Estonia Estonian Military Attache to Warsaw in 1934

[Ian Sayer]

This Estonian Lt Col was the military attache to Warsaw in 1934 and may have served longer there in that capacity. I am trying to identify him and locate any relevant biographical information. Can anybody help please. Many thanks.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi Ian,

these are fantastic Photos! Where do they come from?

Best

Chris

[Ian Sayer]

Hi Chris

I bought a batch at an auction last year. You're absolutely right. They are great photos aren't they? Some of them went on to become quite important people in the war.

Best

Ian

[Noor]

On the picture is (from 1937) Colonel Johannes Aleksander RAUD. Born 18.10.1892 Parnumaa, Estonia. Served during the War of Independence as an officer and received highest Estonian award for bravery - Cross of Liberty. Exectued in the prison camp 20.07.1942 Norilsk, Krasnojarski krai, Soviet Union.

Edited January 6, 2013 by Noor

[Ian Sayer]

Hi Noor,

That's fantastic. Thanks for identifying Colonel Raud. Greatly appreciated. Any idea when or where he was captured by the Russians?

Best

Ian

[Noor]

I am sure he was prisoned by NKVD when the Russian troops moved into the Estonia 1939 and during the war, most Estonian high rank officers/war of independent veterans where executed in the prison camps.

[Noor]

I can confirm that he was arrasted on the 14 June 1940 in the military base called Värska, in the Southern Estonia. At this time all Estonian troops were under the control of the Soviet regime. Same date over 200 estonian officers were arrested and sent to the Soviet prison camps. Most of them were executed.

[Ian Sayer]

OK Noor. Thanks very much for the additional information.

Regards

Ian