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Sergey ChekinMajor General of Engineering Troops
Date of Birth: 07.10.1893
Country:  Operator |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Sergey Alexandrovich Chekin was born on October 7, 1893, in Rybinsk, Yaroslavl Governorate, Russia. In 1914, he joined the Russian Imperial Army and fought in the First World War as a second lieutenant in the 243rd Kholmsky Infantry Regiment. For his bravery in the Battle of Kłobuck on July 18, 1915, Chekin was awarded the prestigious George's Weapon on May 24, 1916.
Civil War and Interwar Period
After the Russian Revolution, Chekin joined the Red Army in 1919 and fought in the Russian Civil War on the Eastern Front. He became assistant commander and then chief engineer of the 5th Army, collaborating with General Dmitry Karbyshev on strengthening the Kakhovka bridgehead. In 1925, Chekin was sent to China as a military advisor on engineering matters. He aided in the construction of armored trains for the 1st National Army of Feng Yuxiang, which played a crucial role in defending Beijing against the Mukdenese army.
Upon his return to the USSR, Chekin served in the Military Construction Department of the Red Army and later as chief of the Engineering Department of the Trans-Baikal Military District. In 1936, he was promoted to the rank of Kombrig (brigade commander), and in 1940, he was elevated to Major General of Engineering Troops.
World War II
At the outbreak of World War II, Chekin was appointed chief of engineering of the 54th Army and the Leningrad Front's Volkhov Group. He played a key role in ensuring the fulfillment of the Supreme High Command's order to destroy the Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station in case of its capture by German forces. His professionalism and the bravery of the 136th Independent Engineering Battalion allowed the station to be preserved and electricity restored to Leningrad.
From 1941 to 1942, Chekin served as the first commander of the Engineering Troops and deputy commander of the Volkhov Front. In 1942, he was transferred to the post of chief of engineering troops of the Moscow Military District.
Post-War Years and Legacy
After the war, Chekin held various positions at the Military Engineering Red Banner Academy. He passed away on September 20, 1958, in Moscow, and was interred at the Vvedenskoye Cemetery. Chekin's legacy as an accomplished military engineer and commander continues to inspire generations of Russian soldiers and engineers.
