Apollon Galafeyev

Who was Apollon Galafeyev?

Apollon Vasilyevich Galafeyev was a decorated Russian general.

Apollon Galafeyev was born into a noble family in Tambov guberniya. After having received his education at the 1st Cadet Corps, he graduated in the rank of podporuchik on December 26, 1811, and was assigned to the Tula Infantry Regiment. In 1812, Apollon Galafeyev served in Count Peter Wittgenstein’s unit and took part in the Battle of Sivoshino, Battle of Svolnya, First and Second Battle of Polotsk, Battle of Czasniki, and Battle of Smolyanka. In 1813, Apollon Galafeyev participated in the siege of Pillau and the Free City of Danzig, the blockade of Wittenberg, Battle of Luckau, Battle of Leipzig, capturing of Amsterdam and repelling of the enemy from Breda. In 1814, Apollon Galafeyev took part in the blockade of Jülich, Battle of Craonne, Battle of Laon, and occupation of Paris.

On April 23, 1817, Apollon Galafeyev was promoted to the rank of major and then lieutenant colonel. On December 8, 1820, he was transferred to the Velikolutsky Infantry Regiment. On December 12, 1823, Galafeyev was appointed commander of the 20th Jaeger Regiment. On January 28, 1828, he was promoted to the rank of colonel and then sent to the Russo-Turkish War. For his performance in several battles, Apollon Galafeyev was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, Order of St. Anna, a gold sabre inscribed "For Bravery", and another Order of Saint Anna with diamonds. Besides this, Galafeyev took part in the siege of Shumla and Varna. On October 23, 1829, he was also awarded the Order of St. George. In 1831, Apollon Galafeyev participated in the Russo-Polish War, mainly fighting against the units of Brigadier Józef Dwernicki and General Samuel Różycki. For his service in Poland, he was awarded the Order of Saint Vladimir, promoted to the rank of major general, and assigned to the commander-in-chief of the 1st Army. On August 19, 1833, Apollon Galafeyev was awarded the Order of Saint Stanislaus and then Order of Saint Anna a year later. On October 19, 1834, he was appointed chief-of-staff of a detached Siberian Corps. On December 6, 1838, Galafeyev was appointed commander of the 20th Infantry Division.