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Dmitriy De VittRussian officer
Date of Birth: 21.04.1896
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Content:
- Captain De Witt: A Life in Service
- World War I and the Revolution
- The Civil War and the White Movement
- Crimea and Emigration
- Literary Career and Legacy
Captain De Witt: A Life in Service
Early Life and Military BeginningsCaptain Georgy Lvovich De Witt was born into a military family in Russia. He attended the Sumy Cadet Corps and the Elisavetgrad Cavalry School, completing his studies in 1915. As a war broke out, he joined the 5th Zaamur Cavalry Regiment as a praporshchik in 1916.
World War I and the Revolution
De Witt fought in the First World War, participating in battles on the Stohod River. He rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in May 1917 and a staff captain in September 1917. However, the February Revolution had a profound impact on his career. While on leave in Odessa, he was refused permission to return to his regiment due to concerns about his loyalty to the old regime.
The Civil War and the White Movement
In 1919, De Witt joined the White Movement in the North Caucasus. He initially served in the headquarters of General I.G. Erdeli and later joined the Chechen Cavalry Division under General A.P. Revisin. He participated in the Sтепной Астраханский поход, where he commanded a squadron in the 1st Chechen Cavalry Regiment. After the expedition's defeat, he helped rebuild the division in Grozny.
Crimea and Emigration
Following the occupation of Odessa by White forces, De Witt returned to the city. However, the tide of war turned against the Whites, and the North Caucasus fell to the Red Army. De Witt retreated to Sevastopol, where he joined General Y.A. Slashchev's cavalry regiment. He participated in the North Tavrichesky Operation and was promoted to rotmistr (captain).
After the evacuation of Crimea, De Witt found himself in the Gallipoli camp. By February 1921, he was serving in the Reserve Cavalry Division. He eventually emigrated to France, where he became a member of the Auditing Committee of the Society of Russian Cadets.
Literary Career and Legacy
In addition to his military service, De Witt was a gifted writer. He authored articles, stories, and memoirs, contributing to the magazine "Voennaya Byl" (Military History). He passed away in Paris and was buried at the Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois cemetery.
De Witt's life is a testament to the courage and resilience of those who served in the White Movement during the Russian Civil War. Through his writings, he has left a lasting legacy, capturing the drama and tragedy of that tumultuous period in Russian history.
