Battle of Poltava (1709). Victory of the Russian fleet at Gangut (1714). Gangut naval battle (1714): description, causes, history and consequences
Yesterday I had a history lesson. A lesson in in-depth study of the first victory of the Russian fleet. And I, “stepping into the past”, having behind me life experience, knowledge, assessments, my attitude to what I saw and experienced, once again brought for myself a lot of confirmation of how strong our naval and military traditions are, where are the origins, the beginning of many of them , including the most important thing: to honor the merits of Russian, Russian, Soviet sailors - heroes.
In the calendar of bright dates, August 9 is listed as the Day of Military Glory of Russia - the Day of Victory of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes at Cape Gangut (1714).
THIS -
- the first great page in the book of the brightest victories of Russian naval weapons;
- the first victory of the Russian regular fleet, the significance of which Peter the Great himself ordered to be equated with the Battle of Poltava;
-a battle that is included in all textbooks of naval warfare;
- the first recognition of Russia as a major maritime power.
The battle with the Swedes at Cape Gangut is written in detail and colorfully. With details and time.
It’s still interesting to read how it happened today. I will give here only the main points. Here, for example, is the very essence of the battle, like a military report.
“The battle at Cape Gangut took place on July 27, 1714. The Swedes decisively rejected the offer to surrender, and on the third attempt (the first two were repulsed, since the Swedes had 116 cannons against Peter’s 23), the Russian galleys came close to the enemy ships and boarded them. After fierce battles, "Elephant" ("Elephant") was captured, the remaining ships surrendered."
Here with many details:
“About 4 o’clock the third attack began. The new formation reduced the effectiveness of Swedish artillery fire. Skillfully maneuvering, the Russian ships approached the enemy. At the beginning of 5 o'clock several Russian galleys came close to the left flank of the enemy line. The Tranan galley was boarded. As they approached, the first daredevils rushed onto the deck of the Swedish galley, followed by the rest. The onslaught was swift, the crew of the Swedish galley could not withstand hand-to-hand combat and laid down their arms. The first galley was followed by the others - "Ern", "Gripen", "Laxen", "Geden" and "Walfisch". Both sailors of the galleys and soldiers of the landing force - Semenovsky, Nizhny Novgorod, Galician, Velikolutsky, Grenadier and other regiments - took part in the boarding. The enemy's flanking ships were captured.
However, the Swedes continued to resist. Some of the Swedish crew escaped on the frigate, strengthening its defenses. The fire of the entire detachment was concentrated on the frigate "Elephant". Fires started on the ship and no matter how hard the Swedes tried to contain the attack, they failed. The assault on the flagship began. The frigate was surrounded on all sides, the Russians climbed onto it, and furious hand-to-hand combat began. Step by step the Swedes were pressed back. Soon the frigate was captured."
And this is with the analysis of military art:
“The victory of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Gangut was due to the correct choice of the direction of the main attack. Skillful use of the skerry fairway to guide the rowing fleet into the Gulf of Bothnia. Well-organized reconnaissance and interaction of the sailing and rowing fleets during the deployment of forces. Skillful use of the meteorological conditions of the theater of operations to organize a breakthrough of the rowing fleet in calm weather. The use of military stratagem (demonstratively dragging rowing ships across the isthmus to the rear of the enemy). A variety of methods of striking in battle (strike from the front, grasping the flanks). Determination of actions and high moral and combat qualities of Russian soldiers, sailors and officers.
As a result of the Gangut victory, the Russian fleet established complete dominance in the Gulf of Finland.”
First victory! There was also a second one. Major and determining the outcome of the Northern War. And what’s remarkable is also July 27, but already in 1720. They captured her near the island of Grengam.
“By this time, Russia had become a major maritime power with a powerful and invincible fleet. And even before the end of the Northern War in 1716, maneuvers took place in the Baltic Sea, in which 84 ships from the Baltic countries took part. 21 ships belonged to Russia. But the most important thing is that Peter I was recognized by the Baltic powers as a major military sailor, and the right to command a combined squadron of English, Dutch, Danish and Russian ships was entrusted to him. The battle at Cape Gangut and Grengam Island brought world glory to Russia and recognition by its neighbors as a major maritime power.”
