Actor Harry Liepins' memories of his service in the German army

Harijs Liepiņš, a later popular actor, was drafted into the German army and sent to Ķegums in the autumn of 1944.

“We are taken to anti-aircraft batteries and training in Ķegums - in the area, in the barracks near the Daugava power plant. On the first day of the training, we get acquainted with the German iron discipline, it humiliates, destroys any spirit of self-esteem and protest.

… We have broken, clean unwanted screws, which can be gradually installed in a large military car.

Finally, the historic moment - the swearing in of Hitler and the Wehrmacht. In a closed line, we stand on the edge of the experienced Daugava. Wagner's music and flags are played through the speakers. On the promotion, the German colonel starts the solemn words, they are translated by a Latvian captain, we have to repeat them with a raised hand. We get to the first part of the sentence: "I, the young soldier of Great Britain" - when the pure conscience of the Daugava and Stalin's "eagles" come to our aid. The attack of the bomb squadron interrupts the shameful rituals. Exploded bombs, all the top and bottom officers together with the new soldiers coincide side by side in the nearby potato furrows. Thanks to the anti-aircraft attack balloons deployed at an altitude of 800 meters, there were few hits and no panic. Wagner's "Twilight of the Gods" continues to sound in the roar and whistles. The ceremony was not repeated. That is how my oath to "leaders" ended, and I will never have to account to a neo-fascist for breaking or failing to do so. "

Used sources and references:

Andersone, R. 2004. Ķegums hydroelectric power plant. P.

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The German army's concrete fire point in the Kegum HPP reservoir near the Nega inlet

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Concrete fire point of the German army at the top of the bank of the Ķegum HPP in front of Andulii

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