Deaths on January 17

Pyotr Krasnov, Russian historian and general (b. 1869)

Pyotr Nikolayevich Krasnov (Russian: Пётр Николаевич Краснов; 22 September (old style: 10 September) 1869 – 17 January 1947), known in English as Peter Krasnov, was a prominent and highly controversial figure in Russian history. A distinguished Don Cossack by birth and heritage, he carved out a multifaceted career as an accomplished military officer, reaching the rank of Lieutenant General in the Imperial Russian Army, a respected historian, and a prolific writer. His life trajectory took a dramatic turn during the tumultuous period of the 1917 Russian Revolution, propelling him into a leading role within the counter-revolutionary White movement. His later years were marked by his deeply divisive collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II, a decision that led him to mobilize Cossack forces to fight against the Soviet Union, ultimately sealing his historical notoriety.

Early Life and Distinguished Military Career

Born into a noble Don Cossack family on 22 September 1869, Pyotr Nikolayevich Krasnov inherited a strong connection to the unique traditions and martial heritage of the Don Cossacks, a distinct ethno-social group renowned for their military prowess and self-governing lifestyle along the Don River in southern Russia. His upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of loyalty to the Russian Empire and its military. Krasnov pursued a career in the Imperial Russian Army, specializing in cavalry, a branch deeply symbolic of Cossack identity. He graduated from the Pavlovsk Military School in 1888 and later from the Imperial General Staff Academy in 1892. Throughout his early career, he served in various capacities, including participation in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and World War I. Beyond his military duties, Krasnov was a keen observer of military strategy and history, distinguishing himself as a gifted military writer and historian. He published numerous works, including studies on military tactics, Cossack history, and even fictional narratives, showcasing his intellectual versatility and commitment to documenting the Cossack experience.

The Russian Revolutions and Leadership in the White Movement

The year 1917 marked a pivotal turning point in Russian history and for Krasnov personally. With the outbreak of the February Revolution, which led to the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy, he was rapidly promoted to Lieutenant General within the Provisional Government's army. Following the October Revolution, which saw the Bolsheviks seize power, Krasnov became an ardent opponent of the new Soviet regime. He quickly emerged as a key figure in the nascent counter-revolutionary forces, known collectively as the White movement. In November 1917, he led the ill-fated Krasnov-Kerensky offensive, a desperate attempt alongside former Provisional Government head Alexander Kerensky to retake Petrograd (modern-day St. Petersburg) from the Bolsheviks. Though this effort failed, Krasnov subsequently returned to the Don region, where he was elected Ataman of the Don Cossacks in May 1918. As Ataman, he played a crucial role in the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), establishing the Don Army, which became one of the most formidable anti-Bolshevik forces. He sought to create an independent Don Republic and secured limited support from the Central Powers, including Germany and Austria-Hungary, in his fight against the Red Army. His leadership aimed to preserve Cossack autonomy and traditions, which he believed were threatened by communist rule.

Exile and Unwavering Anti-Bolshevik Stance

With the ultimate defeat of the White movement in the Russian Civil War, Pyotr Krasnov was forced into exile in 1920. He initially resided in Germany before settling in France. During his decades in emigration, Krasnov remained a prolific writer, penning numerous historical works, memoirs, and fictional novels that often reflected his fervent anti-Bolshevik convictions and deep nostalgia for Imperial Russia and the Cossack way of life. His most famous work from this period, 'From Double Eagle to Red Flag' (1922), offered a detailed, albeit biased, account of the revolution and civil war from a White perspective. He became a prominent voice within the Russian émigré community, consistently advocating for the overthrow of the Soviet government. His unwavering opposition to communism, coupled with a growing disillusionment with Western democracies, led him to seek alternative solutions, setting the stage for his controversial decisions later in life.

Controversial Collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II

As World War II erupted and Nazi Germany launched its invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa), Pyotr Krasnov saw an opportunity to realize his lifelong ambition of destroying the Soviet regime and establishing an independent Cossack state. He believed that the Germans, despite their ideological differences, were the only force capable of achieving this goal. Consequently, Krasnov became a notorious Nazi collaborator. He actively participated in the formation and leadership of Cossack units that fought alongside the German Wehrmacht and later the Waffen-SS against the Red Army on the Eastern Front. His role involved propaganda, recruitment, and organizational efforts for Cossack formations, including the 1st Cossack Cavalry Division and later the XV SS Cossack Cavalry Corps. These units were deployed in various combat and anti-partisan operations, sometimes implicated in atrocities. Krasnov's motivation stemmed from an extreme anti-communism, which tragically blinded him to the atrocities of the Nazi regime and led him to betray his former homeland, viewing the fight against Bolshevism as paramount, even if it meant aligning with an equally brutal totalitarian power.

Post-War Capture, Repatriation, and Execution

As the tide of World War II turned against Germany, Pyotr Krasnov and many of his Cossack forces retreated west, eventually surrendering to British forces in Austria in May 1945. Under the terms of the Yalta Agreement, which stipulated the repatriation of Soviet citizens to the Soviet Union, Krasnov and thousands of Cossacks who had fought for the Axis were controversially handed over to the Soviet authorities. This forced repatriation, often referred to as 'Operation Keelhaul' by some Western sources, led to tragic consequences for many who faced severe penalties, including execution or forced labor in the Gulag. Krasnov was transported back to the Soviet Union, where he was tried for treason and collaboration. On 17 January 1947, Pyotr Nikolayevich Krasnov, along with other prominent White émigré collaborators like Andrei Shkuro and Helmuth von Pannwitz, was executed by hanging in Moscow. His execution marked the definitive end of a life defined by fervent anti-Bolshevism and a controversial alignment that left a deeply contentious legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pyotr Nikolayevich Krasnov

Who was Pyotr Nikolayevich Krasnov?

Pyotr Nikolayevich Krasnov was a Don Cossack Lieutenant General in the Imperial Russian Army, a historian, and a prominent leader of the counter-revolutionary White movement during the Russian Civil War. He is most controversially known for his collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II, where he mobilized Cossack forces to fight against the Soviet Union.

Why is Pyotr Krasnov considered a controversial figure?

Krasnov is highly controversial due to his decision to collaborate with Nazi Germany, a regime responsible for immense atrocities, in his bid to overthrow the Soviet Union. His actions are seen by many as treason against his homeland, even given his deep-seated anti-Bolshevik convictions.

What was Pyotr Krasnov's role in the Russian Civil War?

During the Russian Civil War (1917-1922), Krasnov was a key leader of the White movement. He served as the Ataman of the Don Cossacks and established the Don Army, one of the most significant anti-Bolshevik forces, fighting to preserve Cossack autonomy and challenge the communist government.

What happened to Pyotr Krasnov after World War II?

After surrendering to British forces in 1945, Pyotr Krasnov was controversially repatriated to the Soviet Union under the terms of the Yalta Agreement. He was subsequently tried for treason and executed by hanging in Moscow on 17 January 1947.

Did Krasnov's Cossack forces fight for the Nazis?

Yes, Pyotr Krasnov actively organized and led Cossack units that fought alongside the German Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union during World War II. These units included the 1st Cossack Cavalry Division and the XV SS Cossack Cavalry Corps.