General Kutepov: A collection of essays (Introduction)

General Alexander Pavlovich Kutepov was one of the most prominent members of the White Russian movement following the Bolshevik revolution of October 1917. Born 28 September 1882, Kutepov spent most of his early military career as an officer of the famed Preobrazhenskii regiment. During World War I, Kutepov distinguished himself several times in combat with the German army and finally rose to the position of regimental commander. Following the Bolshevik revolution, Kutepov joined the ranks of the White army operating in southern Russia. His military capabilities eventually led to his assuming the command of the famed Kornilov regiment, and later the 1st infantry division. In 1919, Kutepov rose to take command of the 1st Corps of the White Army. Throughout his combat tenure with the White army, Kutepov was known for both his decisiveness in battle and his harsh measures against criminal activities. Following the final defeat of the White forces in the Crimea in the fall of 1920, Kutepov became the leader of the military forces that had been exiled to Gallipoli. Following the dispersement of the White troops, Kutepov - as many others - ended up in Paris in 1923. Despite exile, Kutepov maintained his anti-Soviet activity, organizing small terrorist cells for actions within the USSR. Upon the death of Baron Pyotr Wrangel in 1928, Kutepov became chief of the Russian General Services Union (ROVS), the main White anti-Soviet organization. On January 26, 1930, General Kutepov disappeared from the streets of Paris - he was never seen again. It has been presumed that he was kidnapped by members of the Soviet Secret Police, although his body has never been found.

In 1934, friends and associates of General Alexander Kutepov published a memorial book in honour of him, titled simply General Kutepov. The book consisted of biographical sketches, personal reminiscences and short essays as well as photographs and articles written by Kutepov himself. Published in limited edition, this book is now a rarity. This blog thread will provide a translation of this hard to find work.