:This article is about a 1919 battle. See also battle of Wenden (1601).

The Battle of Wenden (, ) fought near Cēsis in June 1919 was a decisive battle in the Estonian War of Independence and the Latvian War of Independence. After heavy fighting Estonian forces repelled German attacks and went on full counter-attack.

Background

Latvia had declared independence in 1918, but was unable to stop the advance of the Red Army, resulting in the loss of Riga. The advance of the Red Latvian Riflemen was stopped by the forces of Pro-German Government of Latvia. The pro-German forces under general Rüdiger von der Goltz consisted of the Landeswehr and the Freikorps Iron Division. On 16 April 1919, the Latvian government of Kārlis Ulmanis was toppled by the Germans, who installed a puppet government headed by Andrievs Niedra.

After recapturing Riga from the Red Army, the Landeswehr continued its advance north. At the same time, the 3rd Estonian Division, having pushed the Soviets out of south Estonia, was advancing into Latvia from the north. Estonia continued to recognise the Ulmanis government, and neither side was ready to back down. On 5 June, fighting started, with the Landeswehr capturing Cēsis the following day. On June 10, with the mediation of the Allies a ceasefire was declared, but talks failed, and on 19 June fighting recommenced.

Battle

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On 19 June, fighting resumed with an Iron Division attack on Estonian positions near Limbaži. At that time, the 3rd Estonian Division, including the North Latvian Brigade under Jorģis Zemitāns had 5990 infantry and 125 cavalry. The pro-German forces had 5500–6300 infantry, 500–600 cavalry and a strong advantage in cannons, machine guns and mortars. German forces achieved some limited success under Limbaži, but were soon pushed back. The Landeswehr main attack started on 21 June, breaking through positions of the 2nd Latvian Cēsis Regiment at the Rauna River. The situation became critical for the 3rd Estonian Division, but the German assault was stopped by three Estonian armoured trains and the Kuperjanov Partisan Battalion.

The Landeswehr continued attacking at several parts of the front, and more forces of the 3rd Estonian Division were sent into battle. Estonian general Ernst Põdder ordered a counter-attack to start. After stopping the last German attacks, Estonian forces started a full counter-attack on June 23, resulting in the recapture of Cēsis, the German units started a general retreat toward Riga.

Aftermath

The Battle of Wenden was a decisive victory for Estonian forces in the war against the pro-German forces. 3rd Estonian Division continued their advance towards Riga. On 3 July, the Estonian forces were at the outskirts of Riga, a ceasefire was made on the demand of the Entente and the Ulmanis government was restored in Riga. German forces were ordered to leave Latvia, the Baltic-German Landeswehr was put under command of the Latvian government and sent to fight against the Red Army. However, to circumvent Entente's orders, many German soldiers instead of leaving, were incorporated into the West Russian Volunteer Army. Fighting in Latvia and Lithuania restarted in October and continued until December 1919.

In Estonia the anniversary of the battle is celebrated as "Victory Day", a national holiday.

See also

Latvian War of Independence
Estonian War of Independence
Baltische Landeswehr
Freikorps in the Baltic

Footnotes