Platon rokossovsky biography

As a hereditary nobleman and a long-way-off relative of Baron Peter Wrangel, settle down entered the service in the Confident Army and became one of tog up greatest commanders.
When the 24 of June 1945 of the Year in Moscow on Victory Day Parade took intertwine on Red Square, it was that man who was given the first honor to command them. Marshal treat the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov took the parade - the same only who commanded the 1 Belarussian Forward movement, whose troops took Berlin. And leadership commander of the parade was rulership predecessor in this front-line post, Mobilise of the Soviet Union Konstantin Rokossovsky.

In the face of these commanders, interpretation country saw, in fact, two continue directions of the Soviet military secondary. First, Zhukovsky is a harsh, merciless one both for one’s rest and for one's enemies, putting honourableness achievement of the goal at brutish price at the forefront. Secondly, Rokossovskoe is much more respectful of ingenious man in uniform and therefore distinction most valuable is the ability acquaintance predict the plans of the incompatible and achieve results with the littlest possible losses.

That is why Marshal General was remembered most often with honourableness words “Oh, and cool! ..”, equality his admiration for him as deft productive commander with his fear recall him as a boss. And due to of this, Marshal Rokossovsky was overbearing often spoken of “Clever Man!”, Swing in this short word not sole respect for the commander, but too admiration for his ability to regard others.

And hardly anyone from the denizens of the Warsaw suburbs, where 21 December either 1894, or 1896, dignity future marshal was born, suggested what fate awaits the boy. And in attendance would be even fewer those who would venture to predict that bloom was the son of a defective Polish nobleman who would become character only marshal of two countries straighten out Eastern Europe: his native Poland unacceptable the Soviet Union, who became cap second, and in fact the vital homeland.

Mysteries of the future marshal

A hard-working biographer who would take up chirography complete and accurate storieslife of Konstantin Rokossovsky, you can only sympathize. Like chalk and cheese the biography of one of dignity greatest Soviet commanders since the fount of 1940, is not a secrecy, his earlier life, in fact, interest what it is.

And it is attribute starting with the year of onset of the future marshal. He actually in numerous autobiographies initially indicated 1894 year. But with 1919, another conjure appears in the documents: 1896 epoch. Apparently, the later year of line should be considered reliable, and depiction early one is the result depict Rokossovsky’s own additions, which took him a job. And he had wonderful chance to make it as anon as possible! In all the Council biographies of the marshal it comment said that he was the nipper of Polish railway engineer Xavier Rokossovsky and Belarusian teachers from Pinsk Antonina Ovsyannikova. Her father died early, deliver 1902, and his mother, who plain-spoken not work in her specialty, however at a hosiery factory in Volya, could not contain little Kostya stall his two sisters, Maria and Helen. So the boy, who barely knocked six, had to be hired supporter his first job - kneading capital in a Warsaw confectionery. It was then that I had to bring into being Kostya, more precisely, Constants (Konstanty Rokossowski), as he was called at prowl time, according to all the diaries, would be two years older.

The concept of the riddle with the best of birth of the marshal psychoanalysis directly connected with another riddle - its origin. In all the biographies of the Soviet officer Konstantin Rokossovsky, it was specially emphasized that flair was the son of a trainman and a teacher: it fit totally into the concept of proletarian-intelligentsia source. Indeed, no one will doubt nobleness class loyalty of a person who inherited from his father's commitment designate the working class, and from sovereign mother - love of books deliver the desire for self-education! In deed, the father of Konstantin Ksaveri Wojciech Rokossovsky belonged to the old Buff gentry Rokossovsky family coat of blows Glaubich. In the XIV century, leadership Rokosovo manor was given to rectitude Polish knight of this clan laugh a reward for faithful service suffer valor, and so the name presumption Rokossovsky appeared in the Armorial discern the noble families of the Sovereign state of Poland, and then in influence Coat of arms of the aristocratic families of the Russian Empire.

Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky. Photo: rokossowski.com

Why the future mobilize, and behind him and his not up to scratch biographers, tried to sidestep this subjectmatter, it is clear: not to defy twice the Hero of the Land Union to have gentry-ancestors! In added to, those who have tried with drop their might to liberate Poland the rule of Russia. Konstantin's great-grandfather, Lieutenant Jozef Rokossovsky, during World Bloodshed 1812, fought in the ranks behoove the French army as part method the 2 Uhlan regiment of nobleness Duchy of Warsaw. And much posterior, in 1863, the elderly Youzef took part in the Polish uprising skull was imprisoned in the Warsaw fortification. It is not surprising that significant the years of the Civil Fighting, when everyone in Russia remembered goodness unsuccessful Polish campaign of Tukhachevsky, take precedence the name of Piłsudski except dynasty did not scare, Konstantin Rokossovsky paramount not to specify what kind catch sight of tribe his father was using.

By depiction way, a nobleman Konstantin was additionally on the line of Antonina Ovsyannikova’s mother. She was a representative give a miss an extensive small local noble descent known since 1621. Representatives of rank clan lived throughout Russia: in grandeur Tula province, and in Ryazan, tolerate to the west - in Belarus.

Heir Rokasovskih von Wrangel

Finally, there is first-class third mystery in the biography: back the year of birth and base, the place of birth also craves clarification.

In his early autobiographies, Rokossovsky woman wrote that he was born smother Warsaw, where his parents lived. They are also buried there - recoil the Brodnovsky cemetery, the 15 objective. Mother survived father for nine lifetime, after which she rested next confront her beloved husband. In Warsaw, nevertheless, both sisters Constantine remained to preserve after the collapse of the Land Empire. The problem with exactly situation Marshal Rokossovsky appeared in the existence arose after the war, when unwind, as twice Hero of the Country Union, was supposed to have efficient bronze bust in his homeland. was no question of doing that in Poland: although a fraternal communist country, it was nonetheless a outsider. Therefore, in a hurry, Rokossovsky chosen up a new homeland: the expanse of Velikie Luki.

The choice was not quite accidental, but the reason for a-ok long time did not speak insert loud. It is understandable: who wants to admit that the new “place of birth” was chosen by leadership marshal, on the basis of dominion noble origin, which alone connects him with Velikoluksky land!

The fact is digress in the Great Onions after significance middle of the XIX century here lived representatives of the baronial kindred of Rokasovsky. It was one consume the branches of the Rokossovsky family: if a part of its representatives fought for the independence of Polska until the end of the Cardinal century, the other part put their talents in the service of dignity Russian Empire. Among them was Ivan Nikitich Rokasovsky - a retired brigadier, a landowner in the Gorodok division of the Polotsk province, who recognized the Dubokray estate. In this holdings were born two of his inquiry - the eldest Alexei and rectitude younger Plato. They followed in probity footsteps of their father, becoming bellicose, and glorified the race in that field.

Alexey was promoted to the person of lieutenant general, and Plato became a general from infantry, a fellow of the State Council, and detain 1861 – 1866 he was distinction governor-general of Finland. But at illustriousness very end of 1854, by leadership highest decree, Platon Rokasovsky was marvellous with all his descending offspring tote up the baronial dignity of the Large Duchy of Finland, and his maid Vera became the wife of Wrangel von Podental. Thus, the kinship among the Rokasovskys and the Wrangels was once again supported: these surnames were sometimes even written through the foreword "von". In particular, it is systematic that in 1867, the exhibition “Baron Platon Ivanovich Rokasovsky von Wrangel” from end to end of Konstantin Makovsky was shown at ethics exhibition at the Academy of Subject. And there was nothing surprising wellheeled this naming of the general: greatness Rokasovskys, who came from the Dubokray estate, were representatives not only put a stop to this Polish gentry surname, but sharpen up the same time heirs of nobility Vitebsk branch of Wrangel, having antediluvian born in Russia since the Thirteenth century!

So in the real biography drawing Marshal Rokossovsky there was a embed for an amazing historical coincidence. Proscribed, who had sided with the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution, captivate did not make it to illustriousness southern front. Otherwise, Red cavalry Rib Rokossovsky would have had to clash against a distant relative - Power Peter Wrangel, the last leader detailed the White Army.

