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DOI: 10.46698/VNC.2026.34.27.009
OSSETIAN UNITS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF SOUTH RUSSIA IN 1918–1920.
Gagkuev, Ruslan G.
Kavkaz Forum. 2026. Issue 27.
Abstract:
The article examines the history of the formation and combat path of Ossetian national units within the Armed Forces of South Russia (AFSR) during the Russian Civil War. The author views the establishment of Ossetian units as a continuation of the traditions of the First World War (specifically, the «Savage Division»), emphasizing that under the new conditions, recruitment was already conducted on a mobilization basis. The main focus is on the process of deploying the Ossetian Cavalry Division (comprising four regiments and three rifle battalions) and the Ossetian Foot Brigade in the winter and spring of 1919, as well as their subsequent reorganization. Drawing on archival data (primarily from the Russian State Military Archive), the author provides detailed information on the strength, weaponry, and deployment of Ossetian units during various periods of 1919, as reflected in the AFSR combat schedules. The dynamics of personnel changes are analyzed separately, reaching a peak in September–October 1919 (over 2,700 men), followed by a reduction due to losses and desertion after the defeats of the White armies. The article also covers the fate of Ossetian units after the evacuation to Crimea in the spring of 1920, their consolidation into divisions, and their disbandment, as confirmed by archival orders. The role of the Ossetian officer corps and the loyalty of the Ossetian leadership (headed by General Y. V. Khabayev) to the White Movement are demonstrated, which contributed to the relatively successful formation of national units until the decisive defeats of the AFSR. The research contributes to the study of the poorly explored issues surrounding the participation of the North Caucasian highland peoples in the Civil War on the White side.
Keywords: Russian Civil War, White Movement, Armed Forces of South Russia (AFSR), Ossetia, Ossetian national units, North Caucasus, military organization, A.I. Denikin, Ossetian Cavalry Division, 1st Ossetian Rifle Battalion.
Language: Russian
Download the full text  For citation: Gagkuev, R.G. Ossetian Units in the Armed Forces of South Russia in 1918–1920. KAVKAZ-FORUM. 2026, iss. 27 (34), pp. 130-152. (in Russian). DOI: 10.46698/VNC.2026.34.27.009 DOI 10.46698/VNC.2026.34.27.009
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