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Gustav WolfertMajor General, hero of the storming of Tashkent in 1865
Date of Birth: 30.09.1840
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Major General Alexander Gustavovich von Wulfert was born on September 18, 1840, to a noble family in the Grand Duchy of Finland. His father, Alexander Gustavovich von Wulfert, was the head of the Finnish Postal Service. Von Wulfert was raised in the Lutheran faith and received his education at the prestigious Page Corps in Saint Petersburg.
Military Career
In 1860, Von Wulfert graduated from the Page Corps as a sub-lieutenant and was assigned to the Leib Guard Tsarskoye Selo Rifle Battalion. In 1861, he was promoted to lieutenant and appointed adjutant to the commander of the Separate Orenburg Corps, transferring to the Belarussian Hussar Regiment as a staff captain.
Service in Central Asia
From the outset of his service in the Orenburg Corps, Von Wulfert was deployed on the Syr Darya Line. In 1863, he took part in a reconnaissance mission to the city of Turkestan and was promoted to captain for his distinguished service.
In 1864, Von Wulfert commanded an infantry detachment protecting engineers during the siege of Turkestan. He led a successful bayonet charge against an enemy sortie, repelling them and capturing a fortified gun. For this action, he was awarded the Order of Saint Anna, 3rd Class with swords and bow.
Siege of Tashkent
In 1865, Von Wulfert served under General Chernyaev and participated in the siege of Tashkent. During the assault on June 15, Von Wulfert scaled the city wall with several volunteers and swiftly captured a fortified tower and a gun. He was wounded in the hand during the fighting but continued to lead his men despite his injury.
For his bravery at Tashkent, Von Wulfert was promoted to major and awarded the Order of Saint George, 4th Class.
Later Career
After the siege, Von Wulfert was appointed to special duties with the commander-in-chief of the Caucasian Army. He went on to serve as adjutant to Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich and later as chief of the Zakataly District. He also participated in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 and received the Order of Saint Anna, 2nd Class with swords for his service.
In 1884, Von Wulfert was promoted to major general and transferred to the reserve forces. He remained in the military until his retirement.
