"White General" Mikhail Skobelev. M.D

He went through many wars, but he was not destined to die on the battlefield. His death was experienced as a nationwide grief. On the wreath from the Academy of the General Staff there was a silver inscription: “To the hero Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev - commander Suvorov’s equal.” Peasants carried the coffin of Mikhail Dmitrievich in their arms 20 miles to Spassky, the Skobelev family estate. There he was buried in the church next to his father and mother. In 1912, in Moscow on Tverskaya Square, a beautiful monument was erected to Skobelev using public funds...

General Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev

Heroes are not born. They become them. A truth as old as time. But in the entire history of the world there are not many examples that confirm this maxim. Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev can be safely included among these few.

While still a student at the military academy, Mikhail Skobelev was sent 30 miles from St. Petersburg to the shore of the Gulf of Finland to survey the area. Stopping in a small village, where he lived for several months, he was struck by the poverty and misery of the local peasants. Having spent all his salary on buying clothes and shoes for local children, he generously helped the local peasant Nikita, with whom he lived all this time. One day he went into the forest to get some poles and on the way back got stuck in a swamp. A seedy white sivka saved the life of the future hero of Russia. “I take her to the left, and she pulls me to the right,” Skobelev told Nikita, “if I have to ride a horse somewhere, so that I can remember your gray, I will always choose the white one.”

General Mikhail Skobelev on a white horse during the Russian-Turkish War (1877 - 1878). Artist Nikolai Dmitriev-Orenbursky (1883)

Obviously, after this Skobelev developed a mystical addiction to white horses; and the white uniform during the battle was a continuation and completion of the whiteness of his horse. That is why Russian soldiers called Skobelev the “White General”, and in Central Asia and the Balkans - “Ak Pasha”; his mention awed Asian enemies and Turkish Janissaries. Ordinary Russian soldiers treated him with respect and reverence. The staff officers did not like him, they were jealous of his successes, they whispered behind his back that he was a poseur who deliberately flaunted his courage, contempt for danger and death. Vasily Ivanovich Nemirovich-Danchenko, brother of the founder of the Art Theater, who knew the general well, noted that “contempt for death is the best gesture of all the gestures ever invented by people.” Nemirovich-Danchenko wrote: “He knew that he was leading to death, and without hesitation he did not send, but led with him. The first bullet was his, the first meeting with the enemy was his. The cause requires sacrifice, and, having decided the need for this matter, he would not back down from any sacrifice."

At the same time, Skobelev was not a “soldier”. He was an intelligent, interesting, extraordinary person - ironic, cheerful, an excellent debater and a daring reveler. But he devoted himself completely to the main cause of his life - service to the Fatherland. He was an amazing commander and an unusual person who became a true legend during his lifetime.

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. The legendary general and future hero of the Fatherland, the favorite of Russian aristocrats and nobles, ordinary peasants and the army of pre-revolutionary Russia, was born on September 17, 1843 in a military family: he was the first-born of a lieutenant of the Cavalry Guard Regiment, later a participant in the Crimean War, a holder of the honorary golden sword. Mikhail's grandfather, Ivan Nikitich, was an adjutant to Kutuzov himself during the Patriotic War of 1812, rose to the rank of infantry general, was the commandant of the Peter and Paul Fortress and at the same time an original military writer and playwright. The grandfather was the main figure in the home education of his grandson. After his death, the mother of young Skobelev decided to send her son to France, where he studied at a boarding school and mastered several languages. Subsequently, Skobelev spoke eight European languages ​​(French as his native Russian) and could recite large passages from the works of Balzac, Sheridan, Spencer, Byron, and Shelley by heart. Of the Russian authors, he fell in love with Lermontov, Khomyakov, and Kireevsky. He played the piano and sang in a pleasant baritone voice. In short, he was a real hussar - a romantic in the uniform of an officer.

Returning to his homeland, Mikhail entered St. Petersburg University in 1861, but soon family traditions took over, and he petitioned the Tsar to enroll him as a cadet in the Cavalry Regiment. Thus began his military service.

On November 22, 1861, 18-year-old Skobelev, in front of a formation of cavalry guards, took the oath of allegiance to the sovereign and the Fatherland and with zeal began to learn the basics of military affairs. In March 1863, he became an officer, the following year he transferred to the Life Guards Grodno Hussar Regiment, which bore the name of the hero of the Patriotic War of 1812 Y. Kulnev, where he was promoted to lieutenant. In the memoirs of the officers of the Grodno regiment, he remained “a true gentleman and a dashing cavalry officer.”

In 1866, Skobelev, having passed the entrance exams brilliantly, entered the Academy of the General Staff. This was the heyday of the academy, in which such prominent military scientists as G. Leer, M. Dragomirov, A. Puzyrevsky taught. But studying was not easy for the temperamental officer; he either studied hard, delighting the teachers with his knowledge, or stopped going to lectures, indulging in bachelor parties. He probably would not have been able to complete the academy course if it had not been for Professor Leer, who recognized his exceptional military talents and therefore looked after him with all his attention. At the request of Leer, Captain Skobelev, upon graduation from the academy, was enrolled in the staff of officers of the General Staff.

However, he did not serve there long. At the first opportunity, he asked for the right to participate in combat activities. In 1869, as a representative of the General Staff, he participated in the expedition of Major General A. Abramov to the borders of the Bukhara Khanate. This enterprise was not entirely successful, but it allowed Mikhail Dmitrievich to get acquainted with Asian methods of warfare, which were strikingly different from those used in Poland. What he saw captured the young officer, and from then on Central Asia pulled him towards it like a magnet.

Bust of General Mikhail Skobelev in Ryazan

In 1870, Skobelev received an appointment to the Caucasus, in the detachment of Colonel N. Stoletov, where he showed initiative and energy, sometimes even excessive. It was here that a story happened to him that overshadowed the beginning of his service in Central Asia (the Central Asian theater of military operations was territorially part of the Caucasian Military District). Having begged N. Stoletov for a small batch of soldiers (Ural Cossacks), the young officer went to the Krasnovodsk region, where he carried out a daring and, although successful, reconnaissance in the Trans-Caspian region, which was not part of the command’s plans. The authorities did not like the arbitrariness. In addition, the veracity of the report presented by Skobelev about the many Bukhara bandit gangs he defeated raised doubts, especially since one of the reconnaissance participants - a Ural Cossack - accused Mikhail Dmitrievich of lying.

Subsequently, it became known that the Cossack did this because of personal enmity towards the young officer, who, in his temper, hit him in the face. And although a thorough investigation was carried out, which confirmed Skobelev’s innocence, the story in Bukhara society acquired an ugly connotation and harmed Skobelev’s authority for a long time. Ill-wishers took the opportunity to teach the “St. Petersburg upstart” a lesson. The matter ended with two duels between Mikhail Dmitrievich and officers of the headquarters of Governor General K. Kaufman and the sending of Skobelev to St. Petersburg.

Here Mikhail Dmitrievich took part in the work of the Military Scientific Committee of the General Staff, and then was appointed senior adjutant of the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division stationed in Novgorod, with a transfer to the General Staff as a captain. However, such military activity attracted Skobelev little, although on August 30, 1872, he was awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel and transferred to the headquarters of the Moscow Military District. Almost immediately he was seconded to the 74th Stavropol Regiment as a battalion commander. There Skobelev learns about the upcoming Khiva expedition. Using the influence of his uncle, the Minister of the Imperial Court, Adjutant General Count A. Adlerberg, he literally begs for an assignment to Turkestan, where the next (sixth) expedition was being prepared to conquer the Khiva Khanate.

The expedition consisted of four detachments under the overall command of General K. Kaufman. Skobelev was appointed to the Mangyshlak detachment (2140 people) of Colonel N. Lomakin as vanguard commander. For participation in the Khiva campaign of 1873, Mikhail Dmitrievich received his first St. George award - the Order of St. George IV degree, but for what exactly is not entirely clear. It is generally accepted that Skobelev received the order for a brilliantly conducted reconnaissance. The fact is that one of the four detachments, Krasnovodsk, under the command of Colonel V. Markozov never reached Khiva. Skobelev was entrusted with finding out the reasons for this, who, in the course of this task, not only showed personal courage and organizational skills, but also dropped charges against the command of the Krasnovodsk detachment, proving the impossibility of moving along the previously planned path.

Memorial plaque in honor of General Mikhail Skobelev on the commandant's house of the Peter and Paul Fortress

His merits in this reconnaissance were again ambiguously assessed by his contemporaries. However, General Kaufman, having carefully checked the facts, decided to award all ordinary participants with the insignia of the Military Order (St. George's Cross), and presented Mikhail Dmitrievich to the Order of St. George IV degree. Soon the Cavalier St. George Duma, by a majority vote, recognized Skobelev as worthy of being awarded the order. Presenting the order, General Kaufman then said to Mikhail Dmitrievich: “You have corrected your previous mistakes in my eyes, but you have not yet earned my respect.”

In 1874, Mikhail Dmitrievich was promoted to colonel and adjutant, married the Empress's maid of honor, Princess M. Gagarina, but a comfortable family life was not for him. The following year, he again sought to send him to Turkestan, where the Kokand uprising broke out. As part of Kaufman's detachment, Skobelev commanded the Cossack cavalry, and his decisive actions contributed to the defeat of the enemy near Mahram. Then he was instructed, at the head of a separate detachment, to act against the Kara-Kirghiz who participated in the uprising; Skobelev's victories at Andijan and Asaka put an end to the uprising.

Dressed in a white uniform, on a white horse, Skobelev remained safe and sound after the hottest battles with the enemy (he himself, paying tribute to superstition, inspired himself and others that in white clothes he would never be killed). Already at that time, a legend had developed that he was charmed by bullets. For his exploits in the Kokand campaign, Skobelev was awarded the rank of major general, the orders of St. George 3rd degree and St. Vladimir 3rd degree with swords, as well as a gold saber with the inscription “For bravery”, decorated with diamonds. The first glory came to him.

In April 1877, the Russian-Turkish war began, in which Russia came to the aid of the fraternal Slavic peoples, and Skobelev decided to definitely participate in it. It seemed that he had been waiting for this thing all his life. Nemirovich-Danchenko writes in this regard:

“He was not a Slavophile in the narrow sense - this is undoubtedly. He went far beyond the framework of this trend; they seemed too narrow to him. Our national and Slavic cause was dear to him. His heart lay towards his native tribes. He felt live connection with them - but that was where his similarity with today’s Slavophiles ended. Views on government structure, on the rights of individual tribes, on many internal issues, he had completely different views. If a nickname is necessary, then he was rather a populist. In the letter I received from his chief of staff, General Dukhonin, after Skobelev’s death, by the way, it is reported that in one of his last meetings with him, Mikhail Dmitrievich repeated several times: “We, Slavophiles, need to come to an agreement, enter into an agreement with Golos.” ... "Golos" is right in many respects. This cannot be denied. Our mutual irritations and bickering will only cause harm to Russia." He repeated the same thing to us more than once, saying that in such a difficult time as our fatherland is now going through, all people of thought and heart need to unite, create a common slogan for themselves and jointly fight the dark forces of ignorance. The deceased understood Slavophilism not as a return to the old ideals of pre-Petrine Rus', but only as serving exclusively his people. Russia for the Russians, Slavism for the Slavs..." That's what he repeated everywhere."

