Aleksander Tõnisson
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Aleksander Tõnisson | |
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Born | 17 April 1875 Pööra, Härjanurme Parish, Kreis Dorpat, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire (now Pööra, Jõgeva Parish, Estonia) |
Died | 30 June 1941 Tallinn, Estonia | (aged 66)
Allegiance | ![]() ![]() |
Years of service | 1899–1917 Imperial Russian Army 1918–1934 Estonian Army |
Rank | Kindralmajor |
Unit | Imperial Russian Army Estonian Army |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | Cross of Liberty |
Aleksander Tõnisson VR I/1 (17 April 1875 – 30 June 1941) was an Estonian military commander (Major General) during the Estonian War of Independence.
In 1899, he graduated from Vilnius Military Academy. Tõnisson participated in Russo-Japanese war and in World War I. In 1917, he participated in formation of Estonian national units and as commander of 1st Estonian regiment participated in battles at Riga front. In 1918, he escaped from German occupation to Finland, returned in autumn and became commander of 1st Division of Estonia. During the Estonian Liberation War, Tõnisson fought successfully at Viru Front. After war, he served twice as minister of defence, in 1934 he retired from military and was mayor of Tartu 1934–1939 and Lord Mayor (ülemlinnapea) of Tallinn from 1939 to 1940. In 1940, Soviet occupation authorities arrested Tõnisson and executed him the following year.
Honours and awards
[edit]- Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class; for distinguished service
- Cross of Liberty, first-class, first degree.
- Commander of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle
- Protection of Natural Amenities Medal, 2nd Rank
References
[edit]- Ülo Kaevats et al. 2000. Eesti entsüklopeedia 14. Tallinn: Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus, ISBN 9985-70-064-3
- 1875 births
- 1941 deaths
- People from Jõgeva Parish
- People from Kreis Dorpat
- Patriotic League (Estonia) politicians
- Defence ministers of Estonia
- Members of the Estonian National Assembly
- Members of the Riiginõukogu
- Mayors of Tartu
- Mayors of Tallinn
- Estonian major generals
- Imperial Russian Army officers
- Russian military personnel of the Russo-Japanese War
- Russian military personnel of World War I
- Estonian military personnel of the Estonian War of Independence
- Recipients of the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class
- Recipients of the Order of St. Anna, 2nd class
- Recipients of the Order of St. Anna, 3rd class
- Recipients of the Order of St. Anna, 4th class
- Recipients of the Order of Saint Stanislaus (Russian), 2nd class
- Recipients of the Order of Saint Stanislaus (Russian), 3rd class
- Recipients of the Cross of Liberty (Estonia)
- Recipients of the Military Order of the Cross of the Eagle, Class I
- Recipients of the Military Order of the Cross of the Eagle, Class III
- Recipients of the Protection of Natural Amenities Medal, Rank II
- Estonian people executed by the Soviet Union
- Estonian politician stubs