“The RUSSIAN EAGLE DOESN’T CATCH FLIES”
And now about those facts that are like a “bridge” from those days to ours today.
I personally still have vivid impressions from the main parade in honor of Navy Day, which took place in St. Petersburg, Kronstadt and other cities of Russia.
With what great pleasure I read about how colorfully and magnificently this event was celebrated on September 9, 1714. Note, also in St. Petersburg.
“There were two ceremonies. The first took place on the streets of the capital to the joyful cries of the townspeople. First, a caravan consisting of captured Swedish ships, led by three Russian galleys, entered the Neva. The command galley of Schoutbeinakht Peter Mikhailov (pseudonym of Peter I) followed the captured ships, two galleys with soldiers brought up the rear of the caravan. After coming ashore, the banners and the prisoners, among them Ehrenschildt, were carried and led through the city. The procession headed towards the Arc de Triomphe. And above it towered an image in which an eagle clung to the back of an elephant. The inscription read: “The Russian eagle does not catch flies.” The elephant meant the flagship ship "Elephant". The costume action continued in the Senate, where, in a magnificent setting, Prince “Caesar” Romodanovsky greeted Schoutbeinakht Peter Mikhailov with the words: “Hello, Vice Admiral!” So Peter the Great was awarded this title”...
“After coming ashore, the banners and prisoners were carried and led through the city”... What does this detail remind us of?! Much!
And these are facts about how they know how to honor courage, honor and loyalty to duty in Russia.
Assessing the victory at Gangut, Peter the Great awarded the participants in this battle with specially minted commemorative medals: 130 officers were awarded gold medals, 3284 lower ranks - silver. On the front side of the medals there was a portrait image of Peter 1 and his title. The inscriptions on the medals read: “Diligence and loyalty greatly exceed,” “The first fruits of the Russian fleet. Naval victory at Aland on July 27, 1714.”
And this is evidence that no one dares to accuse us Russians of unconsciousness. Our memory has no expiration date, just as gratitude for faithful service to the Fatherland has no expiration date.
Remembering the feat of the heroes of the naval battle at Cape Gangut, the first major victory in the history of the Russian regular fleet, in 1735-1739. The Church of St. Panteleimon was built in St. Petersburg. The church also served as a monument to the heroes of the Battle of Grengam Island,
200 years later, in honor of the anniversary of the victory, according to the initiative of the Imperial Russian Military Historical Society, the facade of the building was decorated with marble memorial slabs, where grateful descendants immortalized in stone the names of all participants in the battles of Cape Gangut and Grengam Island.
Under the auspices of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the victory at Cape Gangut, the Imperial Mint minted a commemorative medal “In memory of the 200th anniversary of the naval battle of Gangut.” Monument, commemorative medals, postal blocks, paintings painted by artists….
There is something to be proud of! Remember! Honor!
But I want to say about one more phrase written in military language: “skillful use of meteorological conditions.”
Once again, it’s as if a “bridge” has been thrown from the past to the present. Often Western politicians, assessing the cost of victories in the wars that Russia has waged throughout the history of the state, today stupidly insist that the weather helped the Russians win.
We won't argue. And in this battle the weather was our ally. The day was calm. It is historical truth that “by skillfully using the advantages of rowing ships over the enemy’s linear sailing ships, in the conditions of a skerry area and no wind, they defeated the enemy.”
But we know what the Russian fleet was superior to in that battle: military art, audacity, courage... You read: “they came close”, “they boarded”, “a furious hand-to-hand battle began”…. And goosebumps.
And this is the already misunderstood Russian soul. Russian spirit. Character. What our enemies don't know.
Battle of Poltava (1709). Victory of the Russian fleet at Gangut (1714)
Victory of the Russian army near Poltava in 1709
In 1700, Russia entered into a long and difficult Northern War (1700-1721) with Sweden, one of the strongest militarily states in those years.
The Russian army was significantly inferior to the armies of advanced European countries. The absence of a unified military organization, an effective system of recruitment, training and supply, an extreme shortage of domestic command personnel, and technical backwardness reduced the military capabilities of the state and led to failures in the initial period of the war.
The young and energetic Tsar Peter I became the head of the Russian state. He was not only a great statesman and creator of a regular army and navy, but was also the founder of the new Russian school of military art, which formed the outstanding commanders of that time. The military reforms he carried out quickly began to bear their first fruits.
