Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

Written By Willem Conner

In June 1921, in the final days of the Russian Civil War, the reign of Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg came to an end when he was captured by Bolshevik partisans. For the past four years, he and his band of soldiers cut a bloody swath through Mongolia and Siberia in a doomed effort to turn back the tide of revolution. The ‘Mad Baron,’ as he was called at the time, remains a rather obscure and enigmatic figure, but also one who played a pivotal role in the history of Central Asia. 

This is the story of Roman von Ungern-Sternberg.

Cover Image: Baron Ungern: A Halt in Suchansky Valley. Painting by Igor Komorny.

Episodes (listed in reverse order)

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Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg Part 4: Mahakala Khan
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

As the Bolsheviks consolidate their hold over the former Russian Empire, the Mad Baron prepares to make a triumphant final stand against the forces of revolution before the betrayal of his men brings about his demise.

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg Part 3: Battle for Mongolia
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

When the tide of the Russian Civil War turns against the Whites, Ungern-Sternberg strikes out on his own and invades Mongolia at the head of his Asiatic Cavalry Division. He then stages a daring raid to rescue the Bogd Khan from the Chinese forces that occupied the country.

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg Part 2: The Mad Baron
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

Caught up in the surge of patriotism that accompanied the outbreak of the “Great War,” Baron Ungern re-enlists in the Imperial Russian Army. However, as the empire is torn asunder by war and revolution, Ungern devises an audacious plot to save Russia.

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg Part 1: The Wild East
Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

As a scion of the Baltic German nobility, Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg was prepared from a young age for a life in service to the Tsar of Russia. After a brief stint in the army during the Russo-Japanese War, it was becoming clear to him that his destiny lay in the far east.

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

Baron Ungern- For Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland. Painting by Dimitri Shamarin, undated.

Willem Conner
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