Aleksander Tõnisson, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Aleksander Tõnisson

Estonian general

Date of Birth: 17-Apr-1875

Place of Birth: Yurevsky Uyezd, Livonia Governorate

Date of Death: 30-Jun-1941

Profession: soldier

Nationality: Estonia

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Aleksander Tõnisson VR I/1 (17 April 1875 – 30 June 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.