During the first military campaigns, the young Russian army went through a good school, gained valuable combat experience, and the victories won in these battles raised the morale of soldiers and officers.
Peter I called the “Mother of the Poltava Battle” the victory won on September 28 (October 9) in the battle near the village of Lesnoy southeast of Mogilev, in which a Russian corvolant (cavalry detachment) inflicted a crushing defeat on the 16,000-strong Swedish corps, moving from the Baltic states to join with Charles XII.
However, a long struggle still lay ahead. In the spring of 1709, an acute shortage of food and fodder forced Charles XII to turn south again to the Poltava region, which had not yet been devastated by the war. In April, the Swedish army, which by this time had more than 35 thousand people and 32 guns, concentrated in the Poltava region. However, the Swedes failed to take Poltava on the move and then with repeated assaults. Its garrison numbered 4 thousand soldiers, 28 guns and 2.5 thousand armed city residents, led by the commandant Colonel A.S. Kelin, with the support of A.D.’s cavalry that approached the city. Menshikov, as well as the Ukrainian Cossacks, heroically defended himself for almost two months.
Having lost more than 6 thousand killed, the Swedes were never able to capture Poltava. The courage of the defenders of Poltava weakened the enemy’s forces, made it possible to gain time and concentrate the main forces of the Russian army for a general battle. In June 1709, the troops of Field Marshal B.P. were concentrated near Poltava. Sheremeteva, A.D. Menshikov and the Cossack regiments of Hetman Skoropadsky. On June 4, Peter I arrived at the camp of the Russian troops. Her plan was to wear down the enemy at the front line, the line of redoubts, and then defeat him in an open field battle.
Preparations for the battle included the transfer of the 42,000-strong Russian army, which had 102 guns, to the right bank of the Vorskla River, which was done on June 20 (July 1), 1709. On June 25 (July 6), Russian troops camped near the village of Yakovtsy. The area chosen by Peter I was extremely advantageous for the location of the army. Hollows, ravines and small forests excluded the possibility of wide maneuver of the enemy cavalry. At the same time, on rough terrain, the infantry, the main strength of the Russian army, could show its best side.
Peter ordered to strengthen the camp with engineering structures. In the shortest possible time, 10 redoubts (quadrangular earthen ramparts located at a rifle shot distance from each other) were built, prepared for all-round defense. There were gaps between the ramparts so that soldiers, if necessary, could not only defend themselves, but also attack. In front of the camp there was a flat field. Here, from Poltava, lay the only possible route of advance for the Swedes. In this part of the field, by order of Peter, a forward position was created: six transverse (to the line of enemy advance) and four longitudinal redoubts. All this significantly strengthened the position of the Russian troops.
On June 27 at 2 a.m. the Swedes under the command of Field Marshal K.G. Renschild (Charles XII was wounded in the leg 10 days earlier) numbering about 20 thousand people with four guns (28 guns without ammunition were left in the convoy, and the rest of the troops - up to 10 thousand people, including Mazepa’s Ukrainian Cossacks, were near Poltava, in reserve and guarding communications), four columns of infantry and six columns of cavalry moved towards the Russian position. The sentinels promptly warned of the enemy's appearance. HELL. Menshikov brought out the cavalry entrusted to him and imposed a counter battle on the enemy.
At the first stage of the battle, the battles took place for the forward position. Confronted with Russian forces, the Swedish generals were confused. Russian artillery met them with cannonballs and grapeshot at maximum range, which deprived Charles' troops of an important trump card - a surprise strike.
At 3 o'clock the Russian and Swedish cavalry began a battle at the redoubts. By 5 o'clock the Swedish cavalry was overthrown, but the infantry that followed captured the first two unfinished redoubts. Menshikov asked for reinforcements, but Peter I, adhering to the plan of the battle, ordered him to retreat beyond the line of redoubts. At six o'clock, the Swedes, advancing behind the retreating Russian cavalry, came under cross rifle and cannon fire from the Russian fortified camp with their right flank, suffered heavy losses and retreated in panic to the forest near the village of Malye Budishchi. At the same time, the right-flank Swedish columns of generals K. Ross and W. Schlippenbach, cut off from the main forces during the battles for redoubts, were destroyed by Menshikov’s cavalry in the Poltava forest on the orders of Peter I.
