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Family history: How my great-grand uncle fought the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution

November 30, 2017 14:31
In a grim postcard from prison, Alexander 'Sasha' Willenkin (second row, centre) crossed out his comrades who had not been executed.

ByDavid Morton, David Morton

3 min read

In 1917, two traumatic revolutions saw Russia crash out of World War One in a series of events that would transform the country into the Soviet Union.

The idea of overthrowing the Tsarist regime had long been attractive to the vast, marginalised Jewish community in the country, where pogroms killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee abroad.

Many liked the idea of introducing a constitutional system, perhaps one resembling Britain.

My great-grandfather Gregory Wilenkin and his younger brother Alexander were rare examples of Russian Jews who had the power and influence to push for change. One of them would pay for their attempts with his life.