Ivan Popov
Russia- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Higher Command
- World War I
- Post-Revolution Activities
- Arrest and Execution
Early Life and Education
Ivan Ivanovich Popov was born on August 28, 1866, into a noble family. He received his education at the 4th Moscow Cadet Corps (1883), the 3rd Alexandrovskoye Military School (1885), and the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff (1894), graduating with honors.
Military Career
Popov began his military career as a sub-lieutenant in 1885, and by 1888 had risen to the rank of lieutenant in the 11th Artillery Brigade. After completing his studies at the academy, he was promoted to staff captain and assigned to the Caucasus Military District. Over the course of his career, he held various positions, including senior adjutant to the staff of the Caucasian Grenadier Division (1896-1900), and commander of a company in the 16th Mingrelian Grenadier Regiment (1898-1899).
Higher Command
Popov served as chief of staff of the 73rd Infantry Division (1904-1906) and the 21st Infantry Division (1906-1908). He then commanded the 56th Zhitomir Infantry Regiment (1908-1912) and the 1st Brigade of the 41st Infantry Division (1912-1913).
World War I
With the outbreak of World War I, Popov became quartermaster general of the 4th Army, which was formed from the Kazan Military District. He held this post from 1914 to 1915. In 1915, he was awarded the Order of St. George for his bravery. From 1915 to 1916, he served as acting chief of staff of the 10th Army, and from 1916 to 1917, he commanded the 32nd Infantry Division.
Post-Revolution Activities
After the February Revolution in 1917, Popov was sent to the reserve of the Kazan Military District. He settled in Kazan, where he founded and led a secret officer organization, which was part of the Union for the Defense of the Homeland and Freedom. The organization planned an uprising against the Bolsheviks.
Arrest and Execution
Popov was arrested on May 22, 1918, and sent to Moscow. He was executed in July 1918, along with several other members of the anti-Bolshevik organization.
