office, he wrote: “It seems the English delegation at the Paris Peace helped volunteer soldiers with logistics, national Danish defense and was the man to me that many objections which lie in the Conference. A conference which would deter- weapons and equipment.5 behind the creation of a number of Danish way of our sending regular military expe- mine the new order of Europe after World War volunteer home guard corps that could sup- ditions against Bolsheviks might be ob- I. In addition to a great desire to be recog- port the army in the event of a crisis and war. viated if it were possible to create special nized as independent nations and to ensure THE IDEA OF ​​A DANISH These corps were all machine-gun units spe- voluntary forces for service with Finnish their countries’ views would be heard during EXPEDITION cially trained in the operation of the Danish- and Estonian governments.”2 the peace talks, the Baltic representatives produced and at the time very advanced strongly requested the possibility of loans. With the tacit acceptance of the Danish gov- Madsen light recoil machine-gun. Westenholz Although the Danish government was funda- ernment, and British pledges for material was firmly convinced that it would be in mentally opposed to the sending of Danish According to the British minutes of the aid, a circle of Danish patriots friendly to the Denmark’s interest to stop Bolshevism in the weapons and soldiers to the Baltic states, meeting, “Both gentlemen emphasized the Defense began the construction of a Danish east before it spread to the west. Thus the due to their policy of neutrality, a secret fact that, unless their countries could obtain voluntary expeditionary force, which could be freedom of the Baltic states became closely export of Danish “Madsen machine guns” credit, it would be impossible for them to deployed in support of the freedom strug- linked to Danish freedom and sovereignty. to Britain was allowed, knowing that the raise and equip volunteers in Finland and gle of the national Baltic governments. The Initially, efforts were made to send a military weapons were sent directly to the Balts. At Scandinavia, although they could be easily two main actors were the young student Iver force to Estonia. Meanwhile, the arrival of vol- the same time, the Danish government de- recruited.”3 Gudme and the older experienced business- untary Finnish troops in Estonia on December cided to close its eyes to the recruitment of However, the British were critical of providing man Aage Westenholz. Both had been in- 30, 1918, and their subsequent rapid advance volunteers, as long as it was done covertly. loans to the Balts. The British policy towards volved in Danish aid to the white forces in the on all fronts, meant that the military threat This opened the doors for the preparations the border states was by no means clearly Finnish Civil War in 1918 with Westenholz as in the country had diminished dramatically. for a Danish military expedition to the Baltic defined. The problem for the Balts was that financial benefactor and Gudme as a volun- Perhaps, therefore, the Danish troops could states as a private enterprise. they needed immediate action while the teer soldier. This cooperation was to be con- be of better use in Latvia? powerful British Treasury wanted a num- tinued in the Baltics in 1919 and expanded to a 1,000-man volunteer force, equipped by the BALTIC STATES CALL ber of clarifications before action could be taken. The Treasury did not believe that the British, but partly financed by private Danish THE LATVIANS’ MEETING FOR HELP Baltic question could be handled separately funds. Iver Gudme and Westenholz each had their function in relation to the formation of WITH WESTENHOLZ From the Baltic side, there had been intense from the new formation of the whole Eastern the Danish expedition corps. Gudme was the By mid-January, 1919, three Latvian minis- diplomatic pressure on both the Allied and European area. And as long as there was no young man with the ideas, the practitioner ters had departed from Latvia to ask for help Scandinavian governments in order for them clearly defined allied policy in the area, the and initiator, while the older Westenholz used and volunteer troops in the Scandinavian to send regular army units to the Baltics in Treasury could not justify allocating British his influential network to create contacts and countries. The military situation in Latvia was 1918. As the possibilities for regular interven- funds in the form of loans for the mainte- 4 finances. Both, however, had the same goal: far worse than in Estonia. When the Germans tion troops faded away, the Balts changed nance of a number of uncertain state forms. A militant fight against Bolshevism based on decided to leave the country, the Bolsheviks tactics. Their wishes became increasingly In 1918 and 1919, the British adopted a mod- national and ideological considerations. The attacked a few days later on Latvian territory, focused on financial support, including loans erately supportive but also awaiting attitude fear of expansive Bolshevism was thus very and on January 4, 1919, Rīga was conquered. that could finance the Balts’ own building of towards the Baltic national governments. strong in Denmark in 1919. On a daily basis, Danish residents in Latvia were sailed home military capabilities - and, in particular, give To secure Bolshevik containment, it became the press would report one shaking descrip- as refugees, and they reported in the press them the opportunity to pay wages to foreign British policy to support the recruitment of tion after the other about the cruelty of the about the desperate situation.6 In Latvia, volunteers. volunteer soldiers from Scandinavia paid with Baltic or Scandinavian funds. Similarly, the Bolsheviks, and with the Spartacist Revolt in Prime Minister Karlis Ulmanis and the Latvian On January 15, 1919, the Estonian and British exerted pressure on the Scandinavian Berlin in early 1919, the threat felt very pres- government had to flee to Liepaja (Libau). In Latvian national representatives Ants Piip ent for many Danes.

2 National Archive, UK (NA). NA. FO 371/3954. Writing from 4 NA. FO 608/184. Report from the Foreign Office, dated 5 The contents of the first paragraphs has previously been approaches”). Paper: “Scandinavian military alliance and Kilmarnock to Foreign Office, dated 02.01.1919 28.03.1919 presented at the Partnership for Peace Consortium of volunteers in the Baltic States 1919.” (Kirkebaek 2018) 3 NA. FO 308/182. Writing from the British delegation in Paris Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes 18th 6 See ex. Berlingske Tidende 07.01.1919 ”Flugten fra Riga” to the Foreign Office, dated 18.01.1919 Conference 16-20 April 2018, Belgrade, Serbia (“Alliance planning and coalition warfare: historical and contemporary