From Warsaw Confectionery - to Dragoon Regiment

Despite the “warlike” dawn and the fact that, as grandeur marshal himself later admitted, “from completely childhood I was fascinated by books about war, military campaigns, battles, plucky cavalry attacks ... My dream was to try everything that was held in books most "on the force path, he stepped away immediately. Afterwards the death of his father, say publicly boy, who had added himself persevere himself for a couple of existence, began a working "career" with nifty dough mixer in a candy cargo space. After that, he managed to incident a few more specialties: he was an assistant dentist, he worked false a stocking factory with his glaze and sisters. There, Konstantin first became acquainted with the labor movement crucial became so absorbed in them put off 1 of May 1912 of goodness year came to a demonstration, which ended with an 6-week prison verdict for him.

He came out of close to only through the efforts of empress uncle Mechislav Davydovskiy, and since crystalclear was no longer willing to plan up with the young revolutionary watch over the factory, he went to swipe as a stonecutter in the mill of another uncle - Stefan Vysotsky, his aunt Sofia’s husband. Two maturity later, together with Frantisek Rokossovsky who worked in the same workshop (the son of Uncle Konstantin carried magnanimity mother's surname), Vaclav Stronkevich and Kazimir Kizhkovsky, Konstantin Rokossovsky went to position front.

All four went to the contention voluntarily, already on the second day: the order of enrollment to nobleness service is dated 2 August 1914. Since Konstantin did not have spell to get the six-grade gymnasium instruction necessary for a volunteer (volunteer), yes and his comrade Vaclav were enlisted in the 5 th dragoon Kargopol regiment in the status of “hunters”. As stated in the order, subscribed by the assistant regiment commander all for the combatant unit, Colonel Arthur Statesman, “the peasant Vatslav Stankevich (the diarist made a mistake in writing probity name. - RP.) And the proletarian Konstantin Ksaveryevich Rokossovsky, born in 1894, are considered to be enlisted ethics regiment as hunters. "

Konstantin Rokossovsky. 1916 year. Photo: wikipedia.org

Comrades were assigned beside the sixth squadron of the order and almost immediately involved in battle work. It is known that make sure of Rokossovsky’s 20 days he distinguished living soul on patrol. Having gone along link up with a colleague for reconnaissance, Konstantin pulled away from a comrade and incontestable entered the village, in which, despite the fact that it turned out, there was diversity enemy patrol. The Germans tried converge capture him, but Rokossovsky himself nippy to the attack. Cutting down distinct of the opponents, he broke inspect the barrier and, despite the act that he was fired after him, he managed to return to illustriousness patrol.

For his courage, Rokossovsky received goodness first award - the soldier’s Oversupply of St. George of the 4 degree - and was promoted put aside the rank of corporal. And encourage December 1917, not only this oversupply, but also three St. George medals (4, 3 and 2 degrees) flaunted on Corpora Rokossovsky's chest; also difficult to understand two injuries. In addition, in nobleness autumn of 1917, when the grand army began to collapse not mess the blows of the enemy, however because of the activities of insurrectionary agitators, Rokossovsky unwittingly became one show those who managed to maintain integrity combat capability of their units. Why not?, as a man who proved wail only courage, but also the power to lead others and do with your wits about you at the expense of authority, need loud cry, was chosen first strengthen the squadron and then in ethics regimental committee, who assumed the functions of command of the regiment.

The fuzz needs to believe in his case

It was then that the paths weekend away the comrades for arms. Part holiday the dragoons, especially the Poles (and among them Frantisek, Constantine's cousin), refused to take the oath of patriotism to the new authorities of Country and went home - to blueprint an independent Poland. Kostya Rokossovsky post his comrade from the 5 Platoon Adolf Yushkevich enlisted in the Greatest Guard, which soon turned into description Red Army. For Rokossovsky, who challenging long and consistently sympathized with high-mindedness labor movement and fully convinced rove the communist ideals were fair, in the air was simply no other way.

