Aizvīki in the Kurzeme cauldron
In Aivvikai Park, bunkers, trenches and caponier ramparts from the 2nd World War, where weapons were stored, are still clearly visible. One of the types of weapons was the Katyusha rocket launch system.
In the vicinity of Aizvikai, during the Kurzeme cauldron, from October 8, 1944 to May 8, 1945, there was the 2nd line of the Soviet army's front, or supply line, but trenches and bunkers were created in the park, and there was also a storage place for various weapons. One of these weapons was the Katyusha missile launch system, based on the American Studebeker US-6 truck. Briefly about the history of this combat vehicle -
On June 17, 1941, a presentation of the new military equipment of the Red Army took place at the Moscow military training ground, as the latter demonstrated the latest Rocket Launch System. The demonstration left a very good impression on the management representatives. The order for the start of mass production of these combat vehicles was signed after only 3 days, when only a few hours remained until the start of the war. On June 26, the first two serial cars, designated BM-13, are completed at the Voronezh plant. They were designed to launch 132 mm caliber projectiles. This launch system was installed on the basis of the ZIS-6 truck. After the salvo was fired, the missile system deftly changed its location in order not to come under the counterattack. The commanders had to strictly account for the loss of each machine.
In April 1943, a unified missile launch system Bm-13N was put into production, with the aim of improving the machine's technicality and making production cheaper. Mostly BM-13 N was built on the basis of the American Studebeker US-6 truck, which was imported to the USSR under lend-liz terms. The BM-13N was able to launch a projectile up to 8.5 km away and carried 16 charges with maintenance by 5-7 people.
Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīkiu Park, even after the end of World War II, and these places are clearly visible in nature.
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Evidence of the 2nd World War in Aizvikai Park
Aizvīkai Manor Park is located in Aizvīki, Gramzda Parish, just a few kilometers from the Lithuanian border.
The places of bunkers and trenches from the 2nd World War are still clearly visible in Aivvikai Park. One of the types of weapons was the Katyusha rocket launch system. Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīki Park, even after the end of the 2nd World War, and these places (caponieri) are clearly visible in nature.
This unique forest park, shrouded in secrets and legends, was created at the end of the 19th century as the Aizvīkai Manor Park, when the baron of the manor von Korff covered the nearby hilly land with a pine and spruce forest. Later, walking paths were laid on the 40 ha area, trees of other species were also planted and a pheasant garden was established.
In addition to the picturesque forest landscapes, there are also fairy-tale and fairy-tale figures made of wood, as well as stone sculptures, which tell travelers about events from the history of Aizvīkai and mark the cultural and historical places in the park. A Green Class has also been created in the park.
In order to get to know the cultural and historical heritage of Aizvīkai Manor Park more fully, we recommend using the services of a guide.
Bunker of the Red Army and caponiers in Aizvīkai Park
Aizvīkai Manor Park is located in Aizvīki, Gramzda Parish, just a few kilometers from the Lithuanian border.
The places of bunkers and trenches from the 2nd World War are still clearly visible in Aivvikai Park. The Red Army bunker has been restored in the park.
One of the types of weapons during World War II was the "Katyusha" rocket launch system. Several such Rocket Launching Systems were located in Aizvīki Park, even now these places (caponieri) are clearly visible in nature.
In order to get to know the cultural and historical heritage of Aizvīkai Manor Park more fully, we recommend using the services of a guide.
