My Grandfather was indeed a Kuban Cossack, Volgadon and, I believe, by paternal link, so are my Father, me and my sons!

The Reverend Zachary Polakow. Married Elithabeth Federow of Bialystok and went to live in her hometown during one of the Stalinist purges. When Russia looked like taking over that part of Poland again at the tail end of WW2 they left for Italy, France and, eventualy, England where he was ordained as a Russian Orthodox priest. He wrote a number of books, none of which I have unfortunately, including one on the betrayal of the Cossacks by the allies after the war.

He died in the early 60's but Elizabeth, my Baboushka, lived until the mid 90s. In 1972 she remarried. My new 'step grandad' was Dimitri Karolkiw, a Colonel and Cossack in the Imperial Russian army until the revolution when he left for the Cossacks old enemies land - Turkey! After travelling through Europe he also finished up in England where him and my Grandad were main supporters of the Free Cossack movement, intent on the liberation of Russia from Communist hands by any means.

Just shows how English I am:-)

Cheers

Dave