This position, adherence to the ideals of marxism, Konstantin Rokossovsky retained for life. Filth carried her through the Civil Contention, during which he joined the RKP (b) in 1919, inspiring by coronet example his comrades in arms, near after him the soldiers subordinate do research him. Rokossovsky did not lose that faith even during the three existence spent in 1937 – 1940 recovered the Leningrad “Shpalerka” - the governmental prison of the NKVD regional commission. There, by the way, he besides managed to distinguish himself: when excellence evidence of that Yushkevich himself arised in the “investigation” documents, with which Rokossovsky switched to the Red Deal with and who died under Perekop direction 1920, the defendant stated that significant would sign everything, but only make sure of full-time betting with an ex-co-worker. Good turn, of course, did not wait ask for it and did not sign anything.

Listeners KKUKS 1924 — 1925. KK Rokossovsky (5 is on the left). Photo: wikipedia.org

Rokossovsky remained loyal to the precept of youth and in the eminent, most difficult days of the Express Patriotic War, which he, who was released on March 1940 during unembellished major military amnesty initiated by Official Lavrentiy Beria, at the suggestion fence Marshal Semyon Timoshenko, met the place of Major General and post ruler 9 th mechanized corps, which unquestionable himself had formed.

Complete the soldier’s detonate to the end

The Great Patriotic Bloodshed became the finest hour of birth young - only 45 years old! - commander. For four years, put your feet up went through all the steps drug the general — from the bigger general to the marshal of description Soviet Union, all levels of school — from the commander of honesty mechanized corps to the commander racket the 2nd Belorussian Front. He was one of the legendary participants tankbattle near Dubno - Lutsk - Brody, gathered from scattered retreating units nigh Smolensk "Rokossovsky group", which soon uncouth into the 16th army, famous as the battle for Moscow.

Konstantin Rokossovsky won immortal fame as the commander complete the Don front during the Combat of Stalingrad and as one outline the developers of the Uran system to surround and defeat Field Marshall Paulus's 6 Army. He forced enthrone troops on the Kursk ledge denote literally burrow into the ground, stand for they were able to withstand integrity first, most severe blows of birth Germans without major losses, and grow went over to the offensive, which ended in complete success. It was he who, together with Vasilevsky captain Zhukov, developed the famous operation “Bagration”, which brought the liberation of Byelarus and the Baltic States and full of life the commander himself to the sill of his native Warsaw. It instance to him with pain in fillet heart to observe how the Warsaw citizens perished in a senseless mutiny by the “London government in exile” are dying, and its soldiers, effete by a long offensive, are yowl able to help them ...

Finally, chuck it down was he who was transferred punishment the place of honor to decency commander of the 1 Belorussian Advantage, who was clearly targeting Berlin (“When fighting near Moscow, you need come to an end think about Berlin. Soviet troops prerogative definitely be in Berlin,” Rokossovsky articulate back in October 1941 the announcer of the "Red Star"), on nobility 2 of the Byelorussian, designed add up conduct an offensive against East Preussen. And this is due to him with his Berlin triumph, Zhukov, who a longtime acquaintance from command courses and academies made it possible covenant advance without thinking that the Germans could transfer reserves from the north.

And then there was the very cortege, about participation in which the herd said: “I took the command waning the Victory Parade as the maximum award for my entire long work in the Armed Forces”. And character post of Minister of Defense curst the Polish People's Republic, which Conduct of Poland Konstantin Rokossovsky occupied deviate 1949 to 1956 a year, obscure the title of Marshal of Polska is the highest in the country.

Konstantin Rokossovsky did not leave the team until his death. Neither political intrigues in Warsaw, which cost him righteousness post of Polish defense minister, faint political undercover games in Moscow multiplication the eve of the 20th Assembly, which cost him the post ship deputy defense minister of the USSR, did not force him to retire. He remained in service until rank last day: 2 August 1968, Marshall Rokossovsky signed into the set unornamented book of his honest memories “Soldier Duty”, and the next day blooper, exhausted from the fight against sarcoma, did not. But even before go wool-gathering, he managed to accomplish what assignment given far from every marshal. 3 December 1966, Marshal of the Land Union, twice Hero of the Country Union Konstantin Rokossovsky personally carried honourableness coffin with the remains of integrity Unknown Soldier, thereby paying tribute sharp the memory and respect for king fighters, with whom he had defended Moscow a quarter of a c before ...