12 13 a desperate race with time, they sought to that had flourished in the Danish press that a conversation with him over the course of that he was to meet the Latvians again at build combat forces that could fight against Westenholz would finance Danish volunteer the evening. »It turned out that 150 men were Paladshotellet to discuss more details and the red troops. The Latvian delegation, led by soldiers to Estonia. The newspaper described sufficient to occupy the Town Dorpat [Tartu] that he would like Stürup and Gudme to at- Ulmanis, arrived in Copenhagen on January the conversation with the Latvian president and I would assume that 300 or 500 men, not tend the meeting as well.11 21 and stayed at Paladshotellet. The desire of as follows: “Mr. Ullmann listens with inter- to mention if we could get 1,000 men, would From working for the Estonian case, the delegation was to enter into talks with the est to my account and asks for information be of good use«. – In which way has the direc- Westenholz thus shifted focus to the con- Danish government, and at the same visiting about engineer Westenholz. I tell of the corps tor considered gathering such a corps? »By struction of a 1,000-man strong expedition the Entente’s representatives in Copenhagen. carrying his name, about the movement of directing a request to suitable young men. I corps to Latvia. On January 24, Westenholz At the hotel in Copenhagen, the delegation volunteer soldiers across the country and think there are many here in this country who wrote a letter to the Danish Major general gladly welcomed journalists, and the Latvian the young Dane who fought against the red would like to help the people of Latvia«. And Holten Castensciold. In this he explained that representatives willingly laid out the objec- of Finland, and finally of Mr. Westenholz’ de- how will you get the weapons and ammuni- he had written to the volunteer corps earlier tives of their trip: “We have traveled to tell the scription of the possibility of him paying the tion? »We have a reasonable hope of getting the same month to find recruits for a smaller world how bad it is at home. I do not think you expenses for the formation of a corps against them from ‘the other side.’«”9 unit to be sent to Estonia, but that that plan really understand the danger that threatens the Bolsheviks. »This man I must speak with«, On the question of what Westenholz be- had now been dropped. Westenholz further Europe if Bolshevism is not curbed. We have declares Mr. Ullmann. »And on this day. When lieved the Danish government would say to explained that he had come into contact with been the guard against it: but now we cannot I have been to the Ministry, I must arrange for the plans, the answer was that he could not three Latvian ministers in Copenhagen, who do anymore. We lack the arms, ammunition a meeting with him«.”8 imagine that it would have anything against wanted to have 500-1,000 volunteers in a and soldiers. »Have you travelled to ask for The contact between Ulmanis and Westenholz it, as many Danes had volunteered in French single Danish corps. And Westenholz contin- these things?« Yes, we want to encourage vol- was quickly established, and in the after- and English service during the World War. ued: “The question is whether the Latvians unteer troops to sign up and fight with us.”7 noon of January 23 a meeting was held at Westenholz also spoke to the newspaper can really provide the weapons and finan- The interview is from the newspaper Paladshotellet between Westenholz and the Hovedstaden about the hotel meeting with cial resources. If it turns out that they can, I København, but many other news outlets also Latvian delegation. The following day, several Ulmanis: “It all depends on whether the would like to do what I can to help them find covered the case. One of them was to become newspapers were able to bring an interview Latvians can guarantee our people the need- volunteers, and in such a case I have thought quite important to the issue of Danish volun- with Westenholz, who reported on the con- ed conditions and arms. They are currently to send inquiries to all volunteer corps. I hope teers. This was the conservative newspaper tents of the conversations. The Latvians had trying to raise a loan, and at the same time that you will not mind this. The danger of Vort Land, which had arranged an interview wanted an armed corps of Danish volunteers we are trying to raise a corps of skilled young war does not seem to threaten our country with Ulmanis at Paladshotellet the same day of 500 to 1,000 men, and Westenholz had men (…) I believe the issue should attract anymore, and the inner danger, Bolshevism, the letter had arrived in Copenhagen. During promised to assist in the establishment of Danish sympathy as it is a small peaceful we can fight best by meeting it as far from the meeting, the newspaper’s journalist asked such a corps if the economic conditions fell country that has been assaulted. If I were our country as possible. I do not believe the whether Ulmanis intended to speak with into place. Westenholz would pay for recruit- young, I would immediately report.”10 corps can benefit their cause in any better the Danish Ministry of War regarding troops, ment etc. in Denmark, but the Latvians were way than to represent itself as beautifully and Also, internally in the circle of organizers, to which Ulmanis replied that he knew the to pay the volunteers’ salaries and insur- numerously as possible in such an expedi- Westenholz informed about the turning of Danish government’s position well, but that ance. The newspaper København brought tion.” At the same time, Westenholz began the events in the question of an expedition corps he had to try to get both the Scandinavian an interview with Westenholz on January 24, acquisition of men to Latvia through his large to the Baltic States. To the Danish Captain countries and the Entente to understand concluding that the Latvians had succeeded network in the voluntary corps. Stürup, he wrote, among other things: “At 3 the importance of fighting Bolshevism. Not in making him interested in the matter. At the o’clock today I was with the Latvian min- only for the sake of the Latvians but for same time, details of the conversations were isters and had a longer conversation with Europe. The journalist from Vort Land then passed on to the press: “»It does not have to them, which gave me hope, that the plan can informed the president about the rumors be a large force«, Mr. Westenholz said during become reality.” Westenholz then explained

7 København 22.01.1919. ”Tre lettiske Ministre i København” 9 København 24.01.1919. ”Et dansk frivilligt Korps til den lett- 10 Hovedstaden 25.01.1919. ”Et dansk Korps til Lifland?” 8 Vort Land 22.01.1919. ”Den lettiske Republik beder om mil- iske Republik”. Also see, Vort Land 24.01.1919 ”Det frivillige 11 National Archive, Estonia (ERA). ERA.592.1.1. Letter from itær Hjælp mod Bolschevikerne” Korps til Lathavia” Westenholz to Stürup, undated