But in St. Petersburg, by that time, an unkind opinion had formed about the young general: envious people accused him of excessive ambition, an “intemperate” lifestyle, and even of embezzling government money. With difficulty, Skobelev achieved an appointment to the Danube Army as chief of staff of the Cossack division (his father commanded it), but soon he was sent to the headquarters of the commander-in-chief, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich. When the days came for the Russian army to prepare to cross the Danube, Mikhail Dmitrievich secured his assignment as an assistant to the head of the 14th division, M. Dragomirov. The division was tasked with being the first to cross the Danube, and Skobelev’s arrival came at a very opportune time. Dragomirov and the soldiers greeted him as “one of their own,” and he actively became involved in the work of preparing the crossing at Zimnitsa. Skillfully organized, it was successful on June 15, despite strong Turkish resistance.

Folk pictures about the exploits of General Mikhail Skobelev

After the army crossed the Danube, the advance detachment of General I. Gurko moved forward to the Balkans, and on the instructions of the commander-in-chief, Skobelev helped the detachment in capturing the Shipka Pass. By this time, large Turkish forces under the command of Osman Pasha launched a counter-offensive against the main forces of the Russian army and organized a strong defense of Plevna, a strategically important fortress and city. Mikhail Dmitrievich had the opportunity to become one of the active participants in the epic struggle for Plevna. The first two assaults on the city (July 8 and 18), which ended in failure for the Russian troops, revealed serious flaws in the organization of their actions.

Skobelev received little consolation from the fact that during the assault on July 18, the combined Cossack detachment he commanded advanced further than its neighbors, and during the general retreat retreated back in perfect order. In the interval between the second and third assaults, he proposed to capture Lovcha, an important junction of roads leading to Plevna. The “White General” actually led the actions of the Russian detachment that took Lovcha, since the head of the detachment, Prince Imeretinsky, completely entrusted him with carrying out the attack.

Before the third assault on Plevna at the end of August, Skobelev was given command of parts of the 2nd Infantry Division and the 3rd Infantry Brigade. Showing enormous energy and putting everyone on their feet, he and his chief of staff A. Kuropatkin brought their troops into the most combat-ready state. On the day of the assault, Skobelev, as always on a white horse and in white clothes, led the actions of his detachment on the left flank of the advancing troops. His squad went into battle with music and drumming. After fierce battles with the enemy, he captured two Turkish redoubts and broke through to Plevna. But it was not possible to break the enemy in the center and on the right flank, and the Russian troops received the order to retreat.

This battle near Plevna brought Skobelev more fame and made his name better known throughout Russia than all his previous successes. Alexander II, who was near Plevna, awarded the 34-year-old military leader the rank of lieutenant general and the Order of St. Stanislaus, 1st degree.

The sharp increase in Skobelev's popularity was largely due to the eccentricity of his personality and ability to win the hearts of soldiers. He considered it his sacred duty to take care of his subordinates, whom he provided with hot food in any combat situation. With sincere and emotional patriotic slogans and lively appeals to the troops, the fearless general influenced them like no one else. His associate and permanent chief of staff Kuropatkin recalled: “On the day of the battle, Skobelev appeared to the troops every time as especially joyful, cheerful, handsome... The soldiers and officers looked with confidence at his warlike handsome figure, admired him, joyfully greeted him and answered with all their hearts he is “happy to try” to his wishes, so that they are great in the upcoming task.”

In October 1877, Mikhail Dmitrievich took command of the 16th Infantry Division near Plevna. Three regiments of this division were already under his command: Kazan - near Lovcha, Vladimir and Suzdal - during the assault on Plevna. During the period of complete encirclement and blockade of the city, he put his division in order, upset by heavy losses in previous battles. After the capitulation of Plevna, which could not withstand the blockade, Skobelev took part in the winter transition of Russian troops through the Balkans. His order before heading into the mountains said: “We have a difficult feat ahead of us, worthy of the tested glory of Russian banners: today we begin to cross the Balkans with artillery, without roads, making our way, in sight of the enemy, through deep snowdrifts. Don’t forget, brothers that we have been entrusted with the honor of the Fatherland. Our sacred cause!”

As part of the Central detachment of General F. Radetsky, Skobelev with his division and the forces attached to it overcame the Imetliysky pass, to the right of Shipka, and on the morning of December 28 came to the aid of the column of N. Svyatopolk-Mirsky, who had bypassed Shipka on the left and entered into battle with the Turks at Sheinovo . The attack of Skobelev's column, carried out almost on the move, without preparation, but according to all the rules of military art, ended in the encirclement of Wessel Pasha's Turkish corps. The Turkish commander surrendered his saber to the Russian general. For this victory, Skobelev was awarded a third golden sword with the inscription: “For bravery,” although, according to many, he deserved more.

Bypassing the Turkish positions, Skobelev said: “Scoundrels!”

Who are the scoundrels? - his companions were surprised.

Was it possible to give up such a position?

Yes, and you can’t defend, they went around.

You can’t defend, you can fight, you have to die,” Skobelev concluded.

At the same time, the general, extremely merciless in battle, who in decisive cases accepted only a bayonet attack, without a single shot, in order to see the enemy face to face, taught his soldiers on victorious days: “Beat the enemy without mercy while he holds a weapon in his hands. But As soon as he surrendered, he asked for amina, he became a prisoner - he is your friend and brother. You can’t eat it yourself, give him what he needs. He is a soldier like you, only in misfortune.”

At the beginning of 1878, Mikhail Dmitrievich was subordinate to the head of the Western detachment, General I. Gurko, and, heading the vanguard corps, ensured the occupation of Adrianople (Edirne). After a short rest, his corps set out for Istanbul (Constantinople), and on January 17 broke into Chorlu, which is 80 kilometers from the Turkish capital. Exhausted, Türkiye sued for peace. The peace treaty signed in San Stefano was quite beneficial for Russia and the Balkan peoples, but six months later, under pressure from the European powers, it was revised in Berlin, which caused a sharply negative reaction from Skobelev.

Monument to General Mikhail Skobelev in Plevna (Bulgaria). Five Bulgarian villages bear the name of the Russian general: Skobelevo (Lovech region); Skobelevo (Haskovo region); Skobelevo (Plovdiv region); Skobelevo (Starozagorsk region); Skobelevo (Sliven region)

By the end of the 70s, the struggle between Russia and England for influence in Central Asia intensified, and in 1880, Alexander II instructed Skobelev to lead an expedition of Russian troops to the Akhal-Teke oasis of Turkmenistan. The main goal of the campaign was to capture the Geok-Tepe fortress (45 kilometers northwest of Ashgabat) - the main support base of the Tekins.

After a five-month struggle with the sands and the courageous Tekins, Skobelev’s 13,000-strong detachment approached Geok-Tepe, and on January 12, after the assault, the fortress fell. Then Ashgabat was occupied, and other regions of Turkmenistan were annexed to Russia. On the occasion of the successful completion of the expedition, Alexander II promoted Skobelev to infantry general and awarded him the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

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One of the central boulevards in the city is named after Mikhail Skobelev. Bulgarian capital- Sofia, and on the wall of one of the houses there is a memorial plate with the name and image of the general

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Alexander III, who ascended the throne in March 1881, was wary of the great fame of the “White General”. In turn, Skobelev did not seek to win the trust of the new tsar and allowed himself to say everything he thought about the reigning house, about the politics of Russia and its relations with the Western powers. Fascinated by the ideas of Slavism, Orthodoxy and the rise of national consciousness, he repeatedly and publicly declared the danger threatening Russia from the west, which caused a stir in Europe. The general spoke especially harshly about Germany and the “Teutons.” In March and April 1882, Skobelev had two audiences with the tsar, and although the content of their conversations remained unknown, according to eyewitnesses, Alexander III began to treat the general more tolerantly. Skobelev wrote to his friend General Kuropatkin: “If they scold you, don’t believe it too much, I stand for the truth and for the Army and I’m not afraid of anyone.”

Mikhail Skobelev's worldview was formed several years before the end of his life. Already at the end of the war in the Balkans, he said: “My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland; science and Slavism. On these whales we will build such a political force that we will not be afraid of either enemies or friends! And there is no need to think about the belly, for the sake of these We will make all the sacrifices for great goals." It was in the last years of his life that the general became close to the Slavophiles and especially I.S. Aksakov, who had a significant influence on him, which was noticed by his contemporaries. “Poor man Ivan Sergeevich,” said N.N. Obruchev, you used to convince and reason with the late Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. Well, it seems the man has completely calmed down. And he goes to Moscow, to Aksakov, and returns from there mad.”

But it cannot be said that Skobelev completely succumbed to the intellectual pressure of Aksakov and other theoreticians of Slavophilism. Still, he was a European and did not share even Aksakov’s negative attitude towards Peter’s reforms and Western European parliamentarism. He was a supporter of Loris-Melikov's constitutional project - he turned to him during a period of difficult reflection after an insulting audience in the Winter Palace. He was brought closer to Aksakov and the Slavophiles general views on Russian foreign policy, which they all considered unpatriotic and dependent on external influence. Skobelev formed this conviction after the Berlin Congress, where statesmen of the non-warring European powers dictated their terms to victorious Russia. Skobelev was an ardent supporter of the liberation and unification of the Slavic peoples, but without strict dictates from Russia.

It should be noted that his attitude towards the Slavs was romantic-altruistic, similar to the position of F.M. Dostoevsky. In his “Diary of a Writer,” he wrote about the capture of Geok-Tepe by Skobelev: “Long live the victory at Geok-Tepe! Long live Skobelev and his soldiers, and eternal memory to the heroes who “left the list”! We will add them to our lists.”
Such an assessment of Dostoevsky was of considerable value for Skobelev. And no less valuable and in tune with his worldview was the writer’s foresight regarding the role of Russia in the world.

The writer-prophet Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky wrote about it this way:

“According to my inner conviction, the most complete and irresistible, Russia will not, and never has had, such haters and slanderers and even outright enemies as all these Slavic tribes, as soon as Russia liberates them, and Europe agrees to recognize them as liberated! .. They will even talk about the Turks with more respect than about Russia; they will curry favor with European states, they will slander Russia, gossip about it and intrigue against it... It is especially pleasant for the liberated Slavs to speak out and trumpet the light that they are tribes. educated, capable of the highest European culture, while Russia is a barbaric country, a gloomy northern colossus, not even of purely Slavic blood, a persecutor and hater of European civilization...

These people of the earth will forever quarrel among themselves, forever envy each other and intrigue against each other. Of course, in a moment of some serious trouble, they will all certainly turn to Russia for help...

