Army Cadet

Tsarist Russia, 1915 or 1916. My maternal Grandfather, Jake, while he was a cadet-student at the prestigious military college of the Russian Imperial Army. Mom refers to the military college as "Russia's West Point."

Why did a Lithuanian graduate from a Russian military college? During this time, Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire. Young men in the non-Russian provinces could wait to be drafted or enroll in one of the colleges. Enrollment would ensure a career as an officer upon graduation.

Jake's career in the Russian Imperial Army did not unfold as he anticipated. Shortly after he graduated, the Russian Revolution erupted. He served for a short time in the "White Russian Army," the forces the combated the Bolsheviks. When the Bolshevik victory appeared imminent, Jake fled to his native Lithuania.

In Lithuania, Jake continued his military career. Between 1918 and 1940, he served in the Army of an independent Lithuania. He would wear a Russian uniform once more later in life, when the Soviets occupied Lithuania in 1940, and drafted Jake into service.

We often use the uniform that Jake wears in particular photos to identify from about what year the photo dates.

I think Jake is extraordinarily handsome here. He has descendants who have the same eyes.