Bibliography

The number of sources of information about Latvian Aviation is modest, especially for those who cannot read Latvian. The best book published in English, Irbitis' Of Struggle and Flight is long out of print, and its original print run was small, from an obscure publisher. It is very hard to find today.

In Latvian, however, we are newly-blessed with Edvin Bruvelis' Latvijas Aviacijas Vesture. Today, this is truly the gold standard on this topic and the level of scholarship certainly justifies a translation into english, though perhaps the market might not. I have relied on this work rather heavily in my web site, primarily because much of his material would be completely new to an english-only audience.

Another source, mostly interesting because it was written in the 1930s, is Sparnota Latvija - the Latvian journal of aviation. It is weak on military aviation news, but rich with the finest details of daily life in the Latvian Aero Club and, to a lesser extent, the National Guard (Aizsargi). This journal came to an end, as did so much else, when the Soviet Union occupied the Baltics and began what would be fifty years of suppression and oppression.

SOURCES - LATVIAN LANGUAGE

Akots, V. (ed) Stasti Par Lidotajiem VAPP, Riga, 1941

Alberings, Edgars Es Lidoju Avioliteratura, Riga.

Andersons, Edgars Latvijas Brunotie Speki un to Prieksvesture, Daugavas Vanagi (publisher), Toronto, Canada, 1983.

Ansons, Gruzins & Justs Pec Naves Sprieduma ... Debesis, LTF Latviesu Strelnieku Apvieniba, Tukums, 1989.

Antena, Ilze (ed) Lacplesa Kara Ordena Kavalieri, publ by Jana Seta, Riga, 1995. ISBN 9984-508-49-8

Aviacijas Svetku Programma June 5, 1932 Riga Aviation Festival Program

Baltina, Sarmite (ed.) Latvijas Kara Muzeja Gadagramata (Vol.V), Riga, 2004. ISBN 9984-9657-1-6

Bobrovs, N. Brinuma Sparni Riga, 1941.

Briedis, Emils Latviesa Stasts Avots Publishers, Riga, 1992.

Bruvelis, Edvins Latvijas Aviacijas Vesture Jumava Publishing, Riga 2003, ISBN 9984-05-580-9

Butevics, J. Macies Lidot! A.Gulbis, Riga, 1934.

Bulmanis, Nikolajs. Personal Document - Dienesta Gaitas Saraksts

Ciganovs, Juris (ed.) Latvijas Kara Muzeja Gadagramata (Vol.I), Riga, 2000. ISBN 9984-643-21-2

Ciganovs, Juris (ed.) Latvijas Kara Muzeja Gadagramata (Vol.II), Riga, 2001. ISBN 9984-643-40-9

Ciganovs, Juris (ed.) Latvijas Kara Muzeja Gadagramata (Vol.III), Riga, 2002. ISBN 9984-9657-0-8

Ciganovs, Juris (ed.) Latvijas Kara Muzeja Gadagramata (Vol.IV), Riga, 2003. ISBN 9984-643-61-1

Ciganovs, Juris (ed.) Latvijas Kara Muzeja Gadagramata (Vol.VI), Riga, 2005. ISBN 9984-9657-3-2

Cukurs, Herberts Mans Lidojums uz Gambiju Riga, 1934.

Drillis, R. Lidmasina Jaunais Zinatnieks Nr.14, Riga, 1933.

Eihenbaums, Voldemars Rigas Almanahs Riga, 2000

Gaisa Iekarosana Aviacijas Pulka Cietuso Lidotaju Palidzibas Fonda Izdevums, Riga, 1933.

Hartmanis, M.(ed), Aviacija publ.by Kara Aviacijas Fonds, Riga, 1934.

Hazners, Vilis & Sprogis, Elmars (ed). Latvijas Kara Skola, Latviesu Virsnieku Apvieniba (publisher), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, 1979

Hotte, O. & Culitis, M. Lidmasinu Uzbuve, Motortechnika publisher, Riga, 1936.

Kalvans, Aleksandrs (ed). Uz Ezinas Galvu Liku Vol.I, publ. by Daugavas Vanagi, 1993.

Kalvans, Aleksandrs (ed). Uz Ezinas Galvu Liku Vo.II, publ. by Daugavas Vanagi, 1995, ISBN 9984-509-46-X.

Latvijas aerokluba statuti Latvian Aero Club, Riga, 1935.

Loza V, Ozolins A.S., Latviesu Lidotaji Otra Pasaules Kara Kaujas, Latvijas Kulturas Fonds, 1994. ISBN 9984-509-03-6

Muiznieks, Janis. Putnu Cels, Publ.by the Sydney Latvian Association, Sydney Australia, 1988.

