A Heroic Fight of the Cossack Kuzma Kryuchkov with 11 Germans. M. S. Kozman Publishing House, 1914. Lubok, World War I.

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This print showing a lone cavalryman inflicting mortal wounds on the enemy is from the collection of World War I lubok posters held at the British Library. The caption explains: "All of Russia knows about the feat of Kuzma Kryuchkov, a Don Cossack. He valiantly upheld the military glory of Russian Cossacks, who instill fear in the enemies of Russia. A squad of six Cossacks, including Kryuchkov, was sent scouting from Kolvari near the Prussian border. They stumbled upon a detachment of Prussian cavalrymen consisting of 27 men. Two Cossacks immediately set off with a message to their superiors. The remaining four engaged in a fight with the enemy, made them retreat, and chased them for 12 miles. Kryuchkov faced 11 Germans alone, and a fierce battle broke out. The Germans stabbed him with their lances, and he fought first with his rifle. When his rifle was knocked from his hands, he began to chop the enemy with his saber. He then snatched and used a German lance. This Cossack hero received 16 wounds, but came out the winner of the fight, having killed 11 Germans by himself. For his outstanding bravery Kryuchkov was the first person to be awarded the Saint George's Cross during this war."

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Size: 6210px × 4671px
Location: Europe
Photo credit: © Bill Waterson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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