Haritina Korotkevich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Haritina Korotkevich
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Haritina Korotkevich on 3 October 1904 shortly before her death
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| Birth name | Haritina Evstafievna Verkhozina |
| Born | 17 October 1882 Tobolsk Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Died | 16 October 1904 (aged 21) Port Arthur, Russian Empire |
| Allegiance | Russian Empire |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Port Arthur |
| Awards | Cross of St. George |
Haritina Korotkevich (Russian: Харити́на Евста́фьевна Коротке́вич) was an amazing woman who became a soldier in the Imperial Russian Army a long time ago. She served during the Russo-Japanese War. Haritina was born in 1882 and sadly died in 1904.
She was very brave! She volunteered to join the army by pretending to be a man. She used the name Khariton Korotkevich. Even though she was disguised, she quickly became known as a fearless leader. She was killed while fighting on the front lines during the Siege of Port Arthur.
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Haritina's Early Life and Big Decision
Haritina Verkhozina (Russian: Харити́на Верхо́зина) was born in a small village in the Tobolsk Governorate. Her family were peasants, which means they worked on farms. She had a tough start, losing her mother when she was only six years old.
When she was ten, she left home to find work. She got a job washing dishes at a train station called Vargashi. There, she met Jakoff Korotkevich (Russian: Яков Короткевич), and they fell in love and got married.
When the Russo-Japanese War began, Jakoff was called to join the army. Haritina stayed home at first. But she missed him terribly and decided to travel to Port Arthur to be with him. This was a very dangerous journey!
How Haritina Joined the Army
To make the long trip, Haritina disguised herself as a man. She worked as a brakeman on the Trans-Siberian Railway. She traveled all the way across the Chinese Eastern Railway to a city called Harbin.
When she arrived near Port Arthur, she met some soldiers from her husband's army group. She changed back into women's clothes. But the police stopped her and wanted to send her back to Harbin.
Haritina told her story to an officer, and he felt sorry for her. Together, they came up with a plan: she would join the army! This way, she could stay close to her husband. As one person said at the time, "she took the oath of fidelity, donned her uniform, shouldered her rifle and became a man amongst men, all for Jakoff's sake." She was like a Russian Joan of Arc because of her love.
Haritina's Courage in the War
When Haritina joined the 15th Regiment, she used the masculine name Khariton. At first, some soldiers didn't take her seriously. But she quickly showed everyone that she was a very skilled and brave fighter.
She was a natural leader and often led her group of soldiers with great courage. In one fight, it's said that she used her bayonet to kill one Japanese soldier and shot another.
Haritina also showed kindness. Once, during a battle, a Japanese soldier fell wounded near her. She immediately put down her rifle to help him until medics arrived. She also helped keep the soldiers' spirits high. She would mend their clothes and, when she had time off, she would buy soap and tobacco for them.
A Messenger on the Front Lines
On 19 August 1904, during a very intense battle, Jakoff, Haritina's husband, was wounded. Haritina went with him to the field hospital. She stayed by his side for three weeks. Only when he was out of danger did she go back to her unit.
When she returned, her captain, Gusakovsky, made her a messenger. This was a very dangerous job! She had to carry important messages between the commander and the front lines. She did this bravely, even when it put her life at huge risk. It was during one of these important missions that she died.
Haritina's Heroic Death and Legacy
On 16 October 1904, the Japanese army launched a huge attack against the Russian troops. After the attack was pushed back, Captain Gusakovsky needed to send a report. It included how many soldiers were lost and a request for more troops and ammunition. He gave this important message to Haritina to take to headquarters.
Sadly, just as she was leaving a safe dugout, a massive shell landed right where she was. This shell weighed about 217 kg (478 lb) and was fired by a huge Japanese 28 cm (11 in) howitzer. Haritina was killed instantly.
Haritina Korotkevich was buried in a mass grave with eight other soldiers who died at the same time. A wooden cross was placed on her grave. It had a special message: "Private Haritina Korotkevich, the bravest of Russian women, who fell fighting for her Czar and her country."
She was given the Cross of St. George, a very high honor. She was one of only four women to receive this award during the war, and the only one to receive it after her death. Her bravery and dedication are still remembered today.
See also
- Casta Álvarez
- Agustina de Aragón
- Madeleine de Verchères