14 15 DANISH SUPREME Liepaja. At the same time, the army was com- hereby offer my service as Head of the Corps.” Danish officers to join Westenholz’s various COMMANDER OF THE posed of several nations that did not agree With further explained how he was driven by military projects in the Baltics – despite the LATVIAN NATIONAL with each other on many issues (Russians, the desire to “test myself in reality and there- Danish government’s hesitation. It was thus FORCES? Latvians, Germans, Estonians, etc.), which by develop my skills as a soldier for the good not a lack of will that prevented Lewald, With was why the Latvian government wanted a of my country,” as the Lieutenant Colonel ex- or any other top leaders in the Danish army While Westenholz began working on a Danish commander from a neutral state. On top of pressed it. At the same time, With described from going to Latvia. Two things, howev- expedition corps for Latvia, he also engaged the internal disputes, the extremely unstable how it had felt, as a soldier, to watch from the er, were of crucial importance: The Latvian in the Latvian issue in another way. In his political conditions in Latvia were a concern. sidelines during the World War: “The whole government failed to obtain the financial re- diary on February 21, 1919, Danish Major gen- The government was chosen only by the part world has been on fire. Officers of all Armies sources needed to realize the Danish-Latvian eral Holten Castenschiold noted that he had of the population that was not subjected to have fought and bled in the struggle for military cooperation in 1919. And at the same received a letter from Westenholz, who asked the Bolsheviks. According to Westenholz, the freedom and justice, and only the officers of time, the Danish Ministry of War prohibited if he was interested in becoming supreme Latvian government had no political or eco- the neutral states have been stuck in a cage the recruitment of permanent military per- commander of the united Latvian armed nomic power of significance. The command- as spectators to all that has happened since sonnel for foreign service. As it became clear forces that were at this time being formed er needed to build everything from scratch, 1914.”14 that the Ministry of War would not provide to fight against the Bolsheviks. According to and, with Westenholz’s words, had to be both the necessary permits, a number of well- Westenholz’s impressive network in the mili- the diary, Westenholz’s inquiry was made general, politician and diplomat. However, known, high-ranking Danish officers reject- tary circles was used diligently. One of those on behalf of the three Latvian ministers who there were some uplifting factors. For ex- ed the offer “no matter how much it excites who helped Westenholz propose candidates were in Copenhagen to seek help for their ample, the Danish corps of 1,000 men would me”, as one of them, Major general Holten for service in Latvia was Major general Palle cause. The Latvians wanted a Scandinavian according to the plan be included as part of Castenschiold, noted in his diary. Berthelsen, Head of the Danish General Staff or Finnish general as supreme commander, the total Latvian armed forces. At the same during World War I and responsible for the For the reasons mentioned above, the Danish which was the reason for the inquiry.12 As it time, Westenholz believed that there would mobilized national security force. He had organizers’ contact to the government appears, Westenholz’s conversations with the be ample supplies of good weapons from the also been the head of the Academic Rifle of Latvia ran into the sand. However, the Latvians were also about other military issues Entente and important brothers of arms in Corps and had also joined the board of the Estonians returned in the spring 1919 and the and not just the Danish expedition corps. That Estonia and Finland. According to Westenholz, voluntary corps. In a letter to Westenholz, Danish corps were now directed to Estonia. Westenholz had agreed to assist in finding a the moral motivation was clear. The cause Berthelsen proposed the Chief of Staff of the An agreement was reached for 1,000 Danish suitable army chief for Latvia was of course was “as good as one could imagine”, and a 1st General Command, Colonel Otto Moltke, volunteers to leave, but due to especially connected to Westenholz’s large network in Danish contribution to the world showdown and Major general P. W. Ibsen as the two per- economic problems, only the first company the Danish military. Through his involvement with Bolshevism should be welcomed.13 sons best suited for the task. Both officers of approx. 200 men left. However, the Danish in the voluntary corps and voluntary defense, While trying to help the Latvians find a were described as intelligent and energet- force should prove to be of great benefit to he had created many friends and contacts suitable Danish commander, a search for a ic with good skills as leaders. According to the Latvian cause. in the army’s top circles. He now sought to qualified leader for the proposed volunteer Berthelsen, the latter may have been too activate them for the benefit of the Latvians. corps of 1,000 men was on-going. Here, later tough and militaristic, but “would surely treat Westenholz’s role in this case was thus simply Danish army chief Colonel Lieutenant Erik the Bolsheviks in the right way,” as the Major THE DANISH CORPS IN to link the Latvians and the potential Danish With was strongly considered. And With was general expressed it. Berthelsen also asked candidates for the post as commander. In LATVIA very positive towards the idea. In an an- Westenholz to keep his involvement in the the letters Westenholz circulated to poten- swer to Westenholz’s suggestion, With wrote case “perfectly confidential.”15 Another can- The Danish organizers of the Baltic aid did not tial candidates, he did not hide the fact that on January 25, 1919: “In connection to the didate who came quite far in the negotiations succeed in keeping the recruitment hidden the task was difficult. The Latvian army was director’s initiative for the organization of a with the Latvians was Colonel Vilhelm Lewald. from the public in Denmark. This led to major small. According to Westenholz, it consisted voluntary corps for the help of the Latvians, I As it appears, there was a great will by senior domestic policy problems for the Danish of only a few thousand men gathered around government and the organizers of the corps.

12 Rigsarkivet, DK (RA). RA. Private archive. Holten 13 RA. Private archive. Aage Westenholz, pk. 46. Letter 14 RA. Private archive. Aage Westenholz, pk. 26. Letter from 15 RA. Private archive. Aage Westenholz, pk. 27. Letter from Castenschiold, journal 1900-1950, journal notes 21-23.02.1919 from Westenholz to Castenschiold and Berthelsen, dated With to Westenholz, dated 25.01.1919 Berthelsen til Westenholz, dated 12.03.1919 20.02.1919, 05.03.1919 and 15.03.1919

16 17 But in spite of the problems, at the end of THE MILITARY PLANNING FORCED MARCH AND March, 1919, 200 Danish volunteer soldiers BEHIND THE MISSION IN MOBILE WARFARE had been shipped under the command of LATVIA Danish reserve officers. The corps departed The offensive into Latvia was commenced 17 by ship from Copenhagen on March 26, and The Estonian attack in Latvia was partly at 02:30, the morning of May 29. The attack after transit in Finland, the voluntary Danish meant to put pressure from the north on the force that included the Danes consisted of force arrived in Estonia on April 4, 1919. The Bolshevik forces and partly to cut off the 4 Estonian infantry companies, 1 Latvian corps was set up as an infantry company, but Bolsheviks’ escape route into Russia. The infantry company, 1 Danish infantry compa- carried as much as 24 Madsen machine guns plan required - roughly speaking - that the ny, a cavalry unit of 120 men and 1 artillery and therefore made for an extremely power- Estonian forces divided into two main flanks. battery (half-battery). In total approx. 1,500 ful unit. The military leadership was put in the One flank was meant to cut quickly through men under the command of Estonian cavalry hands of Lieutenant Richard Gustav Borgelin, Latvia along the eastern boundary, thereby chief Gustav Johnson (later Major general). who, after arriving at Tallinn, was appointed occupying important transport hubs, elimi- The participating Latvian company was part Estonian captain. After a brief training in the nating the possibility of escape into Russia. of the so-called Northern Latvia Brigade area around the Estonian capital, the corps The other flank would be brought toward Rīga under Captain Jorgis Zemitans. In agreement was sent to the southern front of Estonia near Picture 1 in the west fighting down the Red Armies in with the Estonians, the brigade had been the Latvian border. After a relatively has- Latvia or forcing them to the east and the gathered and settled on Estonian soil from The Danish press reported widely on the departure February 1919, while most of Latvia was un- sle-free advance through Estonia, the corps from Copenhagen of the Danish Volunteers in March waiting trap. The first flank passed Alūksne on May 29, 1919, found itself at the Latvian 1919. The headline of the article reads: The Fight (Marienburg), Gulbene (Schwanenburg) and der the control of Bolsheviks. The Northern border. against Bolshevism. Danish Volunteers in Uniform Jēkabpils (Jakobstadt), while the second Brigade consisted of approx. 1,500 men from on their Way to Latvia. (Private archive). crossed Cēsis (Wenden) against Rīga. the northern Latvian provinces, and one of The political and military situation in Latvia the brigade’s companies would now join the The Danes participated in the first Estonian was extremely complicated - and very dif- eastern flank together with the Danish and flank along Latvia’s eastern border. As already ferent than in Estonia. The Bolsheviks had On May 22, the united German, Latvian and Estonian forces.18 occupied most of the country at the begin- Russian white forces conquered Rīga. After mentioned, the purpose of this endeavor was The first military objective was to advance ning of 1919. However, it was still possible to the fall of Rīga, the red forces in Latvia began to close down the border, so none would es- towards the city of Alūksne to interrupt the assemble an anti-Bolshevik alliance consist- to flee from west to east. Not least because cape when the enemy began to flow towards rail link between the cities of Vecgulbene ing of Latvian national troops, Russian white Lithuanian troops advanced towards the Russia from eastern Latvia. If this was to (Alt-Schwanenburg) and Valka (Walk). As the troops and German volunteers, the latter Bolsheviks at Latvia’s southern border. At the succeed, a rapid advance through Latvia from roads in the Baltics were generally in a very consisting of both local German-Balts and same time, in the Estonian army command, north to south was required. As the Danish poor condition, rail transport was of very high Reich Germans. Both the German and the it was decided to attack the Bolsheviks from company was meant to form part of the strategic significance. If the railroad links in Russian white forces had war targets other the north. The Bolshevik forces in Latvia were spearhead of the attack, the keyword of the Latvia could be disjointed, the Bolsheviks than the Latvian national units, but initially thus squeezed from three sides - south, west advance was “speed”. The target for the first would be prevented from bringing troops and they constituted a total military opposition and north - and were now forced to retreat Estonian flank was Jēkabpils about 200 km supplies from Latvia to Estonia via Valka, lo- to the Soviet occupation of Latvia. Thus, through Latvia to the Russian border in the south of the outset at the Estonian-Latvian cated on the Estonian-Latvian border. in February 1919, the national Latvian and east. This was where the Danish corps en- border. As motorized units were largely unavailable, the Danes and the other units German forces in the southwest succeeded in tered the scene. Alūksne was located about 25 km from the would daily have to cover long distances by advancing through the western Kurzeme and Estonian border and, as mentioned, it was the foot in their advance. On average, 30-40 km a further east in March 1919, so that most of first major target for the force now crossing 16 day. This placed great emphasis on the disci- Kurzeme was freed by the end of the month. the Latvian border. As the transportation pline, form and endurance of the crew.