At the second stage of the battle, the battle of the main forces unfolded. At about 8 o'clock in the morning, Peter I built an army in front of the camp in 2 lines, placing the B.P. infantry in the center. Sheremetev, and on the flanks the cavalry of R.Kh. Bourah and A.D. Menshikov. Each infantry regiment, in order to better implement mutual assistance, was built like this: one battalion in the first line and one in the second. A reserve (9 battalions) was left in the camp, forming the third line. Artillery of Feldzeichmeister General Y.V. Bruce deployed in the first line of infantry at intervals between battalions.
Peter I prepared not only tactical, but also strategic success, intercepting possible escape routes for the Swedes. The peculiarity of the Russian battle formation was that each regiment had a battalion in the second line, and this reliably provided support for the first line. In conditions of linear tactics, the king managed to create a depth of battle formation. In turn, the Swedes, in order to lengthen their battle formation, formed the infantry in one line with a weak reserve behind. The cavalry formed two lines on the flanks.
At 9 o'clock the first line of battle formation of Russian troops began to advance. Karl ordered the Swedes to move towards them. Approaching the Swedes at cannon fire, the Russian troops stopped and opened artillery fire. Despite heavy losses, the Swedes moved forward up to rifle fire. After a rifle exchange, both armies began hand-to-hand bayonet combat.
In a fierce hand-to-hand fight, the Swedes pushed back the center of the Russian first line. But Peter I, who was observing the progress of the battle, personally led a counterattack of the Novgorod battalion, and the Swedes were thrown back to their original positions. Soon the Russian infantry of the first line began to press back the enemy, and the cavalry began to cover his flanks. By 11 o'clock the Swedes could not withstand the onslaught, wavered, and began to retreat.
It should be emphasized that the tsar’s determination to defeat the enemy near Poltava was so high that he, not being confident in the stamina and fighting ability of his young regiments, placed a kind of “barrage detachments” of soldiers and Cossacks behind the second line of troops and gave them the order: “ I order you to shoot at anyone who runs, and even kill me myself if I am so cowardly that I begin to retreat from the enemy.”
However, under the attack of Russian troops, the Swedes' retreat turned into a stampede. The Poltava battle ended with the defeat of the Swedish army. Charles XII fled to Turkish possessions with the traitor Mazepa, managing with a small detachment to cross to the right bank of the Dnieper.
The remnants of the Swedish troops retreated to the village of Perevolochna, where on June 30 they were overtaken by A.D.’s detachment. Menshikov, and surrendered without a fight.
What is the military-political and historical significance of the Battle of Poltava?
Firstly, the victory in the Battle of Poltava raised Russia’s international authority and predetermined its victorious outcome of the Northern War. It was the result of targeted comprehensive training of the Russian army. The military power of Sweden was undermined, the glory of the invincibility of Charles XII was dispelled. Russia has finally emerged from its foreign policy isolation.
Secondly, Peter I achieved victory, in his words, “with little difficulty and little bloodshed.” In the Battle of Poltava, the Swedes lost 9,334 people killed and 2,977 people captured. In total, Russian troops captured more than 18.5 thousand people, captured 264 banners, 32 guns and a convoy of Swedes. The losses of Russian troops amounted to 1,345 people killed and 3,290 people wounded.
Thirdly, the Battle of Poltava occupies a special place in the history of Russian military art. The Russian army in the battle of Poltava showed high fighting qualities and tactical superiority over the enemy. For the first time, redoubts were used on the battlefield. In the battle, bayonet hand-to-hand combat played a major role; the Russian army used the bayonet for the first time as an active offensive weapon, confirming the high fighting qualities of the Russian soldier.
The redoubts allowed the Russian cavalry to fight in close cooperation with their garrisons and, relying on them, rush into rapid attacks.
In the Battle of Poltava, Peter I showed himself to be a brilliant commander - he skillfully used deliberate defense followed by a counteroffensive.
In the military history of Russia, the Battle of Poltava rightfully ranks with the Battle of the Ice, the Battle of Kulikovo and Borodino.
According to the Federal Law “On the Days of Military Glory (Victory Days) of Russia” dated March 13, 1995, July 10 is celebrated annually in the Russian Federation as the Victory Day of the Russian Army under the command of Peter I over the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava (1709).
