Latvian-born Civil War hero turned defendant in the Tukhachevsky trial
A Latvian-born Soviet military commander and writer who played a decisive role defending the Kakhovka bridgehead as commander of the 13th Army during the Civil War. As head of the Frunze Military Academy and chairman of Osoaviakhim, he shaped the training of Red Army cadres and the civilian defence apparatus. Arrested in May 1937, he was one of the eight defendants in the Tukhachevsky military trial, shot on 12 June 1937, and rehabilitated in 1957.
Career Timeline
- 1916Graduated Kiev Military School, ensign in 16th Siberian Reserve Regiment
- 1917–1918Deputy chairman of Centrosibir, joined the Bolshevik Party
- 1918–1920Civil War: commanded 16th, 41st, 46th Rifle Divisions and 13th Army; Kakhovka defence
- 1924–1925Commander, Siberian Military District
- 1925–1932Head and commissar, Frunze Military Academy
- 1932–1937Chairman, Central Council of Osoaviakhim
- 1937Arrested 22 May, Tukhachevsky trial defendant, shot 12 June