One of Russia’s greatest military leaders, General Mikhail Skobelev fought many wars but by a whim of fate, he was not destined to die on the battlefield. His death sent waves of pain and anguish across the Russian Empire. The Academy of the General Staff sent a wreath that hailed the deceased as a hero whose military genius equaled that of Alexander Suvorov. One can only guess what this man could have achieved if he had lived, but the tragic and so untimely death of the 38-year-old General was such a terrible surprise to all that for decades after, especially during the unfortunate war with Japan, many people here in Russia loudly wished General Skobelev were around. Skobelev unbelievable popularity both in Russia and elsewhere in Europe prompted flattering comparisons with the military genius of Alexander Suvorov. 

General Mikhail Skobelev died in the Hotel Dussaud in Moscow on July 7, 1882 under very strange circumstances. It was generally known that his death was linked to a heart disease. Rumor had it however that he was actually poisoned by foreign agents and, lastly, his death was also linked to a female presence. More than a century after, the mystery still lingers…

A living legend, a hero and the darling of highborn Russian aristocrats and ordinary laborers, Mikhail Skobelev was born in 1843 into the family of a professional military man.  He received excellent education, was fluent in eight European languages, well heeled in classical literature, was a fine pianist and boasted a very pleasant baritone.  In a word, a real romantic hero in uniform...  Taking his oath of allegiance to his Emperor and Russia as an 18-year-old young man, he was enlisted as a cadet at the elite Horseguardsmen Regiment.  The future general was quickly rising through the ranks thanks to his quick wit, courage and selfless attachment to his country.  Once, on a combat mission, he barely escaped drowning in a bog but was rescued by a white horse. This was apparently the reason for Skobelev’s near mystic attachment to white horses for which he became eventually called the White General. He invariably rode on a white horse dressed in an immaculate white uniform instilling fear in the hearts of his Asian enemies and Turkish janissaries.

Promoted to a Colonel at the still early age of 30, Mikhail Skobelev married Princess Maria Gagarina, a maid of honor at the royal court in St. Petersburg. Family life was not his cup of tea though and before long the young Colonel arranged for himself to be dispatched to Turkistan where he scored a string of major victories that strengthened the southern frontiers of the Russian Empire.  Resplendent in a snow-white uniform sitting astride a white horse Skobelev invariably escaped death in the fiercest of battles. In recognition of his masterful campaign in Turkistan, Colonel Skobelev was promoted to Major General and decorated with two orders.  He was a hero now… 

With the outbreak of the Russo-Turkish War in March 1877 when Russia sided with her Slavic brethren in Bulgaria, General Skobelev readily joined in the fray. It seemed that he had been waiting for that all his life…  In that war Skobelev distinguished himself in the successful storming of the impregnable Plevna fortress.  Two earlier Russian attempts had fallen through. General Skobelev led the third, final assault, resplendent in his usual white uniform and riding on a horse of the same color ahead of the advancing Russian forces.  After a series of fierce battles, the Russians eventually crushed the Turkish resistance and fought their way to the fortress. The battle made Skobelev even more famous and hailed as Russia’s most brilliant military leader.  

General Mikhail Skobelev often said that he owed his fame and his very life to the Russian soldier. On hundreds of occasions he would dismount and join his infantrymen, he always cared for the soldiers and never thought twice before financially assisting his subordinates.  The White General was a witty and smart man who loved to have a good time but above all, he loved and served his country.  Skobelev was an amazing commander and an extraordinary man and a living legend too.  Another whim of fate…

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Illustration: B.Kostin, Life of Famous People, “Skobelev”, Molodaya Gvardiya, Moscow, 2000