| Roberts Gaigals | |
|---|---|
Roberts Gaigals in 1970ties. |
|
| Born | 16 March 1913 Twer, Russian Empire |
| Died | 15 April 1982 Riga, Latvian SSR |
| Allegiance | Latvia Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1936-1940 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Waffen-Obersturmführer |
| Unit | 9th. Rēzekne infantry regiment Pioneer regiment 19th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (2nd Latvian) |
| Commands held | 6th Company, 42nd Waffen Grenadier Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross I Class Iron Cross II Class Close Combat Clasp in Silver Wound Badge in Gold Infantry Assault Badge |
Roberts Gaigals (born 16 March 1913, Twer, Russian Empire – died 15 April 1982, Riga, Latvian SSR) was a Waffen-Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant) in the Latvian Legion during World War II. Who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Roberts Gaigals was born as son of latvian emigrants in Twer, Russian empire. After 1920 family returns to independent Latvia. He studied in commercial school in Riga.
In 1936 he was drafted in Latvian army where he serves in 9th. Rēzekne infantry regiment. In 1937 he graduated NCO training and was promoted to the rank of corporal. In 1938 he entered in Latvian military academy. He graduated it in july 1940, when Latvia was already occupied by Soviet union. He was promoted to lieutenant and served in Pioneer regiment. When Latvian army was made a part of Red army Roberts Gaigals was still serving as officer in Pioneer units. He deserted from Red army after Operation Barbarossa started in 1941.
After Latvian Legion was formed he enlisted there as officer. In may 1944 he was awarded with Iron cross II class. In july with I class. Waffen-Obersturmführer Roberts Gaigals was the commander of the 6th Company, 42nd Waffen Grenadier Regiment, 19th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (2nd Latvian) when he was awarded the Knight's Cross on the 5 May 1945.[1][2][Notes 1] After german capitulation in Courland pocket, Gaigals entered in soviet captivity. He was send to far east, Magadan. Roberts Gaigals returned to Latvia in 1954. He died in Riga in 15th. april 1982.