Aleksander Tõnisson
Aleksander Tõnisson | |
|---|---|
| File:Aleksander Tonisson.jpg Aleksander Tõnisson | |
| Born | April 17, 1875 |
| Died | June 30, 1941 (aged 66) Tallinn, Estonia |
| Allegiance |  Estonia |
| Service | 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 (Estonia) |
Aleksander Tõnisson VR I/1 (April 17, 1875 Härjanurme Parish, now Puurmani Parish, Jõgeva County, Estonia – June 30, 1941 Tallinn, Estonia) was an outstanding 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 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 1939–1940. In 1940 Soviet occupation authorities arrested Tõnisson and executed him the following year.
See also
References
- Ülo Kaevats et al. 2000. Eesti entsüklopeedia 14. Tallinn: Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus, ISBN 9985-70-064-3