The first naval victory of the Russian fleet
After the brilliant victory won by Peter I over the Swedes at the Battle of Poltava, military success in the Northern War passed to the side of the Russian army. However, Sweden still had a strong fleet, which consisted of up to 30 battleships.
Peter’s goal was to use the joint efforts of the army and navy to strike the Swedes in the area of the city of Abo, occupy the Åland Islands, and in the event of the Swedish government’s refusal to make peace on the terms put forward by it, transfer the war to Swedish territory.
According to the campaign plan, the rowing fleet, together with the landing corps, was supposed to leave St. Petersburg, break through to Abo and, having occupied the Åland Islands, begin landing troops on the Swedish coast. The sailing fleet was tasked with first covering the passage of the rowing fleet from Kotlin Island to the exit from the Gulf of Finland, and then, concentrating in Reval, preventing the Swedish fleet from entering the Gulf of Finland. The Swedish fleet, in turn, was preparing to prevent the Russians from breaking through into the Gulf of Bothnia.
At the end of May 1714, the rowing fleet, together with the landing corps, left St. Petersburg and, under the cover of the sailing fleet, safely made the transition to the exit from the Gulf of Finland.
Having learned about this, the Swedes immediately sent ships under the command of the experienced admiral G. Vatrang to Cape Gangut to block the path of the Russian galleys. The squadron consisted of 15 battleships, 3 frigates and a detachment of rowing ships.
In order to provide assistance to the troops operating in the Abo area, the Russian rowing fleet consisting of 99 galleys and scampaways (half-galleys) with a 15,000-strong landing corps under the command of Admiral General F.M. Apraksina headed towards the combat area. But, having reached the Gangut Peninsula (Hanko) and meeting the main forces of Vatrang’s squadron at its southwestern tip, the Russian fleet stopped in Tverminne Bay.
Apraksin, convinced of the impossibility of unhindered passage of rowing ships past the Swedish squadron, reported this to Peter I.
The Gangut Peninsula, surrounded by shoals and small islands, was connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Having received a report about the blockade of the Russian fleet and familiarized himself with the situation, Peter I made an original decision - to begin the construction of a wooden flooring - a “transport” in the narrowest part of the isthmus, 2.5 km long. Along this route, it was planned to drag some of the light ships to the skerry area north of Gangut, which, having gone behind enemy lines, were supposed to distract part of the forces of the Swedish fleet, cause their confusion and thereby facilitate the breakthrough of the main forces of the rowing fleet past Gangut.
Having learned about the construction of the “transport”, Admiral Vatrang sent a detachment (1 frigate, 9 rowing ships) under the command of Rear Admiral N. Ehrenskiöld to Rilaksfjord to the site of the supposed launching of Russian ships with the task of destroying them. Another detachment, numbering 14 ships, under the command of Vice Admiral Lillier, was sent to Tverminna to attack the Russian rowing fleet. Taking advantage of the division of the Swedish fleet and the serious weakening of its position at Cape Gangut, as well as the ensuing calm, which deprived the Swedish sailing ships of maneuverability, on July 26 (August 6), the ships of the Russian rowing fleet began an offensive.
Early in the morning of July 27, the vanguard of the Russian rowing fleet of 20 ships under the command of Captain-Commander M.Kh. Zmaevich began a rapid breakthrough, bypassing the ships of the Swedish squadron in such a way as to remain out of the reach of its artillery all the time. The daring actions of the Russian rowing fleet took the Swedes by surprise. In addition to everything, bypassing the Gangut Peninsula, Zmaevich’s detachment met and fired at the detachment of Schoutbenacht (Rear Admiral) Taube (1 frigate, 5 galleys, 6 skerry boats), which was heading to join the main forces of the Swedish fleet. On the same day, he blocked Ehrenskiöld's forces in the skerries of Rilaksfjord with galleys. Following the ships of Zmaevich’s detachment, a patrol detachment of 15 scampavees under the command of Brigadier F.Ya. passed past the stationary Swedish ships. Leforta.
