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Nikolay ReadRussian general, participant in the Napoleonic Wars and the Crimean campaign.
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Napoleonic Wars
- French Campaign (1814)
- Polish Uprising (1831)
- General-Adjutant and Caucasus Command
- Commander of the Caucasus Corps
- Crimean War
- Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Alexander Ivanovich Read was born in 1793 in the village of Machuly, Smolensk Governorate, into a noble family. After receiving a home education, he joined the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment as an ensign in 1808. In 1811, he was promoted to engineer captain and served in the Corps of Engineers of the Lines of Communication.
Napoleonic Wars
Read's military career began in the Отечественной War (1812). He participated in the Battle of Vitebsk, where he received the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class with Ribbon, for his bravery. He also fought in the battles of Orlov, Smolensk, and Vyazma, demonstrating exceptional courage and skill.
At the Battle of Borodino, Read played a pivotal role, earning him a promotion to major within the active detachment of the army. He continued to distinguish himself in the battles of Voronovo, Borovsk, Tarutino, and Krasnoe. In 1813, he participated in the Siege of Dresden and the Battle of Obergwalde, where he earned the Order of St. Anna, 2nd Class, and a golden sword with the inscription "For Bravery."
French Campaign (1814)
Read remained active in the French Campaign of 1814, fighting in the battles of Brienne, Bar-sur-Aube, Fère-Champenoise, and Arcis-sur-Aube. He received diamond studs for the Order of St. Anna, 2nd Class, and was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th Class, for his role in the capture of Paris.
Polish Uprising (1831)
In 1831, Read was deployed to suppress the Polish Uprising. He commanded the Olviopol Hussar Regiment and played a major role in the Battle of Praga, where he led a successful cavalry charge that routed the Polish forces. He was promoted to major general and appointed commander of the regiment.
General-Adjutant and Caucasus Command
Read was appointed General-Adjutant in 1833 and served in various command positions. In 1851, he was appointed to the Caucasus Corps as an inspector of all local troops. He impressed the commander-in-chief, Prince M. S. Vorontsov, and was promoted to general of cavalry in 1853.
Commander of the Caucasus Corps
Vorontsov entrusted Read with the command of the Caucasus Corps in 1854. During this time, he faced numerous challenges, including the threat of attack from the mountaineers and the outbreak of the Crimean War. He effectively implemented the plans left by Vorontsov and ensured the safety of the Caucasus region.
Crimean War
In 1854, Read returned to active combat as the commander of the 3rd Infantry Corps. He arrived at the Battle of the Chernaya River on August 4, 1855, and commanded two divisions against Fedukhino Heights. The battle was unsuccessful for the Russian forces, and Read was killed in action.
Legacy
Alexander Ivanovich Read was a distinguished general and military leader. He served in various campaigns and conflicts, demonstrating exceptional courage, tactical proficiency, and administrative skills. His legacy continues to inspire generations of military personnel and represents the unwavering dedication to duty and bravery of the Russian army.
