My grandfather Evgeni Gubarev. He was the first child of Ivan and Alexandra [link]
He began to work as engraver (he made engravings in metal) when just 13 years old. After his father died in 1920, my granddad had to feed all his big family (mother, seven brothers and sisters)...

During the World War I he served in army as an officer (this photo was made before he went to the front).
After the October revolution of 1917 the communists began their propaganda in Russian army, saying that this war had been unleashed by the tzar and that the common Russian people, workers and peasants did not need it. They persuaded soldiers and officers of low rank to go home.
My granddad decided to do this. He tore the epaulets off his overcoat and joined the group of soldiers and officers that deserted from the army and began their long way to Saint-Petersbourg. They were to pass northen woods and marshes . It was a winter and they have not enough food, so they suffered scurvy. The consequence of this ilness was typical: my granddad lost almost all his teeth.. they were just dropping out.. so white, without any spots or signs of caries..

Upon arrival in Saint-Petersbourg my granddad Evgeni was caught by the armed patrol of the revolutionary workers, making the round of the city.They noticed that his overcoat had more intense colour on the shouder areas.. the traces of the officer's epaulets... And they decided he was a spy of the counter-revolutionary White Army..So they just made him stand against the wall and almost took up their guns to shoot him to death. It was the pure luck, that some communist leader (of a local significance), known and respected by workers, have been passing by in that moment. He recognized my grandad as they studied together. He saved his life! Thanks to this person I am here

Scanned from the photo card and worked by me