Nacionalie Brunotie Speki - Formas Terpi, Dienesta Pakapes, Apbalvojumi, Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzibas Ministrija, 2003.

Prieditis, Erichs Eriks. Latvijas Kara Flote 1919-1940, publ. by Militaras Literaturas Apgades Fonds, Riga, 2004. ISBN 9984-01-042-2

Reiz Celas Strelnieks Sarkanais Vol. VII, 1971, Latvijas KP CK Vestures Instituts- PSKP CK Marksisma Lenonisma Instituta

Silgails, Arturs Latviesu Legions

Strods, Heinrihs Sarkanarmijas haotiska atkapsanas no Latvijas (1941. gada 22.junijs - 5.julijs) published in the Latvian Occupation Museum 2001 Yearbook, pgs.31-93.

Subota, Sandra Aviacijas Attistiba Latvija, Thesis prepared for the University of Latvia, Riga, 1991.

Varpa, Igors Latviesu Karavirs Zem Kaskrusta Karoga SIA Nordik, Riga, 2003. ISBN 9984-751-41-4.

Vienotas Aviacijas Svetki Sept.8, 1933 Riga Air Show

LATVIAN PERIODICALS

Aizsargs
- No.189 (Oct.15, 1938) Aizsargu Aviacijas news.
Atceries Austrumu - Austrums fraternity journal published in Sweden 1952 -
Atputa
- No.289, May 16, 1930. 1930 Riga Aviation Festival.
- No.447, May, 1933. 1933 Riga Aviation Festival.
- No.602, May 15, 1936. Photo of Sport Flyers graduating class.
- No.604, May 29, 1936. Photo of K.Reichmanis, award winner.
- No.606, June 12, 1936. Photo of Aviation Anniversary event.
- No.610, July 10, 1936. Photos of aviation events.
- No.699, March 25, 1938. Photos of Aizsargu Aviacija
- No.720, Aug.19, 1938. Promotion of Riga Aviation Festival
- No.773, Aug.25, 1939. Photo of glider pilot Alberts Vilks, who set a Baltic distance gliding record.
- No.796, Feb. 2, 1940. Item about aviator Eduards Pulpe.
Briva Zeme
- No.96, April 30, 1938. Item about the LKOD aircraft assembly section
Darbs un Zeme - German Occupation propaganda magazine
- No.9 (1943) Cover article "Lidojosa Fronte" about air power
Daugavas Vanagu Menesraksts - published in Toronto, Canada
- No. 1970-3 Tragiskais Gads by B.Andersons
- No. 1975-1 1. Latviesu naktsbumbvezu eskadrilas darbiba Otra pasaules kara laika by E.Millers
- No. 1978-1 Latviesu Aviacijas Izformesana by V.Malins (pgs. 27, 28)
- No. 1978-1 Pedejie Vacu Kara Lidotaji Kurzemes Cietoksni by F.Telmanis (pgs. 29 - 33)
- No. 1979-1 to 1980-1 Latviesu lidotaji 2. pasaules kara by K.Krastins
- No. 1981-2 Latvijas vanagus atceroties by V.Zirnitis
- No. 1982-5 to 1983-6 Gulbenes eskadrilas liktenis by K.Krastins
- No. 1987-2 Musu gaisaspeku zenu gaitas by A.Zigurs
- No. 1990-5 Basko, Jezups - In Memoriam by K.Krastins (pg. 25-29)
- No. 1992-1 Serzanta Klinta pedejais lidojums by I.Ozols
- No. 1992-2 Pirms sesdesmit gadiem by A.Gerbers
- No. 1992-5 Latvijas Civilas Aviacijas Veidosanas by O.Pavlovskis
- No. 1994-4 Karazeni (Gaisa Speku Izpaligi) by I.Kazocins (pgs. 9-16)
- No. 1996-1 Jura Pie Liepajas - Lidotaju Stasts by L.Vinegers
Hallo Latvija - Radio programming guide
- No.393 (1937) SV5 photo on cover
- No.456 (1939) SV5 photo on cover, other Aviation festival photos within.
Jaunais Kurzemnieks - weekly newspaper
Jaunakas Zinas - newspaper
- June 1, 1931. Photos from the May 31 Aviation Festival in Riga.
- November 7, 1931. Report on the November 6 mid-air collision in Liepaja.
- June 2, 1932. Photos promoting June 5 Aviation Festival in Riga.
- November 24, 1936 - Coverage of H.Cukurs' flight to Tokyo
Kadets - Military history magazine published in Australia, later the USA, from 1967
- No. 4 Atminas Par Kaujas Lidojumiem by J.Aboltins (pgs.31-33)
- No. 4 Musu Kara Lidotaji Vacu Iznicinataju Aviacija by E.Millers (pgs. 25-30)
- No. 5 Latvijas Brivvalsts Lidmasinas Aplido Eiropu by Eriks Mellups (pgs 27 - 30)
- No. 9 13. Kara Skolas Izlaidums by B.Andersons (pgs. 13 - 17)
- No. 9 Cela Uz Norilsku by Voldemars Svans (pgs. 28-34)
- No. 15 Latvijas Kara Aviacijas Pulka Beigu Celiens by R.Zalups (pgs. 42-43)
- No. 20 Aviacijas Pulka Gada Svetkos, 1991.gada, 7.Junija, Bralu Kapos, Riga. by A.Mencis (pgs. 46 - 47)
- No. 20 Latvijas Aviacijas Attistiba by A.Mencis (pgs. 48 - 52)
Klubs
- November 2005 - article about Herberts Cukurs.
Kuldigas Vestnesis - Kuldiga weekly newspaper
Kurzemes Vards - Liepaja daily newspaper
Latgalits - newspaper of the Latgale Farmer's Party. (Latgale dialect)
Latvijas Avize - newspaper
- March 8, 2005. Item: Skuniti Top Irbisa Lidmasina by Artis Drezins
Latvijas Kareivis - Latvian military daily newspaper
Latvijas Radiofons - Radio programming guide
- No.329 (1936) KOD-1 photo on cover
Padomju Latvija - Soviet Occupation propaganda magazine
- No.12, Aug.23, 1940. Item regarding the death of A.Zarins.
Rits - newspaper
- No. 274, October 4, 1936. Interview with aviator Toms Gailitis, pg.14
Sparnota Latvija - Aviation magazine published in Latvia, 1934 - 1940
Tevijas Sargs
- No. 9 (March 4, 1938) - Item about the Irbitis/VEF I-14.

