On 15 August 1916, Vladimir Kappel was made lieutenant-colonel and posted Deputy Head of the Headquarters Operations Office for the South-Western front.

Despite his rank, the young officer was often seen with grenades and revolvers on his belt, which earned him the reputation of a Soldier-General and made him one of the most popular White Generals among the rank-and-file.

As multiple revolts caused the Army's rear to disintegrate, Kolchak was captured by Soviet allies.

Shortly afterwards he fell through the ice while crossing the Kan River, worsening his already fragile health.

On the 21st, Kappel handed over command of his troops to General Sergei Wojciechowski due to his failing health.

On the 22nd, on the verge of death, Kappel ordered his troops to accelerate their march towards Irkutsk, to save their gold reserves and Admiral Kolchak from execution.

His command was officially handed over to General Sergei Wojciechowski, who continued the advance towards Irkutsk.

Kappel's men, bringing his coffin with them (to avoid desecration like with other White Generals' burial sites), reached the outskirts of the city on 30 January.