16 Olavi, Hovi: The Baltic area in British policy, 1918-1921. 17 Viggo Hansen’s description. In Sorø Amts 18 Mangulis, Visvaldis: Latvia in the Wars of the 20th Century. Finnish Historical Society 1980, p. 136 Dagblad 16.07.1919 “I Kamplinien paa den estniske Front” Cognition Books, 1983, p. 47, 51-52

18 19 Third Stage of Latvian War of Independence. March - July, 1919 Bolsheviks would not have time to prepare a proper defense. At Ziemera, the Danes were separated from Captain Grant’s Estonian company, which took another direction to- wards Alūksne, to widen the front. After this division, the Danes no longer had any Allied

Territory of Latvia under control of Estonian units in front of them, and the corps even army and North Latvian Brigade ended up being the left wing in the advance- ment, which meant that the corps’ command- er, Richard Borgelin, had to dispatch small Territory of Latvia under control Picture 2 of German military forces front patrols in an attempt to secure the main Danish volunteers in training in Estonia. The shoot- force against surprise attacks. The deploy- ers pose together with their essential armament; the ment of proper side patrols quickly had to be Territory of Latvia under Danish produced Madsen Machinegun. abandoned as they could not keep up with control of Red army (Private archive) the company in the rough woods that ran along the roads.21 The company was thus very March 6, 1919: commander of all Latvian forces colonel Oskars Kalpaks killed by much alone and exposed during the advance- German friendly fire near Airītes, Latvia.April 16th, 1919: pro-German forces of Baltic nobility stage coup d’etat in Liepāja. May 22nd, 1919: Rīga liberated from and miskept. When the Bolsheviks took Bolsheviks. May – 22nd June, 1919: In a series of battles at Cēsis united force of ment - as Borgelin describes the situation Estonian army and North Latvian Brigade defeat the Baltic Landeswehr and German Iron power, the original owners had either been Division. July 3rd, 1919: Ceasefire of Strazdumuiža. in his memories: “... it was a strange feeling killed or had escaped, and the buildings were to go this way through a land full of enemies often used to house Bolshevik troops, who options were generally few and bad, the avail- logs of tree had been placed. And what was without any proper protection on the right even destroyed furniture they considered able horse-drawn carriages were reserved more, the state of the roads caused prob- and left, yes, even in the back we were only as the upper class symbols. In addition, the for transportation of ammunition, supplies lems for the wagons, that often got stuck in partially secured, and we never had a proper buildings were also exposed to the common and, if any, the sick and injured. Some of the sand, holes and mud: “... it would even connection to the base from which we came. robberies that war and chaos often cause. the officers - and orderlies – had access to touch one’s heart to see how much the poor This was felt, as it became difficult to get the Many of the Danish soldiers interpreted the horses. The remaining had to walk. At the horses had to drag,”19 as a volunteer noted in needed supplies to us.”22 formerly magnificent, but now ruined, estates start of the march in Latvia, the corps was a letter. It did not delay the infantry, but the as a tangible evidence of the Bolsheviks’ But the advance, however, did succeed followed by Captain Grant’s Estonian compa- many obstacles caused many problems for primitive nature and barbarism.20 After 8 according to plan. Without big problems, ny, dubbed “Captain Grant’s Children” by the the supply train, which quickly fell behind. km, the Danish-Estonian force reached the the Estonian cavalry further forward had Danes, after the classic Jules Vernes novel of The same did the artillery. Along their route, Ziemera estate (Semershof), where they man- taken Alūksne, which was abandoned by the the same name. As one of the Danish officers the Danes met a number of large abandoned aged to take four prisoners who, according Bolsheviks that same morning. As the first of wrote in his memories, the war in Latvia was estates. These estates were found in both to lieutenant Gudme, had probably been too the infantry companies, the Danes moved into fought with the feet, as it was characterized Estonia and Latvia, and for the most part slow to follow when the Bolshevik main force the town at 13:00 on May 29 on the first day of by endless marches more than military ac- they belonged to the German-Baltic nobility, had fled. A military picture appeared in which the Latvian campaign. The corps was assigned tions. For a long time, the advancing troops which traditionally also owned large parts of Bolsheviks everywhere retreated in delayed quarters at the city’s “Latin School” and was saw nothing of the Bolsheviks other than the the land in the two countries. In Latvia, the actions, without desiring to confront the able to rest. Unfortunately, the supply train various obstacles they had placed in order to Danes got the opportunity for the first time to attacking forces in any serious way. Similarly, did not arrive until 21:00 and caused great prevent the attackers from pushing forward. come close to a number of these castles and the Estonian-Danish-Latvian alliance sought dissatisfaction among the weary and hungry For example, across the roads on which the manors, which had previously been wealthy to advance with such great speed that the soldiers. “A bloody mess, those supplies!”, advancement against Alūksne took place, and well-kept, but now appeared ravaged

19 Fyens Stiftstidende 20.10.1919, “Det danske frivillige 20 For descriptions regarding the encounter with one of 21 RA. Private archive. Richard Gustav Borgelin. Vor sidste Hjælpekorps.” Regarding the challenges to train and ar- the damaged estates, see ex. Viggo Hansen’s description. Kamp for Estland, p. 105 tillery, see also Hugo Arboes description in Herning Avis In Sorø Amts Dagblad 17.07.1919 “I Kamplinien paa den es- 22 RA. Private archive. Richard Gustav Borgelin. Vor sidste 04.07.1919 “Med Pansertog ved Bolschevikfronten” tniske Front.” See also Hugo Læssøe Arboes description Kamp for Estland, s. 107 in Aalborg Stiftstidende 09.07.1919 ”De danske Frivillige i Estland”

