Michael Velikanov Soviet military figure, 2nd rank army commander Date of Birth: 08.01.1893

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. World War I and the Russian Revolution
3. Civil War Victories
4. Further Military Exploits
5. Military Education and Career
6. Command in Central Asia and the Far East
7. Arrest and Execution

Early Life and Military Service

Mikhail Velikanov, a Soviet military leader, was born into a clerical family in the Rязанский region. He displayed a thirst for knowledge, independently mastering foreign languages and working as a zemstvo teacher.

World War I and the Russian Revolution

With the outbreak of World War I, Velikanov enlisted in the Russian army. Graduating from the Pskov School of Ensign in 1915, he fought on the Northern Front as a sub-lieutenant in the 436th Novladozhsky Infantry Regiment.

Civil War Victories

In February 1918, Velikanov joined the Red Army as a battalion commander. His leadership in the 2nd Simbirsk Regiment earned him a crucial victory at Simbirsk in October 1918, one of the first major triumphs of the Red Army. He commanded a brigade in the capture of Uralsk and served as temporary commander of the legendary 25th Rifle Division while its leader, Vasily Chapaev, was on leave.

Further Military Exploits

Velikanov led the Ufa group of troops in 1919 and defended Omsk from the Orenburg army for 70 days. Transferred to the Southern Front, he commanded the 20th Rifle Division and played a significant role in defeating General Denikin's forces. Velikanov participated in operations in the North Caucasus, capturing Derbent, Astrakhan, and other cities.

Military Education and Career

In 1922, Velikanov graduated from military courses. He commanded a rifle division and a rifle corps and served as assistant commander of several military districts. A member of the Communist Party since 1924, he completed advanced training courses in 1928. He served as assistant commander of troops in Siberia, Central Asia, and Moscow.

Command in Central Asia and the Far East

From 1933, Velikanov commanded troops in Central Asia. He was promoted to corps commander in 1935 and to army commander second rank in 1937. In June 1937, he led troops in the Transbaikal Military District.

Arrest and Execution

Velikanov was dismissed from his post in November 1937 and arrested in December. On July 29, 1938, he was executed for alleged espionage and membership in an anti-Soviet organization. He was posthumously rehabilitated in 1956.