To prevent the remaining Russian ships from breaking through, Admiral Vatrang, using the weak southeast wind, pulled his ships away from the shore and positioned them at the site of the breakthrough of the Russian vanguard, forming them in two lines. By evening there was calm again. Taking advantage of this, the main forces of the Russian rowing fleet - 64 ships under the command of Apraksin
on the morning of July 27, following the coastal fairway, they broke through at Cape Gangut and joined their forces. The Swedes tried to prevent the Russians from breaking through, but even towing their battleships with boats, they were unsuccessful.
The final stage of the Battle of Gangut was the battle of the Russian rowing ships with the Ehrenskiöld detachment blocked by them. The Swedish ships were armed with 116 guns, but they could only use about 60 guns at a time to repel an attack. Before the battle, the Swedes positioned their ships in the narrowest part of the fjord. Stronger ships - frigates and galleys were built in the first line, and skerry boats in the second. The flanks rested on the shallows, and Russian ships could not get around them. Due to the small width of the fjord, the Russians were unable to deploy the entire rowing fleet and built a battle formation in three lines (vanguard, corps de battalion and rearguard).
The position occupied by the Swedish fleet was limited to the coasts of the Padvaland Peninsula and the island of Lakkiser, which did not allow the Russian fleet to take advantage of its numerical superiority in ships. Therefore, Peter ordered a vanguard to attack the enemy, consisting of 23 ships with a crew of 3,450 people, divided into three groups: in the center 11 scampaveys and on both flanks, in two lines, 6 scampaveys each, and left the rest as a reserve. A dedicated detachment under the command of Peter took up a position half a mile from the Swedes. Ehrenskiöld refused the offer to surrender and took up a combat position, in the center of which was the flagship 18-gun frigate Elephant. After the refusal, the ships of the Russian rowing fleet took up a position to attack the Swedes. Its difficulty for the Russians was that the Swedes had multiple superiority in artillery and high-sided ships that were difficult to board.
The battle began at exactly 14:00 on July 27 (August 7) with a frontal attack by Russian ships. However, both the first and second attacks, despite the courage and tenacity of the Russian sailors, were repulsed by enemy crossfire.
Convinced of the futility of frontal attacks, Peter decided to change their direction. The third attack was directed at the enemy’s flanks, thereby reducing the effectiveness of his artillery fire. Now the Swedes' fire began to hit their own ships. As they approached, the Russians intensified their artillery and rifle fire. Having fallen on board with the end galleys of the Swedes, they began to capture them one by one. The Swedes defended their ships with great steadfastness, but they were unable to hold back the onslaught of the Russians. Peter noted that “it is truly impossible to describe the courage of the Russian troops, both initial and rank and file...”.
Unable to withstand the Russian attack, the Swedish ships were forced, one after another, to lower their flags and surrender. The frigate "Elephant" offered the most stubborn resistance, but it was also captured. During a three-hour intense battle, Russian sailors captured all 10 Swedish ships along with the commander, Rear Admiral Ehrenskiöld. Swedes' losses were 361 killed, 350 wounded, the rest of the team members were captured. The Russians lost one galley, which ran aground during the breakthrough, 124 people killed and 342 wounded.
The captured Swedish ships were delivered to St. Petersburg, where on September 9 (20), 1714, a solemn meeting of the winners took place.
What is the military-political and historical significance of the Gangut naval battle?
Firstly, this was the first naval victory over the strongest Swedish fleet at that time, which had never known defeat until then. She raised the morale of the troops, showing that the Swedes could be defeated not only on land, but also at sea.
In general, this victory ensured the breakthrough of a large formation of the Russian rowing fleet in Abo and the occupation of the Åland Islands. This forced the Swedish fleet to finally leave the Gulf of Finland and allowed the Russian fleet to take active steps to disrupt enemy communications in the Baltic Sea.
Secondly, the victory of the Russian fleet at Cape Gangut is one of the largest battles at sea and is considered a turning point in the war in the sea, similar to the victory on land in the Battle of Poltava. It further developed the interaction between the army and navy. Their operations were subordinated to a single goal and coordinated in place and time.
According to the Federal Law “On the Days of Military Glory (Victory Days) of Russia” dated March 13, 1995, August 9 is celebrated annually in the Russian Federation as the Day of the first naval victory in Russian history of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter I over the Swedes at Cape Gangut (1714) .