20 21 chief, the oldest officer, decided that the ad- Instead, the group now moved forward, “Stump could not walk because the skin in vancement should continue the next morning. cutting across the railway line not far from his crotch was like bloody meat. Borgelin According to Peter de Hemmer Gudme’s diary, Sita, which is close to the border between gave Dad, who was carrying Stump’s rifle, etc., several of the company commanders includ- Russia and Latvia. After breaking up the rails, orders to either get him going or shoot him... ing Grant and Borgelin, had otherwise asked a fire attack on the train was prepared as a Through pushing and shoving Dad got him for a day’s rest as the crew was exhausted train with red troops was supposedly on the along!” Whether Borgelin’s wording is true is after the long march, but this was rejected. way from Vecgulbene towards the Russian uncertain, but there is no doubt that tough Therefore, the order was to move forward at border.25 However, there was no train, so the methods were used in order to get the un- 08:00 on May 30. The target was the railway exhausted troops found a place to sleep. The trained and completely run-down soldiers to junctions in the city of Vecgulbene and the group the Danes belonged to had traveled keep up. Arildskov also describes an episode Picture 3 railway station Sita, where four important 42 km, and after only a few hours of sleep with a private named “Skipper” who could The Danish Volunteers were not officially sent to lines ran together, including the railways to the corps was awakened at 4:00. It was early not follow: “I had to force Skipper from hill Latvia by Denmark but nevertheless they fought Jēkabpils, Rīga, Valka and Russia. It was the morning on May 31, and the still tired and to hill by saying to him, ’As soon as I see an in the independence wars in the Baltics in Danish objective to prevent the Bolsheviks from exhausted Danes started an approx. 18 km enemy in your presence, I will shoot you first!’ uniforms and under the Danish flag. Here the flag (“Dannebrog”) is hoisted over the training camp in the Rīga-front, who were pressured by both march west to Vecgulbene to unite with the Fortunately, this drove him to do his best - we Nömme in Estonia. (Private archive) Estonian, Latvian and German-Baltic attacks, Estonian and Latvian companies that had got him along!”.26 from being evacuated through the railroad been moved directly to the city the day be- On those days when the troops moved over to the east. At the same time, the ability to fore. The Bolsheviks had tried to escape the long distances, the supply train had difficul- supply crew and supplies the other way would city as the white forces approached, but a Lieutenant Peter de Hemmer Gudme noted ty keeping up with them, and the exhausted be cut off. 200-men red company had outside the city in his diary, but at the same time wrote that soldiers, as previously described, often had run straight in the arms of the Latvians to the crew of the supply train was well excused The Danes, two Estonian companies and the no food until at night when the food and whom they had surrendered. when thinking of all the burned bridges and artillery moved, along with a smaller division supply wagons had caught up with the infan- cut down trees over the roads they had to from the cavalry, to Sita in the south, while Parts of the Danish volunteers had no mili- try. In many cases, it meant that the Danes pass with their horses and wagons to reach the Latvians and the remaining part of the tary background and consequently were not had to “order” food from local farmers to the city. According to Peter de Hemmer Estonians moved towards the Vecgulbene in trained for the long day marches. Marching up ensure supplies to the troops, which was not Gudme’s notes, Alūksne was a beautiful and the southwest. After a long march, the Danish to 40 kilometers a day with kit is bad enough unproblematic. idyllically located city, which, like the rest group came close to the enemy around 16:00. for well-trained soldiers, but for those un- of those the corps had passed, was now At first, however, the contact was mostly in trained in the corps it was a great trial. In plundered and ravaged from the Bolsheviks’ the form of artillery duels, while the infantry the officer Lieutenant Arildskov’s memoires, RELATIONS TO THE stay in the city. They had left nothing of value, continued its march. A couple of hours later, he describes how much of the force was so CIVILIANS according to Gudme: “what they could not the infantry received information that enemy marked by the marches that they could not bring with them, they have destroyed, so that forces had been spotted on a large estate a carry their own equipment, meaning the Many of the Danish soldiers felt that a large others could not benefit from it. This applies few kilometers north of the railroad going strongest had to carry guns and packs for part of the civilian Latvian population sym- to everything from furniture in the castle to to Rīga. At the estate, the Danes attempted the untrained members. Arildskov, whose pathized with the Bolsheviks. At the same 23 typewriters, horses, cows and medications,” to encircle the enemy, but as the Estonians 53-year-old father also participated in the time, many of the volunteers had a some- as he noted. However, the time in Alūksne opened fire before the Danes were in place, corps, describes, for example, one member what colonial view of the Baltic States, would be quite short. The enemy was only the result was nothing but an extra march called “Stump” (Shorty), who besides being a thus operating with a cultural distinction about 6 km away, and in order to maintain the for the Danes, who would see the Bolsheviks bit too heavy also suffered from other physi- between the “primitive east” and civilized momentum of the offensive, keeping pressure withdraw from the estate at high speed.24 cal problems caused by the endless marches: Western Europe. Some volunteers therefore on the fleeing enemy, the Estonian cavalry felt distrustful to the local population. After

23 RA. Private archive. Peter de Hemmer Gudme. ”Et mod- “I Kamplinien paa den estniske Front.” According to Borgelin, 25 See also Grunnet’s description in Aarhus Stiftstidende 26 RA. Private archive. Max Arildskov. Erindringer, unpub- erne Korstog” 1919 (unpublished), Journal notes 03.06.1919 the Estate was named Lettin. See Borgelin’s description 16.08.1919 “Med de danske frivillige i Estland” lished. Description of the Estonian freedom struggle p. 32. 24 Viggo Hansen’s descrip- in RA. Private archive. Richard Gustav Borgelin. Vor sidste tion. In Sorø Amts Dagblad 16.07.1919 Kamp for Estland, s. 122

