Topics

1

Russian Noble Families / DOES ANYONE KNOW THE NAME DE RAKOFF (Rakov)

« on: November 08, 2010, 09:20:39 AM »

My father's name was Arkadi Georgevitch de Rakoff (Rakov)  He was born St Petersburg 1895. His father was a Lieutenant General with order of St Vladimir (3rd class) 
My father had four brothers and sisters who were killed in the revolution along with his parents.  But I can't believe the there are no surviving descendants of the original extended family. Unfortunately, I do not know my grandmothers original family name.

My father escaped Russian circa 1917/18 to Constantinople, and there joined the newly formed Don Cossack riding troupe - they  subsequently traveled the world as circus trick-riders.

Does anyone have any knowledge or contact with anyone who was in the Don Cossack troupe from those days.


Arkadi de Rakoff

2

Russian Imperial Medals, Orders, Uniforms & Militaria / Can anyone help me identify russian military uniforms circa 1910

« on: November 04, 2010, 04:43:38 PM »

I'm trying to trace my Russian heritage and have little to start with other than 2 attached  photos of my father and grandfather in military uniform. As I understand it the family was from Crimea and my father attended military academy in St Petersburg.  I think both my father and grandfather were in the Imperial Guards. I also know my father was awarded the George Cross but I'm not sure if it one of the medals in the attached photo of him. Can anyone identify the regiments they belonged to. And if so would it possible to identify the St Petersburg military academy my father attended.          I would be so grateful if anyone is able to start me off on this voyage of discovery.

HAVING CREATED THIS MESSAGE FOR SOME REASON I CANT UPLOAD THE PHOTOS. IF ANYONE FEELS THEY CAN HELP ME, COULD YOU PLEASE REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE AND I COULD SEND YOU THE PICTURES BY EMAIL.

Arkadi de Rakoff