Boris Vladimirovich B'erkelund Memoirs, 1955-1959

Collection context

Creator:
Björkelund, Boris, 1893-1976
Extent:
2 items 1 box
Language:
Russian .
Scope and content:

The collection primarily consists of a typescript (477 p.) that covers B. V. B'erkelund (Björklund) prison camp experiences in the Butyrskii, Lefortovo and Intinskii prisons from 1945-1955. The memoir includes related diagrams and printed items. Also included is a typescript memoir (140 p.) on B'erkelund's service in the Imperial Navy and the early years of the Revolution (1917-1919).

Biographical / historical:

Boris Vladimirovich B'erkelund (Bjorkelund), 1893-1976, Russian naval officer, memoir writer, antiques dealer. Veteran of the World War I. Witnessed events of February revolution in St. Petersburg where he was wounded in the head by rebellious sailors. Not accepting the revolution, nevertheless, B. V. Bjorkelund did not join the White movement. In 1921 moved to Finland. In 1945 B'erkelund became one of the twenty "prisoners of Leino". The Allied Control Commission accused this group of 22 men of being anti-Soviet terrorists. The Commission ordered the then Minister of the Interior, Yrjö Leino, to arrange for their arrest and extradition to the Soviet Union. Two members of the group managed to avoid arrest. More than half of the detainees were Finnish citizens. B'erkelund was arrested and spent 10 years in Soviet prison camps. In November 1955 he was released and returned to Finland. He died in 1976 in Otalampi (Finland).

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Boris Vladimirovich B'erkelund Memoirs; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu