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Vartan SarkisyanArmenian military and political figure
Date of Birth: 01.01.1898
Country:  Armenia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Civil War and Post-War Life
- World War II and Collaboration with Nazi Germany
- Command in the Armenian Legion
- Post-War Fate
Early Life and Military Career
Garnik Nzhdeh, an Armenian military and political figure, was born in Tiflis, Russian Empire (now Tbilisi, Georgia) in 1898. Related maternally to Armenian Catholicos Mkritch I Khrimian, he began his military service in the Imperial Russian Army and graduated from the School of Ensign in 1917.
Civil War and Post-War Life
During the Russian Civil War, Nzhdeh fought with the White Army. After their defeat, he remained in the Soviet Union, miraculously avoiding repressions. He entered the Soviet Military Academy in Leningrad, completing his studies in 1935.
World War II and Collaboration with Nazi Germany
At the outbreak of World War II, Nzhdeh was a major in the Red Army. Captured by the Germans, he defected to their side. In Germany, he joined Artavazd Abovian and Drastam Kanayan ("Dro") in leading the Armenian National Committee (ANC). Under the auspices of the Abwehr (military intelligence), he played a key role in the formation of the Armenian Legion within the Wehrmacht.
Command in the Armenian Legion
From December 12, 1944, Nzhdeh commanded the Armenian Grenadier Company and Cavalry Group within the SS Caucasian Cavalry Corps. Towards the end of the war, he surrendered with his surviving subordinates to Anglo-American forces, who handed them over to the USSR for retribution.
Post-War Fate
In May 1945, Nzhdeh was executed by the Bolsheviks, ending his controversial and pivotal life during a tumultuous era in Armenian history.
