Aleksander Tõnisson

Aleksander Tõnisson
Born	17 April 1875 Pööra, Härjanurme Parish, Kreis Dorpat, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire (now Pööra, Jõgeva Parish, Estonia)
Died	30 June 1941 (1941-07-01) (aged 66) Tallinn, Estonia
Allegiance	Russian Empire Estonia
Years of service	1899–1917 Imperial Russian Army 1918–1934 Estonian Army
Rank	Kindralmajor
Unit	Imperial Russian Army Estonian Army
Battles / wars	Russo-Japanese War World War I Estonian War of Independence Battle of Krivasoo
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

• 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

• Ülo Kaevats et al. 2000. Eesti entsüklopeedia 14. Tallinn: Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus, ISBN 9985-70-064-3