Nikolay Shilling Russian military leader, lieutenant general. Participant of the White movement. Date of Birth: 18.12.1870 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. World War I
3. Russian Civil War
4. Conflict with Kiev and Withdrawal from Odessa
5. Enmity with Wrangel and Emigration
6. Contribution and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Nikolay Nikolayevich Shilling was born in 1888. He graduated from the Nikolaevsky Cadet Corps in 1888 and the 1st Pavlovsk Military School in 1890. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Life Guards Izmaylovsky Regiment. In 1909, he was promoted to colonel and appointed assistant commander of the Izmaylovsky Regiment.

World War I

In 1913, Shilling became commander of the 5th Finnish Rifle Regiment. He led his regiment in combat from February 1913 until 1918. For his bravery in the battle at Oleshnaki on September 13, 1914, he was awarded the Order of Saint George, 4th degree. He was also awarded the George's Sword on January 25, 1915, for his role in defending the position at Snegug. In May 1915, he was promoted to major general.

Russian Civil War

After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Shilling became commander of the XVII Army Corps. In December 1918, he joined the Volunteer Army and was appointed to the reserve of the General Command of the Armed Forces of South Russia (VSUR). In February 1919, he became head of the 5th Infantry Division, part of the combined Crimean-Azov Corps. He distinguished himself in the battle at Ak-Monai in April 1919 but was wounded shortly after.

In June 1919, Shilling was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed commander of the III Army Corps (formerly the combined Crimean-Azov Corps). He participated in the liberation of Crimea and the advance into Novorossiya. In August 1919, he captured Kherson, Nikolaev, and Odessa. From September 1919, he served as governor-general and commander of the troops in Novorossiya.

Conflict with Kiev and Withdrawal from Odessa

In December 1919, Shilling assumed command of the troops that had retreated from Kiev and ordered the defense of Northern Tauria and Odessa. In January 1920, due to a lack of coal, he was unable to evacuate the II Army Corps and the Kiev Group by sea from Odessa. Since Romania refused to allow them to enter Bessarabia, the units were forced to join Polish forces up the Dniester River.

Enmity with Wrangel and Emigration

After General Pyotr Wrangel was elected Commander-in-Chief of the VSUR in March 1920, Shilling was removed from his post. In November 1920, he emigrated to Czechoslovakia. After the liberation of Prague by Soviet troops in May 1945, he was arrested but later released due to health and old age. He died in Prague in early 1946 and was buried in the crypt of the Assumption Church at the Olshany Cemetery.

Contribution and Legacy

Throughout his military career, Nikolai Nikolayevich Shilling was known for his bravery and leadership. He played a significant role in the Russian Civil War, commanding numerous units and achieving notable victories. Despite his early retirement from active service, he remained a respected figure in the Russian diaspora and contributed to the emigrant press.