For a long time Russia will have the melancholy and concern of reconciling them, admonishing them and even, perhaps, drawing a sword for them on occasion. Of course, the question now arises: what is Russia’s benefit here, why did Russia fight for them for a hundred years, sacrifice its blood, strength, and money? Is it really because of reaping so much small, funny hatred and ingratitude?.. In order to live a higher life, a great life, to shine the world with a great, selfless and pure idea, to embody and create, in the end, a great and powerful organism fraternal union of tribes, to create this organism not by political violence, not by the sword, but by conviction, example, love, selflessness, light; to finally raise all these little ones to themselves and to raise their maternal recognition - this is the goal of Russia, this is its benefit, if you want. If nations do not live by higher, unselfish ideas and the highest goals of serving humanity, but only serve their own “interests,” then these nations will undoubtedly perish, become numb, weakened and die. And there are no higher goals than those that Russia has set for itself, serving the Slavs, selflessly and without demanding gratitude from them, serving their moral (and not just political) reunification into a great whole.”

...The chief of the Skobelevsky headquarters, Mikhail Dukhonin, later recalled how he once found his commander in an extremely difficult mood. “It’s time to die,” said Skobelev. “One person cannot do more than he can do... I came to the conviction that everything in the world is lies, lies and lies. All this is glory, and all this shine is a lie "Is this true happiness? How many were killed, wounded, suffering, ruined." The white general was deeply worried about those warriors who lost their lives in battle. Referring to his enemies, Skobelev exclaimed: “They think that there is nothing better than leading troops under fire, to death. Not if they saw me on sleepless nights. If only they could see what’s going on in my life.” Sometimes the soul itself wants to die - it’s so creepy, scary, so painful for these meaningful sacrifices.”

The general lived less than two months after this conversation. He died under very strange circumstances in the Moscow Dusso Hotel. "Heart palsy" was officially registered. But rumors circulated around the Mother See: some suggested that he was poisoned by Bismarck’s agents, others considered it a political murder, and others saw a love affair behind it. And to this day the secret of his death remains a secret behind seven seals...

General Skobelev repeatedly told his subordinates that he owed his fame, and indeed his whole life, to the Russian soldier. He really respected them, and they paid him the same. Hundreds of stories are told about how during the transitions he dismounted and walked along with his infantry, how he took care of the soldier’s kitchen, about supplying the troops, how, in case of need, he distributed money not only to fellow officers, but also to private soldiers.

The peasants, recent peasants, revered him as one of their own. “He’s ours, he’s Russian,” they said. “His great-grandfather plowed the land. When others talk to us, we don’t understand, but when he speaks, we always understand.”

That’s how he was, an understandable, crystal clear Russian man. His fate, his actions, legends and stories about him amaze with their exceptional integrity and intelligibility. If anyone in our history has created a complete, archetypal, nowhere-divided image of a patriot, it is Skobelev.

Skobelev's funeral resulted in a grandiose public demonstration.

Khitrovo said: “We are burying our banner.” The soldiers echoed him: “You have served our Mother Russia. You are our eagle!”

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Monument to General Skobelev in Moscow. In 1912, in Moscow on Tverskaya Square, a beautiful monument was erected to Skobelev using public funds (!). The author is a self-taught sculptor, Lieutenant Colonel P.A. Samonov. In total, six monuments to the general were erected in Russia before the revolution. In 1918, it was barbarously demolished and destroyed by the Bolsheviks in accordance with the decree “On the removal of monuments to the tsars and their servants and the development of projects for monuments to the Russian Socialist Revolution”

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From the Church of the Three Saints to the station the coffin was carried in their arms. Along the entire movement of the funeral train, right up to Skobelev’s homeland - the village of Spassky, peasants with priests came out to the railway - entire villages, towns with banners and banners came out.

“It would be impossible for us,” said Charles Marvin, a shocked correspondent for the London Times, at the time.

“And it would be impossible for us,” one of his Russian colleagues answered him, “in no way possible, if not for Skobelev.”

...As you know, history does not have a subjunctive mood. It is an empty exercise to build the course of events based on the premise that this or that active participant in the historical process would not have passed away in the prime of life, but would have lived longer for many years and would give all his unspent strength for the good of his Motherland and his people. However, the tragic death of 38-year-old General Skobelev, for whom both friends and opponents predicted a brilliant future, was so sudden and stunning that in subsequent years, especially during the period of failures that plagued our army and navy during the Russo-Japanese War, many exclaimed: “Oh, if only Skobelev were alive today!”

Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Mikhail Dmitrievich could decisively change the course of the entire Russian history. There is no doubt that it was he who would have become Minister of War after P.S. Vannovsky. And if this happened, then, probably, Skobelev became commander-in-chief during the Far Eastern campaign of 1904-05. And, of course, he would not have missed victories either at Liaoyang or at Mukden, and would have saved Port Arthur, and the entire campaign as a whole. Then the political situation in Russia would have been completely different and, quite possibly, the country’s development would have taken a more successful course, without the revolutions of 1905 and 1917.

But, alas, history cannot be rewritten, and the Russian troops in this unfortunate war were commanded by, of course, a competent, educated, honest and brave, but very indecisive General A.N. Kuropatkin. Even during the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78, M.D. Skobelev told him: “You, Alexey, are a wonderful chief of staff, but God forbid you ever become commander in chief!”

By the way, Alexey Nikolaevich himself soberly assessed his talent as a commander. During his presentation to Emperor Nicholas II on the occasion of his appointment as commander-in-chief of all land and naval forces in the Far East, Kuropatkin said to the king: “Only by the poverty of choice can I explain the decision made by Your Majesty.” Of course, you cannot refuse Alexey Nikolaevich honesty and directness.

Moreover, Skobelev’s talent as a commander could come in handy in later years, when on the European continent the tangle of contradictions between the leading powers became so confused and insoluble that arose real threat world war. Mikhail Dmitrievich knew very well the nature of the preparation of the German and Austro-Hungarian armies, their strategy and tactics, strong and weaknesses. And even if, due to his advanced age, he could not take a direct part in this war, then, undoubtedly, his rich experience would be indispensable in the fight against such dangerous opponents for Russia.

Alexander Kirilin,

“My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland, freedom, science and Slavism!”
M. Skobelev

The most famous Russian military leader is the second half of the 19th century century Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev (1843–1882), conqueror of Khiva and liberator of Bulgaria, Mikhail Skobelev went down in history under the name of the “white general”. An outstanding strategist, a man of enormous personal courage, who died in the prime of his life under very mysterious circumstances.

In relation to the soldiers and the offensive strategy, he was called the “second Suvorov”, the Bulgarians, in tribute of gratitude, called him the “general liberator” and even offered to lead the Bulgarian people, and the Ottomans spoke with respect - “Ak Pasha” (“white general”). So, he was called for his uniform and white horse, as well as his attitude towards people. Skobelev said: “Convince the soldiers in practice that you take fatherly care of them outside of battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you.” The soldiers loved him and said, “He did not send him to death, but led him.” In Europe, the general was compared to Napoleon Bonaparte. His star was just rising, despite the fact that over the 19 years of his military career, Mikhail Dmitrievich managed to be in the fire of 70 battles. The path from lieutenant to general M.D. Skobelev passed in a surprisingly short period of time - 11 years (1864 - 1875). The geography of Skobelev’s service, from Central Asia to the Balkans, and knowledge of the religious and everyday traditions of local peoples also command respect. Legendary General knew the Koran and quoted it in Arabic, surprising the Turks.

Mikhail Skobelev became famous not only as a military leader, but also as an exponent of the aspirations of the Slavic world, the leader of which he rightly considered the mighty Russian Empire. Mikhail Dmitrievich can rightfully be considered one of the ideologists of Slavism (Pan-Slavism), understood as the unity of peoples and countries related by blood and faith, led by Russia. Skobelev was a fighter for the unity of the Slavic world. The basis of such a unification were common Slavic roots, traditions, the Russian language and Russian culture, which had powerful properties for the unity of many peoples around the Russian people, the core of Russian civilization. Russia's military power and military glory, which was usually achieved in the struggle for historical justice, also had a special unifying appeal. Russia's strength, aimed at the struggle for justice, attracted other nations. This was the case during Russia’s struggle for the liberation of the Balkan peoples. And on an even larger scale, this property of the Russian people will manifest itself in the future, during the Great Patriotic War, when the heroic struggle of the USSR will attract the attention and sympathy of all progressive people of humanity. It is quite natural that Mikhail Dmitrievich saw the Russian people as the core of a vast and diverse Eurasian ethnic system, providing security to many different peoples and nationalities, capable of fairly solving problems internal development, and defeat any opponent.

When the Russian army, in the vanguard of which were the troops of Mikhail Skobelev, was advancing on Constantinople, the “second Suvorov” dreamed of entering the ancient city, the former “Tsargrad”, the capital of the Second Rome - Byzantium. He associated hopes for the revival of the Slavic world and its unification with the entry of Russian troops into Constantinople. However, the Western powers, and primarily Great Britain, did not allow such a development. This was also due to the political weakness of the figure of Emperor Alexander II, who did not have enough will to defend the fruits of the victory of 1877-1878, withstand Western pressure and end the war with a brilliant victory for Russia (the capture of the straits and Constantinople). The unification of the Slavic world was a terrible threat to the Anglo-Saxon project of globalization. England sought to preserve the ruins of the Ottoman Empire as a hostile power to Russia, a buffer holding back the movement of Russians to the South. Perhaps it was these geopolitical views of the general, given his enormous popularity, that became the reason for his sudden death. Unfortunately, over the years Soviet power, the name of the “white general” was practically erased from literature and popular memory.

Skobelev cadet.

Family, early biography and military education. First combat experience

The Russian military leader was the third in a line of famous generals (his grandfather and father had many military achievements). Mikhail Dmitrievich was born in St. Petersburg on September 17 (29), 1843. His father was Lieutenant General Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev (1821-1879), and his mother was Olga Nikolaevna (1823 - 1880), née Poltavtseva. D. M. Skobelev was a participant in the Hungarian campaign and was awarded the Order of St. for military merits and courage. Vladimir 4th degree with a bow, as well as the Austrian Order of the Iron Crown 3rd degree. During the Eastern (Crimean) War he fought on the Caucasian front, was awarded a gold sword with the inscription “for bravery”, for distinction in the Basha-Kadiklar battle he was promoted to colonel and awarded the Order of St. Anna 2nd degree. He successively commanded the Elisavetgrad Dragoon Regiment, the Life Guards Cavalry Grenadier Regiment, was the commander of His Majesty's own convoy, and a cavalry inspector. He took part in the war with Turkey of 1877-1878, commanding the Caucasian Cossack Division together with the 4th Rifle Brigade. Then he was at the disposal of the commander-in-chief and took part in a number of cases. For the campaign of 1877-1878. Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev received the Order of St. George, 3rd degree.

