Gustavs Celmins (April 1, 1899–April 10, 1968) - politician, Latvian fascist leader.

Born in Riga. Educated in commerce school of Riga stock exchange, absolved which in Moscow. 1917 started studies in evacuated to Moscow Riga Polytechnics Institute . After October Revolution returned to Latvia.

1918 enlisted into Latvian army. 1919 promoted to leutnant. Was Latvian military attach in Poland. 1921 awarded the Order of Bear Slayer. Retired from army in 1924.

From 1925 to 1927 worked in Ministry of Foreign affairs. Was the secretary of Minister of Foreign affairs. After that he worked in Finance Ministry.

In January 24, 1932, Latvian national unity Ugunskrusts was founded and Gustavs Celmins was elected as its leader. After Ugunskrusts was closed, he founded organization Perkonkrusts (Thundercross).

After May 15, 1934 coup of Karlis Ulmanis Gustavs Celmins was arrested and imprisioned for three years in prison. In 1937 he was banished from Latvia.

After banishment Celmins lived in Italy and Switzerland. In Zurich he was arrested and banished from Switzerland. Later lived in Romania, where he had contacts with Iron Guard, from where he moved to Finland. From 1938 was the leader of Foreign contacts office of Perkonkrusts.

After Soviet Union invasion in Finland fought as volunteer in Winter War for finns. After end of war moved to Germany.

In July 1941 together with Nazi's returned to Latvia and regained leadership of Perkonkrusts.

March 14, 1944 for underground activities arrested by Gestapo and sent to Concentration camps. Liberated by American 5th army.

After World War II lived in Italy, where published newspaper Briva Latvija (Free Latvia). In 1947 published autobiographic book "Eiropas krustcelos" (In crossroads of Europe).

Quotes

• "We believe, that Latvians in all big world has only one place where to live - Latvia, whereas other nations has their own home lands. Is that according to ethics or democracy principles we don't care, for us only benefit of Latvian nation is important."
• "Our God, our religion, our reason of life, our goals is Latvian nation, they who don't facilitate its prosperity are our enemies."

External links

• www.gustavscelmins.tk http://www.gustavscelmins.tk