Early Life and Career
Meretskov was born at Nazaryevo in Ryazan province (now in Moscow Oblast), southeast of Moscow. His parents were peasants and lived in a rural village. He was a factory worker from 1909, first in Moscow, later near Vladimir. He joined the Bolsheviks (later the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in August 1917, and became chief of staff of Red Guard militia that helped to organise in the town. During the Russian Civil War, he was chief of staff of a regiment, and later a division. In 1921 he graduated from the Military Academy (later Frunze Military Academy).
From 1922, he held a number of commands as chief of staff, first in a cavalry division, later in various armies and military districts. From September 1936 to May 1937, Meretskov fought for the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War under a pseudonym of "General Pavlovich". In 1939 he was appointed commander of the Leningrad Military District.
Read more about this topic: Kirill Meretskov
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