Nikolai Reek

Nikolai Reek
1 February 1890
Born(1890-02-01)1 February 1890
Tallinn, Kreis Harrien, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire
Died8 May 1942(1942-05-08) (aged 52)
Ussollag, Perm Oblast, Soviet Union
Allegiance Estonia
Service / branch Estonian Army
Years of service1907–1917 Russian Imperial Army
1918–1940 Estonian Army
RankLieutenant general
Battles / wars
AwardsCross of Liberty (Estonia)
Order of Lāčplēsis
Order of the White Star
Other workMinister of War

Nikolai Reek VR I/2, VR II/2, VR II/3 (born Nikolai Bazykov; 1 February [O.S. 20 January] 1890 in Tallinn, Governorate of Estonia – 8 May 1942 Ussollag, Perm Oblast, Soviet Union) was the Estonian military commander during the Estonian War of Independence.

In 1910, he graduated from Chuguyev Military Academy. He participated in World War I, in 1917 graduated Imperial Nicholas Military Academy. Reek joined Estonian units in 1917 and was Chief of Staff until dissolution of these units. After that he organized the Defence League in Virumaa. In Estonian Liberation War Reek was firstly commander of 5th regiment at Viru Front, in January 1919 he became Chief of Staff of 1st Division, in April he became Chief of Staff of 3rd Division. Reek played important role in winning war against Baltische Landeswehr. In September 1919 he achieved the rank of colonel and served as Chief of Staff of Viru Front. After war Reek repeatedly served in positions of Chief of Staff, Minister of Defense and Commander of 2nd Division. At 1938 Reek was promoted to lieutenant general. In 1941 Soviet occupation authorities arrested Reek imprisoned in Usollag and the following year executed him.[1]

Reek is recipient of the Latvian military Order of Lāčplēsis, 2nd class.[2]

  1. ^ KINDRALLEITNANT NIKOLAI REEK: LÜHIÜLEVAADE ELU- JA TEENISTUSKÄIGUST
  2. ^ Priedītis, Ērichs Ēriks (1996). Latvijas Valsts apbalvojumi un Lāčplēši (in Latvian). Riga: Junda. ISBN 9984-01-020-1. OCLC 38884671.