SOURCES - ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Air International, Vol.16 No.1, pg.45 (Item about Irbitis I-15)
Bruce, J.M. British Aeroplanes 1914-18
Bruce, J.M. De Havilland Aircraft of World War 1
Bruce, J.M. Nieuport Aircraft of World War One
Cooksley, Peter. Nieuport Fighters in Action
Davis, Mick AIRCO
Durkota et al The Imperial Russian Air Service
Gray & Thetford German Aircraft of the First World War
Guest, Carl-Fredrik. Under the Red Star, Airlife Publ.
Hall, Malcolm Sopwith Aviation Company
Holmes, Harry (ed), Avro Chalford Publishing Co, Stroud, 1996. ISBN 0-7524-0653-1
Humberstone, Richard (ed), Latvian Air Force 1918-1940 Blue Rider Publishing, London 2000, ISBN 1-902851-04-8
Irbitis, Karlis. Of Struggle and Flight Canada's Wings, Inc., Stittsville, Ontario, 1986. ISBN 0-920002-36-6
Jackson, A.J., Avro Aircraft Since 1908 Putnam, London, 1990. ISBN 0-85177-834-8
Jackson, A.J. De Havilland Aircraft since 1909
Jane, Fred T. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1919
Johnson, G.H.R. The Miles Magister publ.by Newark, Nottingham & Lincolnshire Air Museum, England.
Lamberton, W.M. Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War
Neulen, Hans Werner. In The Skies of Europe
Pelkavs, Elmars (ed)Policy of Occupation Powers in Latvia Riga, 1999. ISBN 9984-675-05-X
Sanger, Ray The Martinsyde File
Sanger, Ray Nieuport Aircraft of World War One
Smith,J.R., Creek, E.J. & Petrick, P. On Special Missions Ian Allan Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1-903223-33-4
Smith,J.R. et al Schlachtflieger Ian Allan Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-857802-74-8
Smith, Peter C. Stuka Ian Allan Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1 903223 70 9
Stapfer, Hans-Heiri Tupolev SB in action Squadron/Signal Publications, 2004. ISBN 0-89747-481-3
Sturtivant, R.& Page, G. The Camel File
Sturtivant & Page, The DH4 / DH9 File Air Britain Publishing, England, 1999. ISBN 0-85130-274-2
Sturtivant, Ray Fairey Aircraft
Taylor, H.A. Fairey Aircraft Since 1915 Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, 1974. ISBN 0-87021-208-7
Thomas, G.J & Ketley, B. KG 200 Hikoki Pubications Ltd., 2003. ISBN 1-902109-33-3
Uniforms, Service Ranks, Awards - National Armed Forces, Latvian Republic Defense Ministry, 2003.
Van Ishoven, Armand, Aircraft Profile #257 - Udet (BFW) U-12 Flamingo Variants Hylton Lacy Publishers, Great Britain, 1973
Weal, John Jagdgeschwader 54 'Grunherz" Osprey Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-84176-286-5
Weal, John Luftwaffe Schlachtgruppen Osprey Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-84176-608-9
Windsock Datafile # 6 (Sopwith 2F1 Camel)
Windsock Datafile #13 (Albatros C.III)
Windsock Datafile #17 (LVG C.VI)
Windsock Datafile #23 (Hannover Cl.III)
Windsock Datafile #28 (Avro 504K)
Windsock Datafile #34 (Sopwith 1 2 - Strutter)
Windsock Datafile #53 (DFW C.V)
Windsock Datafile #69 (Halberstadt C.V)
Windsock Datafile #71 (LVG C.V)
Windsock Datafile #76 (Martinsyde Buzzard)
Windsock Datafile #79 (Rumpler C.I)
Windsock Datafile #80 (Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter)
Windsock Datafile #88 (Ansaldo A.I Balilla)
Windsock Datafile Special - Fokker D.VII Anthology V.III

