Aleksander Tõnisson
Aleksander Tõnisson VR I/1 (April 17 1875 Härjanurme vald, Estonia - June 30 1941 Tallinn, Estonia) was famous Estonian military commander(Major General) during the Estonian Liberation War.
In 1899 he graduated 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 automn and became commander of 1st Division of Estonia. During Estonian Liberation War Tõnisson fought succesfully at Viru Front. After war he served twice as minister of defence, in 1934 he retired from military and was mayor of Tartu 1931 - 1939 and mayor of Tallinn 1939 - 1940. In 1940 Soviet occupation authorities arrested Tõnisson and at next year executed him.
See also
References
- Ülo Kaevats et al. 2000. Eesti Entsüklopeedia 14. Tallinn: Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus, ISBN 9985-70-064-3