Capture of Kazan by the White Army

Capturing Kazan by White Army took place at August, 1918, during Russian Civil War.

Background

At July, 22, People Army of Komuch together with Czechoslovak Legion (about 3300 men with 4 cannons in common) captured Simbirsk and at August, 1st, began to move north in Kazan direction. After crushing the detachment of Reds (about 2500 men with 10 cannons) began quick advance. Going along the Volga River, at August, 4, they reached a mouth of the Kama River. Reds tried to stop Whites again, but lost and retreated to Kazan. During that battles it became obvious that Red troops a ill-prepared and have a bad organization.

At that time Kazan had 146000 inhabitants. For the defence of Kazan Reds concentrated about 10 thousand men from all the region. Best of defending troops were "international" detachments: Latvian Riflemen (two regiments), Karl Marx's International Battalion (made from Austrians and Hungarians prisoners, captured by Russians during First World War), Moslem Communist Detachment, Tatar-Bashkir Battalion etc.

The Battle

Whites reached Kazan at the evening of August, 5. River ships went up-stream on the Volga, and detachment of Vladimir Kappel landed on the right bank, therefore blocked the river. At the same time two Czechoslovak Battalions landed 5 km down-stream of Kazan and began to advance, but was stopped by Latvian Riflemen. Latvians were close to win, but instantly Serbian battalion of Reds, defended a Kazan Kremlin, changed sides and attacked Latvians from the flank. Reds retreated to the city through the big rain, Whites stayed on the battlefield.

In the morning of August, 6, Kappel crossed the river and attacked Kazan from the north. Reds moved best troops (international brigades) to the north of the city, and Czechoslovakian used this moment to attack ill-prepared Red Guards from another direction. Using this opportunity, underground officer organization began a rebellion inside the city. At the evening the city was encircled by Whites from three sides, and there were fights inside the city. During the night part of red troops began to breakthrough to the east, in Sviyazhsk direction, another part - to the north, to the Arsk, but most of the red troops were captured by Whites.

Aftermath

After capturing Kazan the whole General Staff Academy changed side and joined the White Movement. Reds retreating from Kazan made possible the Izhevsk-Votkinsk Uprising. But one of the most known results was the capturing of the Gold Reserves of Russian Empire, moved to Kazan during First World War for better safety. After capturing Kazan Kappel sent a telegramm to Stanislav Čeček (commander of 1st Legionnaire Division):

After two-days fighting, at August, 7, Kazan is captured by the joint forces of Samara Detachment of People Army and Czechoslovaks, together with River Fleet. Trophy are uncountable, we captured the Gold Reserves of Russia - 650 millions. Losses of my detachment - 25 men, troops fought fine.

Sources

• Н.Е.Какурин, И.И.Вацетис "Гражданская война. 1918-1921" (N.E.Kakurin, I.I.Vacietis "Civil War. 1918-1921") - Sankt-Peterburg, "Polygon" Publishing House, 2002. ISBN 5-89173-150-9