SOURCES - CZECH LANGUAGE

Albatros C.III, mgr. Ivan Visek, HPM 3,4/1997
Gladiator a Sea Gladiator, Miroslav Snajdr, HPM 1,2,3-2004
Gloster Gladiator, Bartlomiej Belcarz, Robert Peczkowski, AJ Press Gdansk, Poland – Intermodel Hostomice, ISBN 83-86208-37-6
Letov S-328 Vol. 1, Jiri Vrany, Jakab Publishing, Czech Republic, ISBN 80-239-3930-0
Polni pilot a sefpilot tovarny LETOV Alois Jezek 1890-1956, Radko Vasicek, Jan Zahalka, HPM4/2003
UDET U-12 Flamingo, Vaclav Nemecek, L+K 25,26/1990
VEF I-16, Vaclav Nemecek, L+K 11/1995
Vzduch je nase more – Czechoslovak Aircraft 1918-1939, Jiri Rajlich, Jiri Sehnal, Nase vojsko Publishing, Czech Republic, ISBN 80-206-0221-6

SOURCES - ESTONIAN LANGUAGE

"Kaja", August 26, 27 and 29, 1924 (Estonian daily newspaper)
"Postimees", August 30, 1924 (Estonian daily newspaper)
Päewaleht, March, 1930 (newspaper)

SOURCES - FINNISH LANGUAGE

Hufvudstadsbladet (daily newspaper), No.132, May 18th 1938.
Kaksi Hansaa liikaa - Ilmailuvoimien Hansa-kaupat Latviaan 1926 by Kyosti Partonen in Suomen Ilmailuhistoriallinen Lehti, 2005 No.4 Feeniks (The Journal of the Finnish Aviation Museum), 1991 No.3
Suomen ja Baltian maiden ilmavoimien vierailuja 1920-ja 1930 luvuilla, by Yrjo Toivanen in
Uusi Suomi, (newspaper), March 23, 1930
VEF I-12 - Onnettomuuden Surkea Tutkinta by Jukka Raunio in Suomen Ilmailuhistoriallinen Lehti, 1996 No.3

SOURCES - FRENCH LANGUAGE

L'Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' de Hit Kit, Cappe, Phillippe in Avions No.126
Le Letov S-16, Passingham, Malcolm in Avions No.47
Lufthansa 1939-1945, La Flotte de Junkers 52, Neulen, Hans-Werner in Avions No.128

SOURCES - GERMAN LANGUAGE

Latvijas Gaisaspeki by Richard Humberstone in Flieger Revue Extra No.8. (2005)

SOURCES - LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE

Lietuvos Karine Aviacija 19-40, Algirdas Gamziukas, Gytis Ramoska, Kaunas-Lithuania, ISBN 9986-557-12-7

SOURCES - POLISH LANGUAGE

Samoloty mysliwskie wojny domowej w Hiszpanii 1936-1939, Michal M.Mietelski, Marek Radomski, Barwa w Lotnictwie Swiata, WKL Warszawa Poland, ISBN 83-206-0924-0
Wojsko Lotewskie 1918-1940, Rutkiewicz, Jan.Barwa i Bron, Warszawa Poland, 2005, ISBN 83-923074-0-2

SOURCES - PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE

ASAS November, 2002. A Controversa Aguia do Baltico pg.34.

SOURCES - RUSSIAN LANGUAGE

The aviation of sovereign Latvia between the two wars. Part 1, Mir Aviacii 2/96
Latvian Army in RKKA, M-Chobbi 3/2000

SOURCES - SPANISH LANGUAGE

Aviones en la Guerra Civil Española 1936/1939 by Justo Miranda and Paula Mercado, Aldaba Ediciones 1989, ISBN 84-95088-98-3 (Reports that Latvians sold Bristol Bulldogs to Spain).

- HOME -