History - WWI

Spilve meadows were used for military aviation needs already during the World War I.

This time is vividly described in the Latvian aviation pioneer Rudolf Celms’ adventure book "You shall fly":

"It seems that the old "Voisin", nearing Riga, starts to growl funnier, to move more vividly. Flying over the Daugava, the old machine already knows my homeland’s air. It seems to me that she'll like Riga and Spilve airfield will be sufficiently solid to her wide wheels." .. "For a long time we circle over Spilve, finally spirals of smoke appear from three spots - there's our new airfield, there we will land. Gūtiņmuižas meadow behind Rātsupīte, where bathing is so warm." (p. 105)




"Two other planes roaring above Riga - our planes were probably bringing greetings to Latvian belles, who have long had a deep respect towards pilots... We started toward Bolderāja. Then along Lielupe to Sloka, further Lapmezciems, Kemeri and along the frontline..." (p. 108)