Aleksander Tõnisson

Aleksander Tõnisson
Aleksander Tõnisson
Born	April 17, 1875 Pööra, Tartu County, Russian Empire, (now Puurmani Parish, Jõgeva County, Estonia)
Died	June 30, 1941 (aged 66) Tallinn, Estonia
Allegiance	Russian Empire  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

Aleksander Tõnisson VR I/1 (April 17, 1875 – June 30, 1941) was an 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.

Honours and awards

• Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class; for distinguished service
• Cross of Liberty, first-class, first degree.
• Commander of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle

See also

• Estonian War of Independence

References

• Ülo Kaevats et al. 2000. Eesti entsüklopeedia 14. Tallinn: Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus, ISBN 9985-70-064-3