Mikhail had a very warm relationship with his mother, retained spiritual closeness with her throughout his life and inherited from her the “subtlety of nature.” Olga Nikolaevna was studying charitable activities and supported her son’s policy on the Slavic issue. After the death of her husband in 1879, she devoted herself entirely to charity, traveling to the Balkans and heading the Bulgarian department of the Red Cross Society. She founded an orphanage in Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv), organized orphanages and schools in several other cities, and organized supplies for hospitals in Bulgaria and eastern Rumelia. On June 6, 1880, Olga Nikolaevna was killed by robbers in the vicinity of Philippopolis. Her death was a great tragedy for Skobelev.

Mikhail's grandfather, Ivan Nikitich (1778-1849), was the son of a sergeant and a farmer, and began his service at the age of 14, enlisting as a soldier in the Orenburg 1st Field Battalion (later the 66th Butyrsky Infantry Regiment). With his abilities and energetic character, he soon attracted the attention of his superiors and in the 4th year of service he received the rank of sergeant, and then officer. As part of the 26th Chasseurs Regiment, he distinguished himself in the anti-French campaign of 1807. For the Swedish campaign he was awarded a gold sword with the inscription “for bravery” and the Order of St. Vladimir 4th degree. He was seriously wounded, but continued to serve and distinguished himself in the war against the Ottomans. He was retired for some time with the rank of captain. In 1812 he became M. Kutuzov's adjutant. He took part in the foreign campaign of the Russian army and distinguished himself in a number of cases. His last campaign was the Polish one, in the battle of Minsk he lost an arm. Ivan Nikitich not only went from soldier to infantry general, but also became a famous writer, speaking under the pseudonym “Russian invalid.” Skobelev wrote on military topics, and his works were very popular among the military. The general wrote in a lively vernacular language, using soldier’s humor, folk proverbs. Ivan Nikitich wrote in one of his stories: “I remember the good, I remember the bad, but, I admit, I don’t remember anything better than a Russian soldier.” His perfect knowledge of the Russian soldier led to great fame for his works. In addition, his writings were filled with faith and deep patriotism.

In the first years of Mikhail Dmitrievich’s life, the grandfather-soldier was the main figure in the home education of his grandson. The boy listened with great interest to Ivan Nikitich's stories about military campaigns and exploits, the Russian soldier. Unfortunately, soon I.N. Skobelev died, and the boy was left without his beloved grandfather-educator from the age of 6. A German tutor began to raise the child, but the relationship with him did not work out. Later, Mikhail was sent to Paris to a boarding house with the Frenchman Desiderius Girardet. In France, the future general mastered a large amount of knowledge and several languages. And Girardet will eventually become a close friend of Mikhail and follow him to Russia. In the Russian Empire in 1858-1860. the young man was preparing to enter St. Petersburg University. The preparation was successful, and in 1861 he entered the mathematics department of St. Petersburg University. However, further studies were prevented by student unrest, due to which the university was temporarily closed. As a result, family traditions took over and “too elegant for a real military man,” Skobelev entered the Cavalry Guard Regiment as a volunteer in November 1861. This event became a turning point in his fate.

18-year-old Mikhail, in the ranks of cavalry guards, took the oath of allegiance to the sovereign and the Fatherland and eagerly began to study military affairs. On September 8, 1862, after passing the exam, he was promoted to harness cadet, and on March 31, 1863, to cornet. In 1864, at his own request, he was transferred to the Life Guards Grodno Hussar Regiment, which was stationed in Warsaw and fought against the Polish rebels. Mikhail Dmitrievich, in battles with the Poles, gains his first combat experience. As part of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment, he pursued the Polish detachment under the leadership of Shpak. As part of a flying detachment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel K.I. Zankisov, a young officer took part in the destruction of the Polish gang under the command of Shemiot in the Radkowice Forest. For this battle, Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. Anna 4th degree "for bravery". In the memoirs of the officers of the Grodno regiment, young Mikhail Skobelev remained “a true gentleman and a dashing cavalry officer.”

Skobelev as lieutenant.

In 1864, while on vacation, Skobelev traveled to Europe to study the theater of military operations of the Danes against the Germans (in 1864 there was a conflict between Denmark, Prussia and Austria over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein). In the same year, Skobelev was promoted to lieutenant. In 1866, the lieutenant entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff, which then taught such prominent military figures as G.A. Leer, M.I. Dragomirov, A.K. Puzyrevsky. Skobelev studied unevenly, showing brilliant knowledge only in those subjects that interested him. So, he was the first in the entire issue according to military history, showed excellent results in foreign and Russian languages, in political history, but did not shine in military statistics and surveying, and especially in geodesy. Therefore, Skobelev did not graduate from the academy in the forefront, but was still enrolled in the General Staff.

According to the commander’s biographer, writer V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko, Skobelev, during practical tests in the North-Western Territory, had to find the most convenient point for crossing the Neman River. To do this, it was necessary to study the entire course of the river. But Skobelev did not do this, living all the time in the same place. When the verification commission arrived with Lieutenant General G.A. Leer, Skobelev jumped on his horse and crossed the river, safely crossing the Neman in both directions. Leer was so delighted that he insisted on enlisting the promising, decisive and energetic officer in the General Staff. Shortly before graduating from the Academy of the General Staff, Skobelev was promoted to the next rank - staff captain.

First cases in Asia

In 1868, at the request of the commander of the Turkestan Military District, Adjutant General von Kaufmann 1st, Skobelev was sent to the Turkestan District. Mikhail Dmitrievich arrived in Tashkent at the beginning of 1869 and initially served at the district headquarters. The officer studied local battle tactics. Commanding the Siberian Cossack Hundred, he participated in small matters on the Bukhara border, showing personal courage. Conducted a cartographic survey of the Zarevshansky district, recently annexed to the empire. However, despite the skills and courage demonstrated, Skobelev’s service in the Turkestan district did not work out. Mikhail Dmitrievich, due to the “lack of necessary restraint and tact,” was a conflicted person, intolerant of other people’s weaknesses.

Skobelev quarreled with some Cossacks, and with two representatives of the Tashkent “golden youth” it came to a duel. This caused the displeasure of General Kaufman. Mikhail Dmitrievich was sent back, he was assigned to the reserve squadron of the Life Guards of the Grodno Hussar Regiment.

At the end of 1870, Skobelev was placed at the disposal of the commander of the Caucasian Army. In the spring of 1871, Mikhail was sent to the Krasnovodsk detachment of Colonel N.G. Stoletov, on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. There the officer commanded the cavalry and studied the possibility of the Russian army marching to Khiva through the northern part of the Karakum desert. Mikhail Dmitrievich reconnoitered the route to the Sarykamysh well, making a difficult journey with a total distance of 536 versts: from Mullakari to Uzunkuyu - 410 versts in 9 days, and back to Kum-Sebshen, 126 versts in 16.5 hours. Only six people accompanied him. Skobelev compiled a detailed description of the route and the wells there. But here, too, the officer displeased his superiors; he unauthorizedly reviewed the plan for the upcoming campaign in Khiva, for which he was sent on 11-month leave.

In April 1872, Mikhail was again assigned to the General Staff, to the Military Accounting Office. He participated in the preparation of a field trip of headquarters officers and the St. Petersburg Military District to the Baltic provinces. In June 1872, he was appointed senior adjutant of the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division, which was stationed in Novgorod. Already on August 30, 1872, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, becoming a staff officer at the headquarters of the Moscow Military District. But he didn’t stay in Moscow for long either; Skobelev was sent to the 74th Stavropol Infantry Regiment as a battalion commander.

Khiva campaign

Skobelev did not stay in the Maykop area, where the Stavropol regiment was located. At this time, the Russian armed forces were preparing a campaign against Khiva, “to liberate our compatriots” who were in slavery. In addition, there were constant complaints from local residents who had transferred to Russian citizenship; they were attacked by feudal lords equipped with English. The Stavropol regiment was not included in the number of formations that were supposed to take part in this operation. But Skobelev was not going to stay away from the place where it would be hot. He asked for leave and arrived in Turkestan in the midst of preparations for the campaign. In April 1873, Russian troops set out on a campaign from four points: Tashkent (General Kaufman), Krasnovodsk (Colonel Markozov), Orenburg (General Veryovkin) and Mangyshlak (Colonel Lomakin). The total number of troops was 12-13 thousand soldiers with 56 guns. General command was exercised by General Konstantin Kaufman.

Skobelev led the vanguard of the Mangyshlak detachment of Colonel Nikolai Lomakin. They left on April 16, Mikhail Dmitrievich, like other officers, walked. There was a shortage of camels in the detachment (only 1,500 camels for 2,140 people), so they loaded all the combat horses. Skobelev was always distinguished by severity and exactingness in wartime conditions, and first of all towards himself. In peaceful life he could have doubts, but in military life he was as collected, responsible and courageous as possible.

IN difficult situation, when the water ran out halfway to the Senek well, Skobelev showed himself to be a skilled commander and organizer, supporting in his echelon complete order and taking care of the needs of soldiers. On May 5, while conducting reconnaissance near Itybai’s well, Skobelev and 10 soldiers discovered a caravan heading to Khiva. Despite the enemy's numerical superiority, Skobelev attacked the enemy. In this battle he received several wounds from bladed weapons and returned to duty only on May 20. On May 21, the lieutenant colonel with a small detachment carried out a punitive operation against the Turkmens. They were punished for hostile actions against Russian troops. On May 22, Skobelev covered the convoy, repelling several attacks by the Khivans. On May 24, when Russian troops stood at Chinakchik (8 versts from Khiva), the enemy attacked a camel convoy. Mikhail Dmitrievich immediately took two hundred, quietly went to the rear and struck the Khivans. He overthrew the enemy cavalry, put the infantry to flight and repulsed 400 camels.

Khiva campaign 1873. Through the dead sands to the wells of Adam-Krylgan (Karazin N.N., 1888).

On May 26, the united Orenburg and Mangyshlak detachments reached Khiva, settling at the Shakhabad Gate. On May 28, reconnaissance in force was carried out. On May 29, a Turkestan detachment under the command of Kaufman approached the city from the southeast. The Khivans capitulated. Kaufman's troops began to enter the city from the south. But, due to the unrest in the city, the northern part of Khiva did not know about the capitulation and refused to surrender. Skobelev with two companies began the assault on the Shahabad Gate and was the first to make his way inside the fortress. The Khivans launched a counterattack, but Skobelev held the gate and rampart behind him. Soon, by order of Kaufman, the assault was stopped, and the city finally capitulated. Khiva submitted.

Scheme of the fortifications of Khiva.

