Anton Irv

Anton Irv (17 September 1886 – 27 April 1919) was an Estonian military officer during World War I and the Estonian War of Independence. Along with Karl Parts, he was the leader of Estonian armored trains. Anton Irv died in a Battle of Egle in Latvia.

Anton Irv was born in Sillaotsa (also Ülevarese) farmstead, Ruudi village, Viljandi Parish (now Viiratsi Parish), Viljandi County, Governorate of Livonia. Before World War I, Irv worked as a teacher.

During the World War I, he served in the Imperial Russian Army. He showed his good leading abilities and courage which led to his being decorated with all four degrees of the Cross of St. George. In 1915, Irv was promoted to Captain. In the end of the World War he came to Estonia, to help assemble Estonian military forces to fight against advancing Red Army in the War of Independence. Irv became a battalion commander of the 1st Estonian Regiment. Later he also helped to organize the Division of Estonian Armoured Trains. Irv became a commander of that unit after Karl Parts got wounded.

After rushing Soviets out of Estonian territory, Estonian Southern front moved into the territory of Latvia helping to liberate country from the units of Landeswehr. Irv was leading his unit in the battle near the railway station of Egle where he was suddenly killed.

Decorations
Empire of Russia Estonia
 * Order of St. George - I, II, II, IV degree
 * Médaille militaire
 * Order of St. Anna - III degree with swords
 * Order of Vladimir - IV degree
 * Order of St Stanislav - II,III degrees
 * Estonian Cross of Liberty - (posthumously)