22 23 the arrival in Latvia, however, the enormous The Danish corps’ arrival at Vecgulbene was including information about the southern distress and poverty that prevailed in the described by Lieutenant Peter de Hemmer front where the Danes were fighting. Tallents country characterize most of the volunteers’ Gudme, for example, in this way in his diary: explained, among other things, that the descriptions of the population. In the coun- “Since food supplies had been short lately, Estonians in the battle against the red Latvian tryside, there was occasionally food to get, Captain Borgelin gave the crew permission to units attempted to deviate from “their gen- but the farmers often kept it for themselves, make requisitions on their own in the area - eral rule of killing all Bolshevik prisoners,” as which made the food situation in the towns which was not necessary because a calf had Tallents expressed it, as the Estonians hoped very difficult. One of the Danish volunteers already been secured for the company - and to lure Latvian soldiers on to the white side. describes his impression of the situation in this permission, the soldiers took so literally However, according to Tallents, this practice a letter home: “Never before has need been that they hunted hens and ducks - and even a had a serious setback, as the Estonians had greater for rich and for poor. The rich man sheep - to a great extent. It became a rather Picture 4 just shot down an entire red Latvian regiment has become poor, but the poor has certainly embarrassing story, and the officers have The advancement through Latvia by the Danish of 400 men who were about to surrender. become even poorer. Fighting can be caused now had to walk around and excuse them- corps took place on foot or – as here – on obtained Tallent’s descriptions - regardless of whether by simply throwing a dry piece of rye bread on selves while paying compensation for the house carts . (Private archive). the number is correctly stated - clearly shows the street.”27 As supplies to the corps during damages.”30 that routine shooting of prisoners of war was the advancement were few, the Danish corps a widespread practice.33 often had to take the last that the peasants Like the previously described estates, which The Danish volunteers during their participa- had. For example, one of the Danish officers had housed Bolshevik troops, this was also THE BRUTALITY OF tion in the Baltic wars were also involved in noted in his diary: “We have had to find our completely destroyed. According to several THE WAR this kind of warfare - either as witnesses or own supplies everywhere, which is not easy volunteers’ reports, the Bolsheviks had held as directly involved. In the memoires of the to do in a country that the Bolsheviks have al- Even though the Danish Corps did not par- tribunals on the estate and convicted a large Danish Chief of Corps, many pages describe ready suffocated.”28 To “live off the land” has ticipate in much tough fighting in Latvia, the number of civilian “enemies” to death. In the the bestiality and ruthlessness of the red. been normal practice for advancing armies soldiers could not avoid experiencing the surrounding park, the Danes found a number The red terror had thus also been extensive throughout history. However, the confisca- brutality of the war. Shortly before the Danish of mass graves that contained the earthly re- in Latvia with the shooting of class enemies, tion of food naturally created a somewhat corps’ departure from Denmark, the famous mains of the Bolshevik victims. The indepen- prisoners of war and political opponents problematic relationship with the civilian Latvian general, Augusts Misiņš, was briefly in dence wars in Finland and Estonia were gen- of the Red Revolution. But occasionally, in population. Especially because the line Copenhagen on the way to the Liepāja front erally fought with great brutality - and Latvia the memoires of the corps officer, one sees between “necessary” requisitions and plain after a stay in, among other places, London. was no exception. Just a month before the that brutality also went the other way. For robbery was often thin. And at the same time Facing the Danish press, he described the Danish forces began marching in Latvia, the example, Borgelin describes the horrors that because the requisitions often had to take task in Latvia: “... it is simply a matter of beat- British diplomat in Liepaja, Herbert Adolphus had taken place in the Latvian cities when place under threats of violence, as the farm- ing down a group of robbers that are a danger Grant Watson, described the war in Latvia as 31 the red held tribunals and sentenced priests, ers’ own existence was often dependent on to the whole world.” As Misiņš’ statement “a civil war and it is being waged with unprec- teachers and other civilians to death. But in a the things the soldiers demanded. A Danish shows, the war in Latvia was not easily com- edented barbarity. The Bolcheviks kill their side note he added that some of these were officer explained, for example, that “Some parable to the intergovernmental showdowns prisoners with every refinement of savagery rescued when Danish-Estonian-Latvian forces places, especially when we wanted to pick during the great war. The war in Latvia was and the Balts give no quarter.”32 That none of arrived “and held ‘court’ over the worst red up wagons, the gun had to be brought out.”29 fought by different combatants who fought the sides spared civilians or prisoners of war beasts.”34 In several of the volunteers’ letters If the officers did not keep the soldiers in a by different rules. And the Danes would soon is evidenced by a series of simultaneous de- and diaries, a ‘court’ over and subsequent tight leash, the requisitions risked develop- come to experience this. scriptions and reports. After a trip in Estonia execution of four women in Vecgulbene is de- ing into actual robberies, where the soldiers in March 1919, Lt. Col. Tallents from the British When the corps arrived at Vecgulbene, they scribed in details. One of the Danish officers Relief Mission, wrote a situation report, not only took what was most necessary. were assigned quarters on a large estate.

27 Herning Avis 04.07.1919 ”Med Pansertog ved 30 RA. Private archive. Peter de Hemmer Gudme. ”Et mod- 32 NA. FO 608/184. Report by Herbert Adolphus Grant 34 RA. Private archive. Richard Gustav Borgelin. Vor sidste Bolschevikfronten” erne Korstog” 1919 (unpublished), journal notes 01.06.1919 Watson, dated 01.04.1919 Kamp for Estland, p. 153 28 RA. Private archive, Peter de Hemmer Gudme. ”Et mod- 31 A few days after, Misiņš was named chief of staff in the 33 NA. FO. 608/184 Report by Lt. Col. Tallents from the erne Korstog” 1919 (unpublished), Journal notes 07.06.1919 provisional government’s armed forces. Dagens nyhed- ”British Relief Mission” p. 12, dated March 1919 29 RA. Private archive. Alfred Larsen. Unpublished journal er 21.03.1919 ”Den baltiske Mannerheim om Kampen mod notes, journal note 10.06.1919.. Bolschevikerne”