During the campaign, the Krasnovodsk detachment of Colonel Markozov did not take part in the capture of Khiva and was forced to return to Krasnovodsk. Skobelev volunteered to carry out reconnaissance of the route not taken by the Krasnovodsk detachment in order to find out the cause of what happened. The task was fraught with great risk: it was necessary to pass the Zmukshir - Ortakay section of 340 miles, in a hostile environment. Mikhail Dmitrievich took only 5 people with him, including 3 Turkmens. On August 4 he set out from Zmukshir. There was no water in the Daudur well. 15-25 versts before Ortakuyu, Skobelev’s detachment on the morning of August 7, near the Nefes-kuli well, ran into a detachment of hostile Turkmens. The lieutenant colonel and his companions barely escaped. It was obvious that it was impossible to get further. On August 11, having covered 640 miles, Skobelev returned. The corresponding report was presented to Kaufman. This intelligence helped to drop the charge against Colonel Vasily Markozov, who was considered guilty of the failure of the Krasnovodsk detachment. For this reconnaissance, Mikhail Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree.

In the winter of 1873-1874, the officer was on leave in Southern France. During it, he made a trip to Spain, where the Third Carlist War was going on (the uprising was raised by a party that supported the rights of Don Carlos and his heirs), and was an eyewitness to several battles. In February 1874, Skobelev was promoted to colonel, and in April he was enlisted as an aide-de-camp in the retinue of His Imperial Majesty.

Major General and Military Governor

At the end of May 1875, Mikhail Dmitrievich again sought appointment to Turkestan. Skobelev was appointed commander of a small military team (22 Cossacks), which escorted the Russian embassy sent to Kashgar. At the same time, he served as a reconnaissance officer - he had to assess the military significance of Kashgar. The embassy passed through Kokand, where Khudoyar Khan ruled under Russian influence. At this time, an uprising broke out against the khan, who fled to Khojent. The Russian embassy covered him up. Thanks to Skobelev’s skill, his caution and firmness, a battle that threatened to exterminate the small Russian detachment was avoided.

At this time, gazavat against the infidels was proclaimed in Kokand and Kokand troops invaded Russian borders. Khojent was besieged. Unrest began among local residents. Skobelev with two hundred Cossacks was sent to fight the gangs. Soon Khojent was liberated by Kaufman's troops, Skobelev led the cavalry. On August 22, 1875, Russian troops took Makhram, the center of the rebel forces (numbered up to 50 thousand people). The Kokand people suffered a complete defeat, losing up to 2 thousand people killed (Russian troops lost 5 killed and 8 wounded). In this battle, Skobelev, with the support of a rocket battery, quickly attacked the enemy, put numerous enemy crowds of foot and horsemen to flight and drove them 10 miles. In this matter, the colonel showed himself to be an excellent cavalry commander.

The leader of the rebels, Abdurrahman, escaped; six hundred, two infantry companies and a missile battery under the command of Skobelev were sent to pursue him. Russian soldiers destroyed the enemy detachment, but Abdurrahman was able to escape. Russia annexed the lands north of the Syr Darya (Namangan department). However, the uprising continued. Abdurrahman deposed Khan Nasreddin (son of Khudoyar) and elevated Pulat Khan (Bolot Khan) to the throne. Andijan became the center of the uprising. On October 1, the detachment of Major General Vitaly Trotsky took the enemy fortress. Skobelev distinguished himself in this battle. On the way back, the Russian detachment met the enemy; on October 5, Skobelev destroyed the camp of the rebel Kipchaks with a night attack.

On October 18, for distinction in this campaign, Mikhail Skobelev was promoted to major general and appointed head of the Namangan department. Under his command there were three battalions, five hundred and 12 guns. Skobelev received the task of “acting strategically defensively,” that is, without leaving the borders of the Russian Empire. However, the situation was so difficult that Skobelev had to go on the offensive. “War of position” led to the enemy’s success. Bandit elements and gangs constantly crossed the Russian border, and a small war was going on almost continuously. Major General Mikhail Skobelev constantly stopped the enemy’s attempts to cross the border, on October 23 he defeated an enemy detachment at Tyurya Kurgan, and then helped the garrison of Namangan, where an uprising broke out. On November 12, he scattered a large enemy detachment (up to 20 thousand people) near Balykchy. It was necessary to answer. Kaufman gave the order to carry out a limited offensive operation.

On December 25, Skobelev set out from Namangan with 2.8 thousand soldiers with 12 guns and a missile battery. Moving towards Ike-su-arasy, Russian troops destroyed “non-peaceful” villages. The enemy was unable to provide decent resistance. Only in Andijan did Abdurrahman decide to give battle and gathered up to 37 thousand soldiers. On January 8, 1876, Russian troops took the fortress by storm. Abdurrahman fled to Assaka, where on January 18 he suffered a new defeat. The rebel leader escaped again, wandered for some time, then surrendered to the mercy of the victors. The surviving “irreconcilable” rebels fled to Afghanistan.

Kokand. Entrance to the palace of Khudoyar Khan, built in 1871.

In February, the Kokand Khanate was transformed into the Fergana region and became part of the Russian Empire. On March 2, Mikhail Skobelev was appointed military governor and commander of the Fergana region. For the pacification of Kokand, Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir 3rd degree with swords and the Order of St. George, 3rd degree, and is also marked with a gold sword with diamonds with the inscription “for bravery.”

As the head of the region, Skobelev managed to pacify the Kipchaks, who gave their word to live peacefully. He also made a campaign against the Kyrgyz who inhabited the Alai ridges and the valley of the Kizyl-su River. The expedition to the borders of Kashgaria, to the Tien Shan, ended with the annexation of the Alai land to the Fergana region, the occupation of the Kashgar border and the construction of the Gulchin-Alai road. Skobelev served as governor for no more than a year; he was recalled to St. Petersburg. The general fought against embezzlement, making many enemies. Complaints constantly poured in against him in the capital. The accusations were not confirmed, but Skobelev was nevertheless recalled. Now he had to prove that successes in Central Asia were not accidental.

"General M.D. Skobelev on horseback." N. D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky, (1883).

To be continued…

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Skobelev

Mikhail Dmitrievich

Battles and victories

“Convince the soldiers in practice that you are fatherly caring for them outside of battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you,” said Skobelev.
And with this conviction he won in Central Asia and the Balkans. The conqueror of Khiva and liberator of Bulgaria, he went down in history under the name of the “white general”.

SKOBELEV MIKHAIL DMITRIEVICH (1843-1882) - an outstanding Russian military leader and strategist, a man of enormous personal courage, infantry general (1881), adjutant general (1878). Participant in the Central Asian conquests of the Russian Empire and the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, liberator of Bulgaria. He went down in history with the nickname “white general” (Turkish Ak-Pasha), which is always associated primarily with him, and not only because he participated in battles in a white uniform and on a white horse.

Why was he called the “white general”?

By various reasons. The simplest one is a uniform and a white horse. But he wasn’t the only one wearing a white general’s military uniform. That means something else. Probably the desire to be on the side of good, not to become impoverished in soul, not to come to terms with the need to kill.

I came to the conviction that everything in the world is a lie, a lie and a lie... All this glory, and all this glitter is a lie... Is this true happiness?.. Does humanity really need this?.. But what, what is this lie worth? , this glory? How many were killed, wounded, suffering, ruined!.. Explain to me: will you and I answer to God for the mass of people whom we killed in battle?

- these are the words of V.I. Skobelev. Nemirovich-Danchenko discovers a lot about the general’s character.

“An amazing life, the amazing speed of its events: Kokand, Khiva, Alai, Shipka, Lovcha, Plevna on July 18, Plevna on August 30, the Green Mountains, the crossing of the Balkans, the fabulously fast march to Adrianople, Geok-Tepe and unexpected, mysterious death - follow one after another, without respite, without rest.” (V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko “Skobelev”).

Early biography and military education

A hereditary military man, he was born in St. Petersburg on September 17, 1843 in the family of Lieutenant General Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev and his wife Olga Nikolaevna, née Poltavtseva. Having inherited the “subtlety of nature” from his mother, he retained spiritual closeness with her throughout his life. In his opinion, only in the family does a person have the opportunity to be himself.

“Too graceful for a real military man,” he, nevertheless, chose this path from his youth and already on November 22, 1861, entered military service in the Cavalry Regiment. After passing the exam, he was promoted to harness cadet on September 8, 1862, and to cornet on March 31, 1863. On August 30, 1864, Skobelev was promoted to lieutenant.
In the fall of 1866 he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. Upon completion of the academy course in 1868, he became the 13th of 26 officers assigned to the general staff.

Khiva campaign

In the spring of 1873, Skobelev took part in the Khiva campaign, as an officer of the general staff under the Mangishlak detachment of Colonel Lomakin. The purpose of the campaign was, firstly, to strengthen the Russian borders, which were subject to targeted attacks by local feudal lords supplied with English weapons, and secondly, to protect those of them who came under Russian protection. They left on April 16, Skobelev, like other officers, walked. Severity and exactingness in the conditions of a military campaign, and first of all towards himself, distinguished this man. Then, in peaceful life there could be weaknesses and doubts, during military operations - maximum composure, responsibility and courage.

So on May 5, near the well of Itybay, Skobelev with a detachment of 10 horsemen met a caravan of Kazakhs who had gone over to the side of Khiva and, despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, rushed into battle, in which he received 7 wounds with pikes and sabers and could not sit on a horse until May 20. Returning to duty on May 22, with 3 companies and 2 guns, he covered the wheeled convoy, and repelled a number of enemy attacks. On May 24, when Russian troops stood at Chinakchik (8 versts from Khiva), the Khivans attacked a camel train. Skobelev quickly got his bearings, and moved with two hundred hidden, in the gardens, to the rear of the Khivans, overturned their approaching cavalry, then attacked the Khivan infantry, put them to flight and returned 400 camels captured by the enemy. On May 29, Mikhail Skobelev with two companies stormed the Shakhabat Gate, was the first to get inside the fortress and, although he was attacked by the enemy, he held the gate and rampart behind him. Khiva submitted.

Khiva campaign of 1873.
Transition of the Turkestan detachment through the dead sands - Karazin

Military governor

In 1875-76, Mikhail Dmitrievich led an expedition against the rebellion of the feudal lords of the Kokand Khanate, directed against the nomadic robbers who ravaged the Russian border lands. After this, with the rank of major general, he was appointed governor and commander of the troops of the Fergana region, formed on the territory of the abolished Khanate of Kokand. As the military governor of Fergana and the head of all troops operating in the former Kokand Khanate, he took part in and led the battles of Kara-Chukul, Makhram, Minch-Tyube, Andijan, Tyura-Kurgan, Namangan, Tash-Bala, Balykchi, etc. He also organized and, without any particular losses, completed an amazing expedition, known as the “Alai” expedition. Having become the head of the Fergana region, Skobelev found a common language with the conquered tribes. The Sarts reacted well to the arrival of the Russians, but still their weapons were taken away. The warlike Kipchaks, once conquered, kept their word and did not rebel. Mikhail Dmitrievich treated them “firmly, but with heart.”

This is how his stern gift as a military leader first manifested itself:

War is war, he said during a discussion of the operation, and there cannot but be losses... and these losses can be large.

