The Latvian Red Cross was established 20 November 1918 in Riga, only two days after the proclamation of the independent Republic of Latvia. During the earliest time of the Latvian republic, the Latvian Red Cross took care of refugees and prisoners of war of the recently ended World War I. During the Latvian War of Independence the Latvian Red Cross also aided the wounded and sick. In the beginning of 1919 the Latvian Red Cross operated hospitals in Jelgava, Liepāja, Valka and Rūjiena; in the second half of 1919 — Riga, Pļaviņas, Smiltene and Gulbene. The Latvian Red Cross was recognized by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent in 1923.