BRUCE, ROBERT [SSNE 1676]
- Surname
- BRUCE
- First name
- ROBERT, ROMAN
- Title/rank
- LT. GENERAL
- Nationality
- SCOT
- Region
- ST PETERSBURG
- Social status
- OFFICER
Text source
Robert (aka Roman) Bruce (1668-1720) was the son of Major-General William Bruce [SSNE 1675] and Widow Inglis. Robert was born in St. Petersburg as was his brother James Daniel [SSNE 2467]. Robert was active in the army during the Crimean and Azov campaigns. By 1700 Robert had attained the rank of colonel. In 1704 he became first High Commandant of St. Petersburg, directly responsible for construction and defence of the city and in theis capacity he repulsed several Swedish attacks on it. During the campaign of 1710 he besieged Viborg and seized Kexholm, and was made Lieutenant General. In 1719 Bruce became a member of the War College. He is notable for having founded the first Evangelical church of St. Anne in the capital. When he died he was buried near Saint Peter's and Paul's Cathedral. Bruce and his wife had nine children including Alexander (1704-1760), Elizabeth Dorothy and Mary who married the Fermor brothers. These are William [SSNE 3876] and John [SSNE 3877], though which Bruce lady married which Fermor brother awaits clarification.
Sources: D. Fedosov, The First Russian Bruces in G. Simpson (ed.), The Scottish Soldier Abroad, 1247-1967 (Edinburgh, 1992), pp.55-56; D. Fedosov, The Caledonian Connection (Aberdeen, 1996). p.13.
Service record
- RUSSIA, RUSSIAN ARMY
- Arrived 1700-01-01, as COLONEL
- Departed 1720-12-31, as LT. GENERAL
- Capacity OFFICER, purpose MILITARY