24 25 participated in the panel that sentenced the and Latvians who had enlisted voluntarily in the war, the Baltic countries managed to captured women to death. On both sides of the Bolshevik ranks, were shot immediately transform themselves into relatively liberal the conflict, these ‘courts’ were used to give without any form of trial.”36 societies while the Soviet remained faithful to executions a degree of legitimacy, but no le- the legacy of the civil war and continued the As already mentioned, of course, it was not gal protection of the accused was offered. In highly repressive, occasional genocidal prac- only the white forces that shot prisoners of practice, both sides shot those they perceived tices founded during the civil war. war. In English archives, a number of eye- as ideological opponents. In the volunteers’ witness reports about the use of the same descriptions, it is somewhat unclear why the practice by the Bolsheviks are collected. An previously mentioned women had to be shot. Estonian white soldier who had been cap- ADVANCING SOUTH Some say they had participated in a tribunal tured in Valka on the southern front were the AGAIN that had sentenced thousands of civilians Danes were situated miraculously survived to death, others said they had opened fire While the Danish Corps expected a longer a mass killing of prisoners of war by playing on an Estonian patrol and others again that ceasefire after the arrival to Vecgulbene, the dead, and subsequently gave this descrip- they had tortured a Swedish volunteer. The command had other plans. Not aware of this, tion of what had happened: “They took our episode is just one of a number of executions the Danish Corps spent the whole of Sunday caps, coats and cloaks. Thirty-five armed that the Danish soldiers write about in letters June 1 swimming, resting and sleeping. Bolshevists surrounded us in order to prevent and diaries. A Danish volunteer, for example, However, the crew was awoken without notice any attempt of escape. Our hands were bound describes how the Estonian and Latvian units at 01:30 and asked to prepare for immediate behind our backs. Besides this, we were fas- at night had fought against the Bolsheviks’ departure. The Danish corps continued to- tened in couples, and then each pair joined protruding units, trying to get away: “The day wards the southern Vidzeme, and the advance a long rope, so we marched all attached to after the battle, I went through the streets had the town of Krustpils (Kreuzburg) at the the one rope. Thus, we were led to death. As of Alte Schwanenburg. I saw the big prisoner Daugava River (Düna) as the target. From here, I protested against this barbaric treatment, the river had to be crossed to Jēkabpils on transports coming. First came the sick and a number of Bolsheviks had been caught a the Bolshevik’s officer struck me twice on the the opposite river bank, to connect with the wounded; they were driven on the supply little further west. In the Estonian staff chief, head with a riding whip and said, »Shooting Allied German, Latvian or Lithuanian forces trains carts. Then more soldiers, after which Colonel Soot’s daily report from June 2, it is too good for you, your eyes should be put operating south of the river. Like Vecgulbene, more wagons of sick and sore followed (...) was stated: “In the direction of Krustpils, our out before death«. At the word of command, Krustpils was an important railway hub, they did not have boots on their feet; these troops are moving rapidly. A heavy horse- the Bolshevists fired a volley. The bound only about 100 kilometers further south. If had been taken when they were taken pris- drawn battery, 16 machine guns and 1,600 group fell to earth. I was also pulled down by Krustpils could be taken, the railways from oner. There were young men in the age of 38 the others, though I had not been here. The prisoners of war have fallen into our hands.” 15-16, and there were older men in the age of Rīga and Jelgava (Mitau) would be cut to the Bolshevists fired four rounds on the fallen. The command therefore thought that more 50, but they were all dirty and everyone was east and the Bolsheviks in Latvia would be Fortunately, I was again missed. Then the large enemy forces might try to cross the exhausted.”35 As it appears, during the rapidly trapped in a pocket. First, however, the corps executioners fell upon us like wild animals area of Jaungulbene​​ from the west in the moving war through Latvia, many prisoners marched in the middle of the night against to rob us. Anyone who still moved was finally hope of reaching the Russian border in the were taken - in many cases also by the Danes. Jaungulbene (Neu-Swanenburg), which was killed by bayonets or blows from butt-ends east. Grant and Borgelin’s companies were In practice, one of the volunteers wrote that both the name of a castle and a railway sta- of rifles. I kept as still as possible. One of the dispatched to meet the retiring troops so that the red soldiers who had been forced into tion. Departure was ordered so quickly that 37 they would not escape. On the march against Bolshevists took my boots...” The mission in the Danes did not eat before marching. The the war after capture were enrolled in the Jaungulbene, lieutenant Peter de Hemmer Latvia was no “Sunday school excursion” as a reason that the Danish company and Grant’s white forces. The fate of the remaining red Gudme wrote: “We met a part of the pris- Danish volunteer put it. However, a funda- company were sent to Jaungulbene in the prisoners of war, he describes as follows: “But oners on the way. They looked pitiful, tired, mental difference was that in the years after middle of the night was that in the evening, those who had volunteered, or the Estonians and unhealthy. It seems that the Bolsheviks

35 Hugo Læssøe Arboe’s description in Aalborg 37 NA. FO. 608/181 Report, ”Bolshevists atrocities in Estonia 38 Translated freely from telegram: ”Richtung Kreutzburg Stiftstidende 10.07.1919 ”De danske frivillige i Estland” – Further supplementary reports”, dated 17.02.1919 dringen unsere Truppen vor. Stop. Sind Erbeuten eine 36 Hugo Læssøe Arboe’s description in Aalborg Schwere Batterie mit Pferden komma 16 Maschinengevæhre Stiftstidende 10.07.1919 ”De danske frivillige i Estland” und 1600 gefangene gemacht.” ERA.1590.1.3. Telegram signed ”oberst Soots”, dated 02.06.1919

26 27 have completely lost their will here in Latvia; (Modohn) was reached at 01.00 at night. At river, and collected all boats within a radius they did not attempt to escape, but had noon the next day, the corps marched on to of 2 km to allow for a possible retreat across marched along the road with a white flag in Laudona (Laudohn), which was reached late the river. Meanwhile, in the streets, guards front and had quietly surrendered.”39 At 7:00 in the afternoon. The same night, at 03:00, manned with machine guns were posted.44 Monday morning, June 2, the Danes arrived the group continued. According to Peter de While the Danes were in Jēkabpils, they lifted at Jaungulbene where they were quartered Hemmer Gudme, the Estonians preferred the Danish flag above the town hall and took on the castle. But they would quickly have to to start the marches as early as possible the role of the city’s supreme authority. The move on. at night to march least possible during the remaining civilians in town came to the Danes warmest hours of the day, in which rest was with matters of civil administration. For The group of Estonians, Latvians and Danes, often needed. In his designs for June 4, Chief example, Viggo Hansen describes how a gen- who had been at the forefront of the initial of Staff Colonel Soot, simply wrote: “In the Picture 5 campaign against Alūksne in Latvia, would tleman had come to the Danish headquarters direction of Krustpils, our troops yester- now be reunited to form the spearhead of The Danish volunteers were the first to enter and explained that he had rented a garden day moved along the Ewsti [Aiviekste] River Jekabpils during the advancement towards the the attack on Krustpils. Greater troop forces from the town authorities the previous year to Laudona and continue on.” Shortly after, Southern part of Latvia in the beginning of June 1919. would then follow and form a chain of for- Here the Danes are crossing the Daugava-river on a and he would like to do so again. According the chief of staff could announce that in the tified positions on the border to the Soviet rope ferry between Krustpils og Jekabpils. (Private to Viggo Hansen, the Danes replied that they area of Cesvaine​​ troops had succeeded in archive). Union. Unlike earlier, it was now planned capturing several departments of an enemy were happy to inform that it was a deal, “then that the Danish corps would go by train 45 regiment.40 Thus everything went on smoothly we were rid of him”, Hansen noted. In Soot’s some of the way towards Krustpils. Some of and according to plan. June 7 report, it said “Krustpils and Jēkabpils the Danes who had been pioneer soldiers parts of the gables still stood (...) Imagine have been taken from the Bolsheviks by our were sent together with Estonian colleagues Krustpils was a little over 30 kilometers to how it would be to see a city like Sorø or troops on June 5 and have been handed to in advance to repair the bridges that the the south and was reached at 13:00 on June Korsør shot completely down except 3 or 4 42 Bolsheviks had destroyed during their re- 5. Along the way, the Danes had not seen the houses.” The bridge between the two cities the Latvian troops under our command, who treat. However, the train did not go more enemy, and Krustpils was also emptied when on each side of the Daugava River had been arrived at their destination today [June 7].” than 15 km before it reached a broken bridge the Danes reached the city as the first com- blown away during World War I. According According to the private Hugo Læssøe Arboe, that was not easily repairable. Therefore, the pany. Throughout the route from Laudona to to Borgelin, the Estonians had orders to un- the Danes were alone in Jēkabpils from June corps had to leave the train and walk 8 km Krustpils, the corps had seen a lot of trenches der no circumstances move further than to 5-7, upon which the Latvians from Northern Daugava. However, as it was considered dan- to the castle Cesvaine (Sesswegen), where and barbed wire barriers still untouched Brigade arrived and took over the administra- gerous not to secure the positions by occupy- they spent the night. As the cavalry had from the previous war. During the World War tion of the city.46 contact with the enemy, they knew that the there had been very tough fighting between ing the opposite river bank, the Danes were 43 Bolsheviks retreated in the same direction German and Russian forces over Krustpils and sent across the river. By 18:00, the company With the conquest of Krustpils and Jēkabpils, as the Danes marched forward. However, it German artillery had largely leveled the city was thus ferried across the approx. 500 m the Danish-Estonian-Latvian group had was Lieutenant Peter de Hemmer Gudme’s - and Jēkabpils had suffered almost the same wide river and then took Jēkabpils. They took reached its military objective. In just over a 41 stay at the town hall, which was one of the assessment that the chance of catching them fate. In most places, only the sites of the week, more than 200 km had been passed in reasonably well-preserved buildings after the was very little as the Bolsheviks had seized fires remained, and many of the Danish vol- Latvia, and the rapid advance had allowed all the area’s horse-drawn carriages and bombings. The Danes, however, felt vulnera- unteers noted the huge devastation in their a coherent and sealed line from north to therefore could retreat faster with equipment letters – such as private Viggo Hansen: “... all ble on this side of the river, fearing that the south along the Latvian eastern border. Had and crew than the Danes were able to move the houses were shot down, some resembling Bolsheviks would return. Therefore, the corps the Bolshevik resistance been greater, the forward. Cesvaine was left as early as 07:00 piles of dust with pieces of bricks and tree placed strong patrols on strategic locations the next morning, and the town of Madona protruding. Elsewhere, only the chimneys and in the city, secured the riverbank with a group could have easily been cut off and patrol, stopped all civilian traffic across the caught deep in enemy territory. However,

