Georgievskie kavalery i nagrazhdennye zolotym oruzhiem. Za vziatie ukriep. Dzhizag [sic]. 18 Oktiabria. 1866 g. Kap: Gvar. N. A. Mazing

Illus. in: Turkestanskīi al'bom, chast' istoricheskaia, 1871-1872, part 4, pl. 41.


Mikhail Karlovich Masing (German: Karl Reinhold Michael Masing, 1836-1911) - Russian general, participant in the Turkestan campaigns.

He was born on November 6, 1836 in Mustjal on the island of Ezel, the province of Estonia, where his father, Karl Ivanovich Masing (German: Karl Johannes Masing, 1811-1878), served as a pastor. The mother of Mikhail Masing was Ida, nee Baroness Ungern-Sternberg. From an early age, Mikhail dreamed of becoming a military man. The four-year-old boy was asked: "Michael, who do you want to become? - General!" - the boy answered.

He was educated at the Mikhailovsky Artillery School, from which he was graduated on September 13, 1852 by a cornet. Continuing his education at the Mikhailovsky Artillery Academy, Masing was promoted to ensign in June 30, 1858, and second lieutenant on September 17, 1860.

In 1860, Father Mikhail Karlovich was elected pastor of the Lutheran Church of St. Michael on Vasilievsky Island. The whole family of the pastor moves to St. Petersburg on Vasilyevsky Island. At this time, Mikhail Karlovich lives at address 1 line V.O. d. 16 sq. 6 with his brother Pastor Albert Masing.

On May 21, 1866, Masing, being in the convoy of Captain Baranov, participated in the assault on Khojent and was the first to break into the Kelenau Gate and then climbed the fortress wall, and was shell-shocked. In contrast, on August 30 he was promoted to lieutenant and awarded the Order of St. Anne of the 4th degree. December 25, 1866 Masing was awarded the Order of St. George 4th degree.