Nikolai Reek

Nikolai Reek VR I/2, VR II/2, VR II/3 (born Nikolai Bazykov; 1 February [O.S. 20 January] 1890 in Tallinn, Estonia – 8 May 1942 Ussolye, Perm Oblast, Soviet Union) was the Estonian military commander during the Estonian War of Independence.

Nikolai Reek
Nikolai Reek (right) with Estonian Army commanders Karl Parts (left) and Ernst Põdder (center) in 1919 during the Estonian War of Independence.
Born	(1890-02-01)1 February 1890 Tallinn, Estonia
Died	8 May 1942(1942-05-08) (aged 52) Ussolye, Perm Oblast, Soviet Union
Allegiance	Estonia
Service/branch	Estonian Army
Years of service	1907–1917 Russian Imperial Army 1918–1940 Estonian Army
Rank	Lieutenant General
Battles/wars	World War I Estonian War of Independence Battle of Wenden
Awards	Cross of Liberty (Estonia) Order of Lāčplēsis Order of the White Star
Other work	Minister of War

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 the 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.[1]