Oskars Kalpaks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oskars Kalpaks
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Oskars Kalpaks
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| Born | 6 January 1882 Meirāni, Governorate of Livonia (present-day Indrāni parish, Lubāna municipality, Latvia) |
| Died | 6 March 1919 (aged 37) Airīte, Saldus District (present-day Zirņi parish, Saldus municipality, Latvia) |
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| Years of service | 18 January 1903 – 6 March 1919 |
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| Commands held | 1st Latvian Independent Battalion |
| Battles/wars | First World War Latvian War of Independence |
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Oskars Kalpaks (born January 6, 1882 – died March 6, 1919) was a very important military leader in Latvia. He commanded the first group of Latvian soldiers who fought for their country's freedom. This group was often called the "Kalpaks Battalion." He is remembered as a hero who helped create the independent country of Latvia.
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Who Was Oskars Kalpaks?
Oskars Kalpaks was born into a farming family in Latvia. He decided he wanted to be a soldier. He went to a military school in Irkutsk, a city in Russia. After finishing school, he joined the Russian army.
Early Military Career
During the First World War, Kalpaks showed great skill as a commander. He was also very brave in battles. Because of his bravery and leadership, he received many important Russian military awards. By 1917, he had become a Regiment Commander.
Leading Latvia's Defense
Latvia declared its independence on November 18, 1918. After this, Oskars Kalpaks joined the new Latvian government's Ministry of Defense. His job was to organize soldiers to protect the region of Vidzeme from attacks by the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks were a political group that wanted to take control.
Commander of Latvian Forces
On December 31, 1918, Kalpaks became the Commander-in-Chief. This meant he was in charge of all the armed groups working for the Provisional Government of Latvia. This government was the temporary leadership of the new country.
Under his leadership, Latvia's first military units became strong and ready for battle. On February 28, 1919, Kalpaks was given the rank of Colonel.
Fighting for Freedom
From January to March 1919, Kalpaks's 1st Latvian Battalion fought alongside the German VI Reserve Corps. Their goal was to push back the Bolsheviks who were attacking Kurzeme, a region in Latvia. This was the beginning of Latvia's fight to become truly free.
A Tragic Mistake
Sadly, Oskars Kalpaks died on March 6, 1919. This happened near a place called Airītes. He was accidentally killed in a fight with German Freikorps troops. The Freikorps were German volunteer soldiers. It was a tragic mistake, as they were supposed to be allies.
Kalpaks's Legacy
After his death, Oskars Kalpaks was honored as a hero. He was given Latvia's highest military award, the Order of Lāčplēsis. He received the first, second, and third class of this award. This was given to him posthumously, meaning after he had died.
Even though he was never officially called the Commander in Chief of the Latvian Armed Forces, many people see him that way. He is remembered as the first true leader of Latvia's military. His image has appeared on Latvian stamps twice, in 1937 and again in 2007.
