Vitaly Markovich Primakov

Vitaly Markovich Primakov, (December 3, 1897, Semionovka, Chernigov province, Russian Empire – June 12, 1937, Moscow, Soviet Union), was Red Army commander, commander of Red Cossacks corps.

Early years

V.M. Primakov was born in the family of the teacher in a small town of Semionovka. He joined RSDLP in 1914 and in 1915 was arrested on charges of spreading anti-war proclamations amongst the troops of Chernigov garrison. He was sentenced to exile for life in Siberia.

Revolution

Primakov was released from exile during February Revolution in 1917. He became member of Kiev's bolsheviks committee. While being a delegate of Second Congress of Soviets in Petrograd he was assigned commander of one of the squadrons participating in the assault on the Winter Palace. Then he lead Red Army squadrons during fights with troops of General Krasnov near Gatchina.

Civil War

In February of 1918 using cossack troops that crossed over to the communists he formed regiment of Red Cossacks. Since August 1919 Primakov is commander of brigade. In October 1919 he was appointed commander of Eighth Cavalry Division. In October 1920 Primakov became commander of First Corps of Red Cossacks.

For successful breach of White Army defense line near Fatezh in November 1919 he was awarded first Order of the Red Banner. Second Order of the Red Banner was awarded to Primakov for combat near Proskurov. Primakov received third Order of the Red Banner for fighting Basmachi Revolt in Central Asia.

ervice after Civil War

In 1923 Primakov has graduated Higher Academic Military Courses of RKKA. In 1924-25 he was head of Highest Cavalry school in Leningrad.

In 1925 he was sent to China to be military advisor of Chinese First National Army. In 1927 he was appointed military attaché in Afganistan. In 1929 under disguise of Turkish officer Ragib-bey he led a military operation of Soviet troops to reinstate Amanullah Khan as ruler of Afganistan. In 1930 he was sent to Japan to become military attaché there.

In 1931-33 Primakov was commander of Thirteenth Infantry Corps. In February 1933 he became deputy of commander of North-Caucasian military district. In December 1934 he is appointed inspector of higher education institutions of Red Army. Since January 1935 he became deputy of commander of Leningrad military district.

Arrest and Trial

Primakov was arrested on August 14, 1936. He was subjected to torture and pled guilty of being part of Trotskyist Anti-Soviet Military Organization and testified against many soviet military commanders.

He was found guilty and sentenced to death on June 11, 1937.

Primakov was rehabilitated in 1957.

Personal life

Primakov was married three times. Last time in 1930 he married Lilya Brik, long time love of Vladimir Mayakovsky.