After completing high school, volunteers for the Latvian Army.
Graduates from officer training at military college.
1939 - promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
1939 - Assigned to the Aviation Regiment. Intended for the second
fighter squadron, his flight school was interrupted by the Soviet invasion.
1940 - The Soviets assign him to the 24th Territorial Corps, Aviation
Squadron (stationed at Gulbene).
1941 - when the Germans attack the Soviet Union, Svans is ordered to fly
one of the SV-5s in retreat to the Soviet Union, but instead flies behind the German
lines and lands near Vecpiebalga.
Participates in the partizan group near Vecpiebalga.
Oct.21, 1941 - volunteers for the first latvian unit in the german military and
goes to the front.
1943 - transferred to the Luftwaffe Legion Lettland and, in that
capacity, makes over 100 combat flights.
Receives the Iron Cross, 1st and 2nd Class.
1947 - emigrates, with his family, to Brazil.
Attends university, receiving a degree in engineering.
1960 - emigrates, with his family, to San Francisco, California, in the United States.
April 1, 2004 - dies, in the USA.
Sources
Andersons, Edgars Latvijas Brunotie Speki Un To Prieksvesture
Bruvelis, Edvins Latvijas Aviacijas Vesture Daugavas Vanagu Menesraksts 1996, No.2 Kadets No.17 (1990)
