Lavr Kornilov went down in the history of Russia as the organizer of a rebellion against the Provisional Government. The general could not calmly look at the collapse of the army and the country, to the service of which he gave the best years of his life. Kornilov died in 1918. Stay alive, the fate of the White movement could well have turned out differently.
From the biography of Lavra Kornilov
Lavr Kornilov was born in 1870 in a rather poor large family. His father was an officer. There wasn’t enough money for life, I had to save on everything. At the age of 13, Lavra was assigned to study at the Omsk Cadet Corps. He studied with diligence and always had the highest scores in all disciplines.
After completing his studies in the Cadet Corps, the young man continued to work on his education at the Mikhailovsky Artillery School. Subsequently, Lavr Georgievich graduated with honors from the Academy of the General Staff. Being an exemplary cadet, Kornilov could claim to be assigned to a good regiment and quickly make a career.
But Laurus chose the Turkestan military district. For several years of service on the borders of the Russian Empire, Kornilov managed to visit Afghanistan, Persia, India and China. The officer spoke several languages. Performing reconnaissance operations, Kornilov easily pretended to be a traveler or a merchant.
Kornilov met the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War in India. Having received the news that Russia entered the war, he immediately asked to join the army. The officer received a position at one of the headquarters of the rifle brigade. At the beginning of 1905, his part was surrounded. Kornilov led the rearguard of the brigade and through a daring attack broke through the enemy’s defenses. Thanks to his ingenuity and determination, three regiments were able to leave the environment.
For participating in the war with Japan, Lavr Kornilov was introduced to the Order of St. George of the 4th degree, and was also awarded the St. George's Arms. Kornilov was awarded the rank of colonel.
In the service of the Tsar and the Fatherland
After the war, Kornilov served in China for several years, resolving diplomatic issues. In 1912, he becomes a major general. Kornilov proved himself to be the best during the years of the imperialist war. The division commanded by the general was called the Steel.
Kornilov was a rather tough leader, he spared neither himself nor his soldiers. However, his business qualities were respected by his subordinates.
In April 1915, Kornilov was injured and ended up in Austrian captivity. He managed to escape. Through Romania, the general moved to Russia, where he was greeted with honor. The merits of Kornilov were rewarded: he received the Order of St. George 3rd degree.
