BRUSILOV, ALEXEI ALEXEIEVICH Russian soldier, was born Aug. 19 1853, of an old family. He began his military career as a cavalry officer in the Caucasus, and in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78 he distinguished himself by his courage and resource. From this time onwards he held important commands, and on the outbreak of the World War took command of the VIII. Army, which participated in the invasion of Galicia from the east. By Sept. 1915, after varying fortunes, his army had secured possession of Rovno, and was in temporary occupation of Lutsk. In April 1916 Brusilov succeeded Ivanov as commander of the Russian armies (VII., VIII., IX., XI.) south of the Pripet Marshes. A great offensive was launched during the summer of 1916 which brought much-needed relief to the Italian armies by compelling the withdrawal of considerable enemy forces to face the crisis of Lutsk, but, owing to the lack of artillery munitions, this relief involved heavy Russian losses.
After the Lvov Coalition cabinet was formed in May 1917, Brusilov was given supreme command of the Russian armies, which, however, he did not long retain. During the fighting in Moscow in November, he was wounded by a chance bullet, though not himself actively engaged. He died in Moscow, March 17, 19a6.