Platov Matvei Ivanovich

Platov Matvei Ivanovich

Matvey Ivanovich Platov - ataman of the Don Cossack army, cavalry general, founder of Novocherkassk.

Biography

Born on August 19 (8), 1753.

Coming from the elder children of the Donskoy Army, he began his service in 1766 and subsequently took part in all the wars of the Russian Empire of the late XVIII - early XIX centuries. He distinguished himself in the attack and capture of the Perekop line (1771), fought on the Caucasian line (1782-1784), participated in expeditions for the Kuban and Chechnya, in the Persian and Indian campaigns.

During the capture of Ochakov, Platov stood at the head of the Cossack regiments he formed, was awarded the Order of St. George 4th class.

During the assault on Izmail in 1790, he commanded a foot Cossack column and was awarded the Order of St. George 3rd class, after which he was appointed ataman of the Yekaterinoslav and Chuguev Cossacks.

In 1801 he was appointed military ataman of the Donskoy Army, 4 years later he founded the new capital of the Don Cossacks - Novocherkassk.

In the campaign of 1807 he commanded all Cossack regiments, was awarded the orders of St. George 2nd class and St. Alexander Nevsky.

In the Patriotic War of 1812, Platov was entrusted with the Cossack corps, which under his command conducted rearguard battles near Karelich, Mir, Romanov, Molev Bolot, Inkov. During the pursuit of the French, the regiments led by him fought near Maloyaroslavets, Kolotsky Monastery, Semlevy, on the Vop River, at Smolensk, Krasnoye, Borisov, Vilna and Kovno. In total, in 1812, Platov's Cossacks presented 548 recaptured guns and 70 thousand prisoners. He was one of the first to cross the Neman and pursue MacDonald's troops. By decree of Alexander I, he was elevated to hereditary count dignity.

During the overseas campaign of the Russian army, he fought within France at the capture of Nemours, at Arcy-sur-Oba, Cézan, Villeneuve, received several more Highest Awards.

In 1814 he accompanied the emperor to London, where the chieftain was greeted with a noisy ovation.