The Civil War revealed many talented military leaders to the world, who could have lived long lives defending Russia from external enemies, but perished in internecine struggles. One such bright young general was Nikolai Gavrilovich Babiev, a hereditary Kuban Cossack, who lived only 33 years but left a significant mark in history.

Nikolai Gavrilovich was born into the family of Cossack officer Gavrila Fedorovich Babiev, who served in the imperial convoy and was awarded a royal ring. After receiving a good education, he participated in battles in Persia, where he was wounded and awarded a combat order. In World War I, Ataman Babiev commanded the 3rd company of the 1st Labinsky regiment, distinguished himself in battles, was wounded 19 times, and awarded five times, including the Order of Saint George 4th class. He finished the war with the rank of regimental commander.

With the onset of the Civil War, the young army senior joined a volunteer detachment, fought against the Bolsheviks, was severely wounded, and captured. In the summer of 1918, the Whites liberated Nikolai Babiev, who by that time had become disabled and fought with one hand. In the White Army, he rose to the rank of colonel, then major general, and lieutenant general. His subordinates adored him, and he commanded a regiment, division, and corps with equal courage. In honor of their beloved commander, the Cossacks named a trophy armored vehicle after him.

Nikolai Gavrilovich died in Northern Tavria, leading one of the last operations of the Russian army under Baron Wrangel. On October 13, 1920, enemy shell fragments ended the life of the young general, and the shocked Cossacks began to retreat. His death became one of the key moments in the final phase of the active stage of the Civil War.

For a century, the Cossacks have preserved the memory of this outstanding man, in honor of whom a Cossack stanitsa was named in the USA and two hamlets in France.