Russian-Turkish War 1877-1878

The peak of the career of commander D.M. Skobelev occurred during the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, the goal of which was the liberation of Orthodox peoples from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. On June 15, 1877, Russian troops crossed the Danube and launched an offensive. The Bulgarians enthusiastically greeted the Russian army and joined it.

On the battlefield, Skobelev appeared as a major general, already with the St. George Cross, and, despite the incredulous remarks of many of his comrades, he quickly gained fame as a talented and fearless commander. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878. he actually commanded (being the chief of staff of the Combined Cossack Division) the Caucasian Cossack brigade during the 2nd assault on Plevna in July 1877 and a separate detachment during the capture of Lovchi in August 1877.

During the 3rd assault on Plevna (August 1877), he successfully led the actions of the left-flank detachment, which broke through to Plevna, but did not receive timely support from the command. Commanding the 16th Infantry Division, Mikhail Dmitrievich took part in the blockade of Plevna and the winter crossing of the Balkans (through the Imitli Pass), playing a decisive role in the battle of Sheinovo.

At the last stage of the war, while pursuing the retreating Turkish troops, Skobelev, commanding the vanguard of the Russian troops, occupied Adrianople and, in February 1878, San Stefano in the vicinity of Constantinople. Skobelev's successful actions created him great popularity in Russia and Bulgaria, where streets, squares and parks in many cities were named after him.

Prudent people reproached Skobelev for his reckless courage; they said that “he behaves like a boy,” that “he rushes forward like an ensign,” that, finally, risking “unnecessarily,” exposes the soldiers to the danger of being left without a high command, etc. However, there was no more commander attentive to the needs of his soldiers and more careful about their lives than the “white general”. During preparations for the upcoming transition through the Balkans, Skobelev, who had anticipated such a development of events in advance and therefore did not waste time, developed vigorous activity. As the head of the column, he understood: regardless of the conditions of the transition, everything must be done to protect the detachment from unjustified losses along the way and to maintain its combat effectiveness.

Convince the soldiers in practice that you take fatherly care of them outside of battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you

- said Skobelev.

The personal example of the chief and his training requirements became the standard for the officers and soldiers of the detachment. Skobelev sent teams throughout the district to purchase boots, short fur coats, sweatshirts, food and fodder. Pack saddles and packs were purchased in the villages. On the route of the detachment, in Toplesh, Skobelev created a base with an eight-day supply of food and a large number of pack horses. And Skobelev carried out all this with the help of his detachment, without relying on the help of the commissariat and the partnership involved in supplying the army.

The time of intense fighting clearly showed that the Russian army was inferior in quality to the Turkish army, and therefore Skobelev supplied one battalion of the Uglitsky regiment with guns captured from the Turks. Another innovation was introduced by Skobelev. How the soldiers did not curse, each time putting heavy backpacks on their backs! You can’t sit down with such a burden, you can’t lie down, and even in battle it hindered your movements. Skobelev obtained canvas somewhere and ordered the bags to be sewn. And it became easy and convenient for the soldier! After the war, the entire Russian army switched to canvas bags. They laughed at Skobelev: they say, the military general turned into an agent of the commissariat, and the chuckles intensified even more when it became known about Skobelev’s order for each soldier to have a log of dry firewood.

N.D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky. General M.D. Skobelev on horseback. 1883
Irkutsk Regional Art Museum named after. P.V. Sukacheva

Skobelev continued to prepare the detachment. As subsequent events showed, the firewood was very useful. At a rest stop, the soldiers quickly lit fires and rested in the warmth. During the transition, there was not a single frostbite in the detachment. In other detachments, especially in the left column, they were out of action due to frostbite. large number soldier.

All of the above made General Skobelev an idol among the soldiers and an object of envy among the highest military ranks, who endlessly blamed him for having too “easy” awards, unjustified, from their point of view, courage, and undeserved glory. However, those who saw him in action could not help but notice completely different qualities. “It is impossible not to note the skill with which Skobelev fought. At that moment, when he achieved decisive success, 9 fresh battalions still remained untouched in his hands, the very sight of which forced the Turks to capitulate.”

Akhal-Teke expedition

After the end of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. The “white general” commanded the corps, but was soon sent again to Central Asia, where in 1880-1881. led the so-called Akhal-Tekin military expedition, during which he carefully and comprehensively organized the campaigns of his subordinate troops and successfully stormed the Den-gil-Tepe fortress (near Geok-Tepe). Following this, Ashgabat was occupied by Skobelev’s troops.

An ardent supporter of the liberation of the Slavic peoples, Skobelev was tireless, reaching almost to Constantinople, and was very worried about the inability to complete the matter. V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko, who accompanied the general, wrote: “Strange as it may seem, I can testify that I saw Skobelev burst into tears, speaking about Constantinople, about the fact that we are fruitlessly wasting time and the results of an entire war by not occupying it...
Indeed, when even the Turks erected masses of new fortifications around Constantinople, Skobelev made exemplary attacks and maneuvers several times, occupied these fortifications, showing the full possibility of capturing them without large losses. Once in this way he broke in and occupied the key enemy positions, from which the askers looked at him and did nothing.”

Skobelev M.D.:

I directly suggested to the Grand Duke: to occupy Constantinople with my detachment without permission, and the next day let me be put on trial and shot, so long as they don’t give him up... I wanted to do this without warning, but who knows what types and assumptions there are. ..

But Russia was not ready for the brilliant victory that the courage of the soldiers and the valor of such commanders as Skobelev provided it with. The barely nascent capitalism was not ready to fight England and France, to whom Russia lost the Crimean War about 20 years ago. If soldiers become victims of recklessness in war, then entire peoples and states become victims of reckless politicians. The “pan-Slavic unity” that the general hoped for was not born in either the First or Second World Wars.

However, even then, in the late 70s - early 80s of the 19th century, Skobelev was able to discern the future Russian-German front of the First World War and assess the main forms of armed struggle in the future.

Having received month's vacation June 22 (July 4), 1882, M.D. Skobelev left Minsk, where the headquarters of the 4th Corps was located, to Moscow, and already on June 25, 1882 the general was gone. It was a completely unexpected death for those around him. Unexpected for others, but not for him...

He more than once expressed forebodings of his imminent death to his friends:

Every day of my life is a reprieve given to me by fate. I know that I won't be allowed to live. It’s not for me to finish everything I have in mind. After all, you know that I am not afraid of death. Well, I’ll tell you: fate or people will soon lie in wait for me. Someone called me a fatal man, and fatal people always end in a fatal way... God spared me in battle... And people... Well, maybe this is redemption. Who knows, maybe we are wrong in everything and others paid for our mistakes?..

This quote reveals to us a complex, ambiguous, even unexpected character for a military man.

Postage stamp dedicated to
135th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was first and foremost Russian. And how almost every Russian person “carried within himself” the internal discord that is noticeable in thinking people. Outside of battle, he was tormented by doubts. He did not have the calmness “with which the commanders of other countries and peoples send tens of thousands of people to their death, without experiencing the slightest reproach of conscience, commanders for whom the killed and wounded seem only to be a more or less unpleasant detail of a brilliant report.” However, there was no tearful sentimentality either. Before the battle, Skobelev was calm, decisive and energetic, he himself went to his death and did not spare others, but after the battle, according to contemporaries, “they attacked for him hard days, hard nights. His conscience was not soothed by the awareness of the need for sacrifice. On the contrary, she spoke loudly and menacingly. The martyr awoke in triumph. The delight of victory could not kill the heavy doubts in his sensitive soul. In sleepless nights, in moments of loneliness, the commander stepped back and came to the fore as a man with a lot of unresolved issues, with repentance... The recent winner was tortured and executed as a criminal from all this mass of blood he himself had shed.”

Such was the price of his military success. And the “white general” M.D. Skobelev paid it honestly and selflessly, just as honestly and selflessly as he fought for the good of his Fatherland.

Literature

Soviet military encyclopedia. T. 7. M., 1973

History of Russian military strategy. M., 2000

Gubanov E. A. Our Russian miracle heroes and heroes: A. V. Suvorov, M. I. Kutuzov and M. D. Skobelev. M., 1897

Sokolov A. A. White general, Russian folk hero Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. St. Petersburg, 1888

Internet

Surzhik Dmitry Viktorovich, researcher at the Institute of General History of the Russian Academy of Sciences

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(Zhukov G.K. Memories and reflections.)

Denikin Anton Ivanovich

The commander, under whose command the white army, with smaller forces, won victories over the red army for 1.5 years and captured the North Caucasus, Crimea, Novorossia, Donbass, Ukraine, Don, part of the Volga region and the central black earth provinces of Russia. He retained the dignity of his Russian name during the Second World War, refusing to cooperate with the Nazis, despite his irreconcilably anti-Soviet position

Kolovrat Evpatiy Lvovich

Ryazan boyar and governor. During Batu's invasion of Ryazan he was in Chernigov. Having learned about the Mongol invasion, he hastily moved to the city. Finding Ryazan completely incinerated, Evpatiy Kolovrat with a detachment of 1,700 people began to catch up with Batya’s army. Having overtaken them, the rearguard destroyed them. He also killed the strong warriors of the Batyevs. Died on January 11, 1238.

Rurikovich Svyatoslav Igorevich

Great commander of the Old Russian period. The first Kiev prince known to us with a Slavic name. The last pagan ruler of the Old Russian state. He glorified Rus' as a great military power in the campaigns of 965-971. Karamzin called him “Alexander (Macedonian) of our ancient history" The prince freed the Slavic tribes from vassal dependence on the Khazars, defeating the Khazar Khaganate in 965. According to the Tale of Bygone Years, in 970, during the Russian-Byzantine War, Svyatoslav managed to win the battle of Arcadiopolis, having 10,000 soldiers under his command, against 100,000 Greeks. But at the same time, Svyatoslav led the life of a simple warrior: “On campaigns he did not carry carts or cauldrons with him, did not cook meat, but, thinly slicing horse meat, or animal meat, or beef and roasting it on coals, he ate it like that; he did not have a tent , but he slept, spreading a sweatshirt with a saddle in his head - the same were all the rest of his warriors. And he sent envoys to other lands [usually before declaring war] with the words: “I’m coming to you!” (According to PVL)

Linevich Nikolai Petrovich

Nikolai Petrovich Linevich (December 24, 1838 - April 10, 1908) - a prominent Russian military figure, infantry general (1903), adjutant general (1905); general who took Beijing by storm.

Dovator Lev Mikhailovich

Soviet military leader, major general, Hero of the Soviet Union. Known for successful operations to destroy German troops during the Great Patriotic War. The German command placed a large reward on Dovator's head.
Together with the 8th Guards Division named after Major General I.V. Panfilov, the 1st Guards Tank Brigade of General M.E. Katukov and other troops of the 16th Army, his corps defended the approaches to Moscow in the Volokolamsk direction.

Muravyov-Karssky Nikolai Nikolaevich

One of the most successful commanders of the mid-19th century in the Turkish direction.

Hero of the first capture of Kars (1828), leader of the second capture of Kars (the largest success of the Crimean War, 1855, which made it possible to end the war without territorial losses for Russia).

Baklanov Yakov Petrovich

The Cossack general, “the thunderstorm of the Caucasus,” Yakov Petrovich Baklanov, one of the most colorful heroes of the endless Caucasian War of the century before last, fits perfectly into the image of Russia familiar to the West. A gloomy two-meter hero, a tireless persecutor of highlanders and Poles, an enemy of political correctness and democracy in all its manifestations. But it was precisely these people who achieved the most difficult victory for the empire in the long-term confrontation with the inhabitants of the North Caucasus and the unkind local nature

Drozdovsky Mikhail Gordeevich

He managed to bring his subordinate troops to the Don in full force, fought extremely effectively in the civil war.

Olsufiev Zakhar Dmitrievich

One of the most famous military leaders of Bagration's 2nd Western Army. Always fought with exemplary courage. He was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree, for his heroic participation in the Battle of Borodino. He distinguished himself in the battle on the Chernishna (or Tarutinsky) River. His reward for his participation in defeating the vanguard of Napoleon's army was the Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree. He was called "a general with talents." When Olsufiev was captured and taken to Napoleon, he said to his entourage the words famous in history: “Only Russians know how to fight like that!”

Suvorov Mikhail Vasilievich

The only one who can be called GENERALLISIMO... Bagration, Kutuzov are his students...

Zhukov Georgy Konstantinovich

Successfully commanded Soviet troops during the Great Patriotic War. Among other things, he stopped the Germans near Moscow and took Berlin.

Blucher, Tukhachevsky

Blucher, Tukhachevsky and the whole galaxy of heroes of the Civil War. Don't forget Budyonny!

Tsarevich and Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich

Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, the second son of Emperor Paul I, received the title of Tsesarevich in 1799 for his participation in the Swiss campaign of A.V. Suvorov, and retained it until 1831. In the Battle of Austrlitz he commanded the Guards Reserve of the Russian Army, took part in the Patriotic War of 1812, and distinguished himself in the foreign campaigns of the Russian Army. For the “Battle of the Nations” at Leipzig in 1813 he received the “golden weapon” “For bravery!” Inspector General of the Russian Cavalry, since 1826 Viceroy of the Kingdom of Poland.

Rurikovich (Grozny) Ivan Vasilievich

In the diversity of perceptions of Ivan the Terrible, one often forgets about his unconditional talent and achievements as a commander. He personally led the capture of Kazan and organized military reform, leading a country that was simultaneously fighting 2-3 wars on different fronts.

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

The great Russian commander, who did not suffer a single defeat in his military career (more than 60 battles), one of the founders of Russian military art.
Prince of Italy (1799), Count of Rymnik (1789), Count of the Holy Roman Empire, Generalissimo of the Russian Land and Land Forces naval forces, Field Marshal General of the Austrian and Sardinian troops, grandee of the Kingdom of Sardinia and prince of the royal blood (with the title "cousin of the king"), holder of all Russian orders of his time awarded to men, as well as many foreign military orders.

Spiridov Grigory Andreevich

He became a sailor under Peter I, participated as an officer in the Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739), and ended the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) as a rear admiral. His naval and diplomatic talent reached its peak during the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774. In 1769 he led the first passage of the Russian fleet from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the difficulties of the transition (the admiral's son was among those who died from illness - his grave was recently found on the island of Menorca), he quickly established control over the Greek archipelago. The Battle of Chesme in June 1770 remained unsurpassed in terms of loss ratio: 11 Russians - 11 thousand Turks! On the island of Paros, the naval base of Auza was equipped with coastal batteries and its own Admiralty.
The Russian fleet left the Mediterranean Sea after the conclusion of the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace in July 1774. Greek Islands and the lands of the Levant, including Beirut, were returned to Turkey in exchange for territories in the Black Sea region. However, the activities of the Russian fleet in the Archipelago were not in vain and played a significant role in world naval history. Russia, having made a strategic maneuver with its fleet from one theater to another and achieved a number of high-profile victories over the enemy, for the first time made people talk about itself as a strong maritime power and an important player in European politics.

Eremenko Andrey Ivanovich

Commander of the Stalingrad and South-Eastern Fronts. The fronts under his command in the summer and autumn of 1942 stopped the advance of the German 6th field and 4th tank armies towards Stalingrad.
In December 1942, the Stalingrad Front of General Eremenko stopped the tank offensive of General G. Hoth's group on Stalingrad, for the relief of the 6th Army of Paulus.

Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich

An outstanding commander of the second half of the 16th century. Oprichnik.
Genus. OK. 1520, died on August 7 (17), 1591. At voivode posts since 1560. Participant in almost all military enterprises during the independent reign of Ivan IV and the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich. He has won several field battles (including: the defeat of the Tatars near Zaraisk (1570), the Battle of Molodinsk (during the decisive battle he led Russian troops in Gulyai-gorod), the defeat of the Swedes at Lyamitsa (1582) and near Narva ( 1590)). He led the suppression of the Cheremis uprising in 1583-1584, for which he received the rank of boyar.
Based on the totality of merits of D.I. Khvorostinin stands much higher than what M.I. has already proposed here. Vorotynsky. Vorotynsky was more noble and therefore he was more often entrusted with the general leadership of the regiments. But, according to the commander’s talats, he was far from Khvorostinin.

Platov Matvey Ivanovich

Ataman of the Great Don Army (from 1801), cavalry general (1809), who took part in all the wars of the Russian Empire at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries.
In 1771 he distinguished himself during the attack and capture of the Perekop line and Kinburn. From 1772 he began to command a Cossack regiment. During the 2nd Turkish War he distinguished himself during the assault on Ochakov and Izmail. Participated in the battle of Preussisch-Eylau.
During the Patriotic War of 1812, he first commanded all the Cossack regiments on the border, and then, covering the retreat of the army, won victories over the enemy near the towns of Mir and Romanovo. In the battle near the village of Semlevo, Platov’s army defeated the French and captured a colonel from the army of Marshal Murat. During the retreat of the French army, Platov, pursuing it, inflicted defeats on it at Gorodnya, Kolotsky Monastery, Gzhatsk, Tsarevo-Zaimishch, near Dukhovshchina and when crossing the Vop River. For his merits he was elevated to the rank of count. In November, Platov captured Smolensk from battle and defeated the troops of Marshal Ney near Dubrovna. At the beginning of January 1813, he entered Prussia and besieged Danzig; in September he received command of a special corps, with which he participated in the battle of Leipzig and, pursuing the enemy, captured about 15 thousand people. In 1814, he fought at the head of his regiments during the capture of Nemur, Arcy-sur-Aube, Cezanne, Villeneuve. Awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.

Kosich Andrey Ivanovich

1. During his long life (1833 - 1917), A.I. Kosich went from a non-commissioned officer to a general, commander of one of the largest military districts of the Russian Empire. He took an active part in almost all military campaigns from the Crimean to the Russian-Japanese. He was distinguished by his personal courage and bravery.
2. According to many, “one of the most educated generals of the Russian army.” He left behind many literary and scientific works and memories. Patron of sciences and education. He has established himself as a talented administrator.
3. His example served the formation of many Russian military leaders, in particular, General. A. I. Denikina.
4. He was a resolute opponent of the use of the army against his people, in which he disagreed with P. A. Stolypin. "An army should shoot at the enemy, not at its own people."

Nevsky, Suvorov

Of course, the holy blessed prince Alexander Nevsky and Generalissimo A.V. Suvorov

Saltykov Pyotr Semyonovich

The most significant successes of the Russian army in the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763 are associated with his name. Winner in the battles of Palzig,
In the Battle of Kunersdorf, defeating the Prussian king Frederick II the Great, Berlin was taken by the troops of Totleben and Chernyshev.

Prophetic Oleg

Your shield is on the gates of Constantinople.
A.S. Pushkin.

Kolchak Alexander Vasilievich

A prominent military figure, scientist, traveler and discoverer. Admiral of the Russian Fleet, whose talent was highly appreciated by Emperor Nicholas II. The Supreme Ruler of Russia during the Civil War, a true Patriot of his Fatherland, a man of a tragic, interesting fate. One of those military men who tried to save Russia during the years of turmoil, in the most difficult conditions, being in very difficult international diplomatic conditions.

Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich

One of the best Russian generals of the First World War. In June 1916, troops of the Southwestern Front under the command of Adjutant General A.A. Brusilov, simultaneously striking in several directions, broke through the enemy’s deeply layered defenses and advanced 65 km. In military history, this operation was called the Brusilov breakthrough.

Nakhimov Pavel Stepanovich

Successes in the Crimean War of 1853-56, victory in the Battle of Sinop in 1853, defense of Sevastopol 1854-55.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Chairman of the State Defense Committee, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Armed Forces during the Great Patriotic War.
What other questions might there be?

Vasilevsky Alexander Mikhailovich

Alexander Mikhailovich Vasilevsky (September 18 (30), 1895 - December 5, 1977) - Soviet military leader, Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943), Chief of the General Staff, member of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. During the Great Patriotic War, as Chief of the General Staff (1942-1945), he took an active part in the development and implementation of almost all major operations in the Soviet-German front. From February 1945, he commanded the 3rd Belorussian Front and led the assault on Königsberg. In 1945, commander-in-chief of Soviet troops in the Far East in the war with Japan. One of the greatest commanders of World War II.
In 1949-1953 - Minister of the Armed Forces and Minister of War of the USSR. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945), holder of two Orders of Victory (1944, 1945).

Shein Mikhail Borisovich

He headed the Smolensk defense against Polish-Lithuanian troops, which lasted 20 months. Under the command of Shein, multiple attacks were repelled, despite the explosion and a hole in the wall. He held back and bled the main forces of the Poles at the decisive moment of the Time of Troubles, preventing them from moving to Moscow to support their garrison, creating the opportunity to gather an all-Russian militia to liberate the capital. Only with the help of a defector, the troops of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth managed to take Smolensk on June 3, 1611. The wounded Shein was captured and taken with his family to Poland for 8 years. After returning to Russia, he commanded the army that tried to recapture Smolensk in 1632-1634. Executed due to boyar slander. Undeservedly forgotten.

Minikh Christopher Antonovich

Due to the ambiguous attitude towards the period of Anna Ioannovna’s reign, a largely underrated commander, former commander-in-chief Russian troops throughout her reign.

Commander of Russian troops during the War of the Polish Succession and architect of the victory of Russian weapons in the Russian-Turkish War of 1735-1739.

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

The greatest Russian commander! He has more than 60 victories and not a single defeat. Thanks to his talent for victory, the whole world learned the power of Russian weapons

Yulaev Salavat

Commander of the Pugachev era (1773-1775). Together with Pugachev, he organized an uprising and tried to change the position of peasants in society. He won several victories over the troops of Catherine II.

