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Ilya ChelokaevPrince, Russian general
Date of Birth: 14.01.1823
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Early Life
Born on January 14, 1823, Prince Chelokayev was a Georgian of noble lineage hailing from the Tiflis Governorate. After completing his education at a private institution in Tiflis, he joined the Georgian militia as a sergeant in 1842.
Military Service
Prince Chelokayev's military service began with his participation in two expeditions against the rebellious Galgai tribe in June and November of 1842. His bravery earned him the Military Order of Distinction. He went on to fight against the Chechens and Lezgis under the command of Colonel Evdokimov and Generals Passek, Liiders, and Prince Argutinsky in 1844. For his outstanding performance in combat, he was promoted to the rank of ensign in 1845.
Combat and Honors
In 1845, Chelokayev took part in another expedition against the Chechens, led by General Labintsev. For his actions, he was awarded the Order of Saint Anna, 4th Class, "For Bravery." Upon his own request, he was transferred to the Transcaucasian Muslim Cavalry Regiment in 1847.
In 1849, he fought in the campaign against Hungarian rebels, earning the rank of lieutenant and the Order of Saint Anna, 3rd Class, with swords and a bow. In 1852, he was assigned to the Nizhny Novgorod Dragoon Regiment as a lieutenant captain. He saw action in the Battle of Bashkadıklâr against the Turks.
Staff and Cavalry Command
In 1854, Chelokayev served in the Lezgin detachment against Shamil's forces that had invaded the Telavi district. His combat achievements led to his decoration with the Order of Saint Vladimir, 4th Class, with swords and a bow.
In 1858, Chelokayev was transferred to the Leib-Guard Caucasian Squadron of His Majesty's Own Convoy as a staff captain. He was appointed aide-de-camp in 1859. He remained with the convoy until 1861, when he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and transferred to the Northern Dragoon Regiment.
As commander of the Dagestan Irregular Cavalry Regiment in 1863, Chelokayev played a role in quelling an uprising in the Zakatal district. In 1866, he participated in the suppression of disturbances in the Kataysko-Tabasaran district, earning promotion to colonel and the Order of Saint Anna, 2nd Class, with the Imperial Crown.
General's Rank and Turkish War
On April 16, 1872, Prince Chelokayev was appointed major general in the army cavalry and assigned to the Caucasus Army. On June 6, he became part of the retinue of His Majesty, still attached to the army.
When war broke out against the Turks, Chelokayev commanded the Dagestan Irregular Cavalry Brigade. During a reconnaissance of the Kars fortress on May 4, he led six hundred Dagestanis in a fierce battle against Turkish dragoons and infantry. While leading a daring charge, he was fatally wounded and died on May 11, 1877, at the camp near Zaim, fifteen miles from Kars.
