Latvian riflemen (Latvian: Latviešu strēlnieki, Russian: Латышские стрелки) were originally a military formation of the Imperial Russian Army assembled starting 1915 in Latvia in order to defend Baltic territories against Germans in World War I. Initially the battalions were formed by volunteers, and from 1916 by conscription among the Latvian population. A total of about 40,000 troops were drafted into the Latvian Riflemen Division.
From 1915 to 1917, the Latvian Riflemen fought in the Russian army against the Germans in positions along the Daugava river. In 1916 Latvian battalions were transformed to regiments as conscription started among the local population. Also many new riflemen units were formed. In total eight combat and one reserve regiment were formed. In December 1916 and January 1917, the Latvian riflemen suffered heavy casualties in the month-long Christmas Battles, which began with a surprise attack on German positions during Christmas. Suffering heavy casualties, Latvian riflemen managed to break the German line of defence but the effort was wasted as the attack was not followed through. The Russian Army lost over 26,000 soldiers in the failed attack. The casualties included 9,000 Latvian riflemen, about a third of the total number at that time. The heavy casualties resulted in a strong resentment against the Russian generals and the Tsar among the riflemen. This resentment led to an increased support for the Bolsheviks, who were advocating an end to the war.
Latvian volunteers from 3rd. Kurzeme rifleman battalion (1915)
Latvian Rifleman in the trenches during Christmas Battles
Structure of the United Latvian Riflemen division. Formed in 1917.
1. Latvian Riflemen brigade
- 1. Daugavgrīva Latvian Riflemen Regiment
- 2. Riga Latvian Riflemen Regiment
- 3. Kurzeme Latvian Riflemen Regiment
- 4. Vidzeme Latvian Riflemen Regiment
2. Latvian Riflemen brigade
- 5. Zemgale Latvian Riflemen Regiment
- 6. Tukums Latvian Riflemen Regiment
- 7. Bauska Latvian Riflemen Regiment
- 8. Valmiera Latvian Riflemen Regiment