| Date: August 7, 1921 |
Location: Riga (Spilve) |
Known Personnel: J.Prieditis,
V.Jakubovs, J.Rimsa, A.Zarins,
P.Mardoks, R.Celms, N.Jeske, F.Zutte, A.Kraulis,
A.Lazdins, A.Jakobsons |
Aircraft Known to be Involved: Sopwith Camels and others |
Details:
- The second latvian aviation festival at Spilve, and considerably larger than the previous one in 1920.
- Two aircraft suffered accidents in the training/preparation for the event - V.Jakubovs and J.Rimsa crashed Sopwith
Camels No. 18 and 9 in forced landings after engine trouble.
- The main purpose of the festival was to raise money for the new air force, as the national budget was very limited in these
early years and could contribute little. They raffled off 'tickets' for flights in airplanes, and the tickets for the draw were not
inexpensive. They also raised funds for the families of deceased aviators as, at this time, the government did not contribute to their support
whatsoever.
- Between 2,000 and 3,000 admissions were sold, and 30 members of the public received airplane rides, raising a total of
approximately 100,000 rubles.
- The event was advertised in "Jaunakas Zinas" and futher publicised by aircraft dropping leaflets over Riga. Such
promotions were the responsibility of Division Adjutant Ltn.Zeltins.
- President Cakste himself attended and received the parade of participants, along with Kviesis, Gen.Balodis and Salnajs. Foreign
minister Meierovics arrived (from the nearby Riga seashore!) in a Junkers F13.
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