Yuzefovich, Yakov

Yakov Yuzefovich (1872–1929) was a  lieutenant general (1917) and member of the white movement in Russia. Born in Grodno province, he came from a Belarusian Tatar noble family. He graduated from Polotsk Cadet Corps (1890), Mikhailovsky Artillery School (1893) and Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff (1899). He fought in the First World War. From the outbreak of hostilities, he served as general for record keeping and instructions at the Supreme Commander, and on the request he was appointed chief of staff of the Caucasian native horse division (1914). It is possible that the Mohammedan religion influenced the new appointment, since the Caucasian division included volunteer regiments formed from the Muslims of the Caucasus, Chechens, Ingush, Dagestanis, Kabardians, Circassians. Unofficially, the division received the honorary name of the “Wild” Division. He reached the rank of major general in 1915. He proved himself in battles, contributing to the defeat of the Austrians. The summer of 1917 was marked by a dizzying service jump in the general’s career: on June 15, 1917, he was promoted to the commander of the 12th cavalry division, and then he was appointed commander of the 12th army, part of the Northern Front (09.09–19.11.1917). He joined the Volunteer Army in 1918.

Honors:
St. George Weapon (1916)
Order of Saint George of the 4th degree (1916)
Order of St. Stanislav 1st degree with Swords (1916)
Order of St. Anne 1st degree with Swords (1916).