Osterman-Tolstoy Alexander Ivanovich

One of the brightest "field" generals of the early 19th century. Hero of the battles of Preussisch-Eylau, Ostrovno and Kulm.

Denikin Anton Ivanovich

Russian military leader, political and public figure, writer, memoirist, publicist and military documentarian.
Participant in the Russo-Japanese War. One of the most effective generals of the Russian Imperial Army during the First World War. Commander of the 4th Infantry "Iron" Brigade (1914-1916, since 1915 - deployed under his command to a division), 8th Army Corps (1916-1917). Lieutenant General of the General Staff (1916), commander of the Western and Southwestern Fronts (1917). An active participant in the military congresses of 1917, an opponent of the democratization of the army. He expressed support for the Kornilov speech, for which he was arrested by the Provisional Government, a participant in the Berdichev and Bykhov sittings of generals (1917).
One of the main leaders of the White movement during the Civil War, its leader in the South of Russia (1918-1920). He achieved the greatest military and political results among all the leaders of the White movement. Pioneer, one of the main organizers, and then commander of the Volunteer Army (1918-1919). Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the South of Russia (1919-1920), Deputy Supreme Ruler and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army Admiral Kolchak (1919-1920).
Since April 1920 - an emigrant, one of the main political figures of the Russian emigration. Author of the memoirs “Essays on the Russian Time of Troubles” (1921-1926) - a fundamental historical and biographical work about the Civil War in Russia, the memoirs “The Old Army” (1929-1931), the autobiographical story “The Path of the Russian Officer” (published in 1953) and a number of other works.

Belov Pavel Alekseevich

He led the cavalry corps during the Second World War. He showed himself excellently during the Battle of Moscow, especially in defensive battles near Tula. He especially distinguished himself in the Rzhev-Vyazemsk operation, where he emerged from encirclement after 5 months of stubborn fighting.

Denikin Anton Ivanovich

One of the most talented and successful commanders of the First World War. Coming from a poor family, he made a brilliant military career, relying solely on his own virtues. Member of the RYAV, WWI, graduate of the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. He fully realized his talent while commanding the legendary “Iron” brigade, which was then expanded into a division. Participant and one of the main characters of the Brusilov breakthrough. He remained a man of honor even after the collapse of the army, a Bykhov prisoner. Member of the ice campaign and commander of the AFSR. For more than a year and a half, possessing very modest resources and much inferior in numbers to the Bolsheviks, he won victory after victory, liberating a vast territory.
Also, do not forget that Anton Ivanovich is a wonderful and very successful publicist, and his books are still very popular. An extraordinary, talented commander, an honest Russian man in difficult times for the Motherland, who was not afraid to light a torch of hope.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army, which repelled the attack of Nazi Germany, liberated Europe, author of many operations, including “Ten Stalinist Strikes” (1944)

Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich

It's simple - It was he, as a commander, who made the greatest contribution to the defeat of Napoleon. He saved the army under the most difficult conditions, despite misunderstandings and grave accusations of treason. It was to him that our great poet Pushkin, practically a contemporary of those events, dedicated the poem “Commander”.
Pushkin, recognizing Kutuzov's merits, did not oppose him to Barclay. In place of the common alternative “Barclay or Kutuzov,” with the traditional resolution in favor of Kutuzov, Pushkin came to a new position: both Barclay and Kutuzov are both worthy of the grateful memory of posterity, but Kutuzov is revered by everyone, but Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly is undeservedly forgotten.
Pushkin mentioned Barclay de Tolly even earlier, in one of the chapters of “Eugene Onegin” -

Thunderstorm of the twelfth year
It has arrived - who helped us here?
The frenzy of the people
Barclay, winter or Russian god?...

Svyatoslav Igorevich

Grand Duke of Novgorod, from 945 of Kyiv. Son of Grand Duke Igor Rurikovich and Princess Olga. Svyatoslav became famous as great commander, whom N.M. Karamzin called “Alexander (Macedonian) of our ancient history.”

After the military campaigns of Svyatoslav Igorevich (965-972), the territory of the Russian land increased from the Volga region to the Caspian Sea, from the North Caucasus to the Black Sea region, from the Balkan Mountains to Byzantium. Defeated Khazaria and Volga Bulgaria, weakened and frightened the Byzantine Empire, opened routes for trade between Rus' and eastern countries

Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich

In World War I, commander of the 8th Army in the Battle of Galicia. On August 15-16, 1914, during the Rohatyn battles, he defeated the 2nd Austro-Hungarian Army, capturing 20 thousand people. and 70 guns. On August 20, Galich was captured. The 8th Army takes an active part in the battles at Rava-Russkaya and in the Battle of Gorodok. In September he commanded a group of troops from the 8th and 3rd armies. From September 28 to October 11, his army withstood a counterattack by the 2nd and 3rd Austro-Hungarian armies in battles on the San River and near the city of Stryi. During the successfully completed battles, 15 thousand enemy soldiers were captured, and at the end of October his army entered the foothills of the Carpathians.

Peter I the Great

Emperor of All Russia (1721-1725), before that the Tsar of All Rus'. He won the Northern War (1700-1721). This victory finally opened free access to the Baltic Sea. Under his rule, Russia (Russian Empire) became a Great Power.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

During the Patriotic War, Stalin led all the armed forces of our homeland and coordinated their military operations. It is impossible not to note his merits in competent planning and organization of military operations, in the skillful selection of military leaders and their assistants. Joseph Stalin proved himself not only as an outstanding commander who competently led all fronts, but also as an excellent organizer who carried out enormous work to increase the country's defense capability both in the pre-war and during the war years.

A short list of military awards of I.V. Stalin received by him during the Second World War:
Order of Suvorov, 1st class
Medal "For the Defense of Moscow"
Order "Victory"
Medal "Golden Star" of the Hero of the Soviet Union
Medal "For victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945"
Medal "For Victory over Japan"

Govorov Leonid Alexandrovich

Marshal of the Soviet Union. From June 1942 he commanded the troops of the Leningrad Front, and in February-March 1945 he simultaneously coordinated the actions of the 2nd and 3rd Baltic fronts. He played a big role in the defense of Leningrad and breaking its blockade. Awarded the Order of Victory. A generally recognized master of the combat use of artillery.

Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich

Outstanding commander of the First World War, founder new school strategy and tactics, who made a huge contribution to overcoming the positional deadlock. He was an innovator in the field of military art and one of the most prominent military leaders in Russian military history.
Cavalry General A. A. Brusilov showed the ability to manage large operational military formations - the army (8th - 08/05/1914 - 03/17/1916), the front (South-Western - 03/17/1916 - 05/21/1917), group of fronts (Supreme Commander-in-Chief - 05/22/1917 - 07/19/1917).
The personal contribution of A. A. Brusilov was manifested in many successful operations of the Russian army during the First World War - the Battle of Galicia in 1914, the Battle of the Carpathians in 1914/15, the Lutsk and Czartory operations in 1915 and, of course, in the Offensive of the Southwestern Front in 1916 (the famous Brusilovsky breakthrough).

Among historical personalities there are those who, despite all their fame, are surrounded by a veil of secrecy, omissions and riddles. Among them is the “white general” Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev.

Good pedigree

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev (1843-1882) came from a famous noble family. His father was a general, his grandfather was the commandant of the Peter and Paul Fortress, so from birth Misha was destined for a military career.

The Russian military at that time were educated people. Mikhail studied in France, knew several languages, and read a lot. Later, his colleagues noted his passion for learning.

Initially, Skobelev entered the university in St. Petersburg in 1861, but it was soon closed by the police (due to revolutionary unrest), and the failed student joined the army.

He nevertheless received a higher education, graduating from 1866-1868. at the General Staff Academy. But during his studies, some specific traits of his character began to clearly appear, which largely influenced his future fate. Skobelev lacked discipline and self-restraint; he did only what he himself considered correct. Because of this, at the academy he was an excellent student in some subjects and a lagging student in others (well, he didn’t like them!), and then often clashed with his superiors.

White General

But his brilliant mind, military talent, education and personal charm, which endeared him to his colleagues, made Skobelev an outstanding military leader. His merits were appreciated - he became an infantry general in 1881, at the age of 38, and had three dozen orders and medals.

His military career included

• Khiva campaign (1873), which expanded Russian possessions in Northern ASIA
• Kokand expedition (1875-1876);
• governorship in Fergana (1876-1877)
• Akhal-Teke expedition (1880-1881), which contributed to the annexation of Turkmenistan.

But the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 glorified Skobelev’s name, which resulted in the restoration of Bulgarian independence. He was a hero of the siege of Plevna, battles at Lovchi and Shipka. Skobelev even used his shortcomings to benefit the cause. He was distinguished by his tendency to “get into trouble,” to flaunt unnecessarily (in particular, he constantly led regiments himself, sitting on a white horse and in a white uniform, for which he earned the nickname “white general”). But soldiers and officers loved him precisely for this bravado, for his apparent invulnerability and lack of snobbery or demonstration of superiority. As a result, Skobelev's army often succeeded in what other units could not, and he repeatedly defeated superior Turkish forces. It was only thanks to him that the Turkish military leader Osman Pasha did not manage to escape from besieged Plevna.

But his superiors did not favor him for his habit of arguing and his quarrelsome character. As a result, although Skobelev was promoted and awarded a diamond sword after the Bulgarian campaign, he himself noted that he “lost confidence.”

Akunin didn’t lie

The famous writer B. Akunin, in his two novels about the detective Fandorin (“The Turkish Gambit” and “The Death of Achilles”), depicted the image of Skobelev. And the writer did not overdo it at all in terms of conspiracy theories. The death of the “white general” was indeed strange.

In the summer of 1882, Skobelev arrived in Moscow, and his colleagues noted his strange mood. The next night he was found dead in the room of a girl of easy virtue. Close acquaintances were not too surprised (the general’s marriage was unsuccessful), but hushed up the matter due to the unpresentable nature of the situation. The body was taken to the hotel and registered death from a heart attack.

Skobelev’s heart was not too healthy, but before that he had withstood significant loads - and nothing. Rumors of poisoning immediately began to spread. The main suspects were the Germans - the girl was from the Baltic states, and Germany did not like Skobelev’s position.

But their own, Russian, elite were clearly happy about this death. Skobelev was becoming too popular among the common people. The image of the “white general” (by the way, in Skobelev’s paintings for some reason he was depicted on a white horse, but in a black uniform) was recognizable and attracted the attention of a more royal one.

In addition, the general had no political “brakes” and he was a militant Slavophile who believed that Russia’s mission was to unite all Slavic states (and it doesn’t matter who doesn’t like it). He was predicted to be a “Russian Bonaparte.” The new emperor, Alexander III, was very peace-loving, although he had a friendly attitude towards Slavophilism. Therefore, exclude participation III department in Skobelev’s death it is impossible.

And without conspiracy theories, the general was a talented military leader, a kind and brave man. He is remembered in his homeland, and especially respected in Bulgaria.