Nikolai Reek

Who was Nikolai Reek?

Nikolai Reek VR I/2, VR II/2, VR II/3 was the Estonian military commander during the Estonian War of Independence.

In 1910, he graduated from Chuguyev Military Academy. He participated in World War I, in 1917 graduated Imperial Nicholas Military Academy. Reek joined Estonian units in 1917 and was Chief of Staff until dissolution of these units. After that he organized Defence League in Virumaa. In Estonian Liberation War Reek was firstly commander of 5th regiment at Viru Front, in January 1919 he became Chief of Staff of 1st Division, in April he became Chief of Staff of 3rd Division. Reek played important role in winning war against Baltische Landeswehr. In September 1919 he achieved rank of Colonel and served as Chief of Staff of Viru Front. After war Reek repeatedly served in positions of Chief of Staff, Minister of Defense and Commander of 2nd Division. At 1938 Reek was promoted to Lieutenant General. In 1941 Soviet occupation authorities arrested Reek and the following year executed him.

Reek is recipient of the Latvian military Order of Lāčplēsis, 2nd class.