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Alexander KudevitaEstonian military man, major
Date of Birth: 22.09.1900
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Rise Through the Ranks
- Occupation and Arrest
- Imprisonment and Death
- Legacy and Rehabilitation
Early Life and Military Career
Born on September 22, 1900, in Tartu, Estonia, Aldur "Aleksander" Kudevita was raised by his parents, Yuri and Maria. He joined the Estonian army in 1919 and initially served in the Pärnu Defense Battalion. Kudevita became a cadet at the Estonian National Defense College, graduating in 1924. He served in the reconnaissance battalion "Kalevlaste Maleva" and later in the 10th Infantry Regiment.
Rise Through the Ranks
Kudevita rose through the ranks, becoming a Lieutenant in the 2nd Artillery Regiment in 1924. In 1927, he was appointed Lieutenant in the General Staff. He held various positions within the military, including Chief of Staff of the 1st Estonian Division and Commander of the Reserve Division. In 1938, Kudevita was promoted to Major.
Occupation and Arrest
After Estonia's annexation by the Soviet Union in 1940, Kudevita was incorporated into the 182nd Rifle Division as Chief of Staff of the 625th Artillery Regiment. On June 28, 1941, he was arrested in Gorokhovets, Russia. He was charged with anti-Soviet activities, specifically criticizing the Soviet occupation.
Imprisonment and Death
Convicted on September 5, 1942, Kudevita was sentenced to 10 years in a labor camp. He served in the ITL near Lake Lama and later in the Norilsk ITL. On July 19, 1947, Kudevita died in Norilsk from caustic soda poisoning.
Legacy and Rehabilitation
Kudevita left behind a wife, Ida, and a young son, Taimo. He was posthumously rehabilitated on September 15, 1957. His name is inscribed on the memorial plaque at the military school in Tallinn, commemorating Estonian military personnel who were repressed under Soviet rule.