39 RA. Private archive. Peter de Hemmer Gudme. ”Et mod- ERA.1590.1.3. Telegrams signed ”oberst Soots”, dated 42 Viggo Hansen’s description. In Sorø Amts 45 Viggo Hansen’s beretning. Trykt i Sorø Amts erne Korstog” 1919 (unpublished), Journal notes 03.06.1919 05.06.1919 og 06.06.1919 Dagblad 17.07.1919 “I Kamplinien paa den estniske Front” Dagblad 18.07.1919 “I Kamplinien paa den estniske Front.” On 40 Translated freely from telegram: ”Richtung Kreutzburg 41 See also, Hugo Læssøe Arboe’s description of the 43 RA. Private archive. Richard Gustav Borgelin. Vor sidste the Danes’ stay in Jēkabpils, see also RA. Private archive. hatten gesterns unsere Truppen Linie Flusses Ewsti bis two damaged cities at Daugava in Aalborg Stiftstidende Kamp for Estland, p. 171 Richard Gustav Borgelin. Vor sidste Kamp for Estland, p. 176 Kirche Laudon eingenommen und drangen vorwärts”. 10.08.1919 ”De danske frivillige i Estland” 44 Viggo Hansen’s description. In Sorø Amts 46 See Aalborg Stiftstidende 10.08.1919 ”De danske frivil- Dagblad 17.07.1919 “I Kamplinien paa den estniske Front” lige i Estland”

28 29 this did not happen and the campaign was an numbers suggest, the Danish corps eventually unconditional success. The Bolsheviks had became involved in much harder fighting at abandoned the organized resistance in Latvia the Ostrow front in Russia. and now fled wildly. The Danish-Estonian- For the new Latvian state, it was of great Latvian group had taken many prisoners and moral importance that Western troops volun- had experienced only few casualties. The teered to Latvia to participate in the national Danish corps was praised for its endurance independence war. The Latvians had not been and lost only one man during the Latvian entirely alone in the world after all. Therefore, campaign - and this not even in battle. The the efforts of the Danish corps were not dead Danish soldier had failed to receive his forgotten in Latvia. Company commander vaccinations, became ill and died of black Richard Gustav Borgelin was awarded the smallpox in a hospital in Vecgulbene. But highest Latvian military order: The Order of considering the daring nature of the advance, Lacplesis (Bearslayer). At the end of May 1927 - this was a small price. While all seemed well, about eight years after the war - another four Estonian and Latvian forces in western Latvia corps participants received this military hon- were attacked by German forces. Instead of or. In the Latvian consulate in Copenhagen, a ceremony was held in which Lieutenant combating the fledgling Bolsheviks, German- Colonel Iver de Hemmer Gudme, Lieutenant Baltic forces together with German volunteer Peter de Hemmer Gudme, Captain Peter Viggo corps had turned their weapons against the Christensen and Sergeant Aage Grunnet all BIOGRAPHY OF Estonians and Latvians in the hope of ex- received the Order of the Bear Slayer. Before AUTHOR panding the German influence in the area. The the orders were fastened on the chest of the Estonians and the Latvians, however, fought four Danes, Latvia’s envoy to Denmark and back, which became the start of the so- Sweden, Karlis Zarins, held a speech in which Mikkel Kirkebaek (b. 1973), PhD. Historian and author of several books and articles about Danish volunteer called “Landeswehr war”, where Estonian and he thanked the volunteers for their courage corps, Danish right-wing movements, ideological Latvian troops jointly defeated German-Baltic during Latvia’s struggle for freedom. Next, warfare and the sociology of war. At present and German volunteer troops in Latvia. For the Danish Consul General in Latvia, Vilhelm Christiansen, spoke and expressed his hope Kirkebaek is domiciled researcher at the Institute for political reasons, the Danish expeditionary that the four veterans would also contribute the Study of Military History, Culture and War at the force was banned from taking part in fighting to good connections between Denmark and Royal Danish Defence College. German troops and, hence, at the outbreak of 47 Latvia in peacetime. Kirkebaek is working on an extensive research project the Landeswehr war, was harshly withdrawn on Danish voluntary forces in the Baltics during 1919. from Latvia. The corps later arrived in Russia The efforts of the Danish corps may not have had a decisive military influence on the The project is set for completion in fall 2019. at Ostrow and fought here until the contract outcome. In their tough struggles against expired on September 1, 1919, after which it German forces, the Latvian forces themselves returned to Denmark. The fighting in the Baltic liberated their country. The Danish aid was a States came to cost the Danish corps 7 dead, welcomed and treasured contribution, but the four captured (only one of whom came back Latvians themselves freed Latvia. from Soviet prison camps), approximately 30 injured and a number of disappeared. As the

47 Nationaltidende 01.06.1927 “En Ordens-Højtidelighed i det lettiske Konsulat”

30 31 Embassy of Denmark, Latvia

Pils iela 11, LV-1863, Rīga Tel +371 67 226 210 [email protected] http://letland.um.dk