When preparing for the lesson, you need to familiarize yourself with the materials published on the pages of the “Landmark” in past years. It is also advisable to prepare posters, diagrams, fragments of documentaries and feature films, reflecting the courage and heroism of Russian soldiers, the military leadership of Russian military leaders in the Battle of Poltava and the naval battle at Cape Gangut.
In the introductory speech, along with defining the purpose and procedure for its implementation, it is necessary to recall that in 1995 the State Duma established the days of military glory of Russia. These days are widely celebrated in the army and the country and are of great importance for the military-patriotic education of young people.
When presenting educational materials, it is necessary to show the outstanding role of Peter I in mobilizing all the forces of the country, army and navy in order to strengthen the security of his Fatherland, strengthen its border lines, and create favorable conditions for the development of the country. It is also important to show the innovative nature of his tactics and strategies, demonstrated in these battles and which served as an impetus for the development of domestic military art at the beginning of the 18th century.
At the end of the lesson, you should draw conclusions on the topic, answer questions from students, summarize the lesson, note the most active students, and give recommendations on preparing for the next lesson.
Military-historical atlas of Russia. - M., 2006.
World history of wars. - Minsk, 2004.
Samosvat D., Kurshev A. Days of military glory of Russia // Orientir. - 2008. - No. 3.
Gordievsky A. Days of military glory of Russia (Naval battles) // Landmark. - 2005. -№11.
Lieutenant Colonel Dmitry SAMOSVAT.
Lieutenant Colonel, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Alexey Kurshev
Gangut is a peninsula in Finland (now Hanko), near which on July 26-27, 1714, a naval battle took place between the Russian fleet under the command of Admiral F.M. Apraksin and Tsar Peter I (99 galleys) and the Swedish fleet of Vice Admiral G. Vatrang (15 battleships, 3 frigates). In May 1714, Russian galleys set off for the Åland Islands for a landing. But at Gangut their path was blocked by the Swedish fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Vatrang.
On August 9, 1714, a naval battle took place between the Swedish and Russian squadrons, in which the Russians won a complete victory. The greatness of this for Russia also lies in the fact that this is the first naval battle that was won using the regular navy that Peter I so stubbornly created.
The Battle of Gangut took place during the Northern War, which was fought by Sweden and Russia for almost 20 years. By 1714, Russia occupied the central and southern parts of Finland, which were then under Swedish rule. In order to consolidate the land victories and completely resolve the issue of access to the Baltic Sea, it was necessary to defeat the Swedish fleet, which was considered at that time the strongest in the world.
By 1714, a fleet no weaker than the Swedish one had already been formed in the Baltic. According to the canons of that time, it consisted of a rowing fleet - galleys, and a sailing fleet, consisting mainly of frigates. In June 1714, a squadron of 99 galleys approached the Gangut Peninsula, which was supposed to provide support to the Russian garrison in Abo. But a Swedish fleet of thirty ships stood in his way, half of which were battleships, i.e. the most powerful weapons at that time. Although, formally, our fleet was commanded by Admiral General Count Fyodor Matveevich Apraksin, after Peter’s arrival, all control fell on his shoulders. In a frontal attack, our galleys are much weaker than the Swedish battleships, so it was pointless to attack them head-on. So Peter used a trick. He ordered the construction of a “transport” across the peninsula. The Swedish admiral learned about this and sent a frigate and several galleys to intercept these ships. He sent another part of his fleet against the main forces of the Russian fleet, but upon learning of the transfer, he returned them back, fearing an attack from two fronts. Taking advantage of this, the main forces of the Russian fleet passed the Swedish fleet and safely landed troops to support the Abo garrison. But a detachment of Swedish ships sent to intercept Russian ships being transported through the portage was blocked and completely destroyed. The rest of the Swedish fleet retreated to the Alad Islands.
This success significantly strengthened the position of Russian troops in Finland. Gangut is the first major victory of the Russian fleet. She raised the morale of the troops, showing that the Swedes could be defeated not only on land, but also at sea. Peter equated it in importance to the Battle of Poltava. Participants in the Battle of Gangut were awarded a medal with the inscription “Diligence and loyalty are superior.” “The first fruits of the Russian fleet. Naval victory at Aland on July 27, 1714.”
Peter I, who began this battle as a rear admiral, ended it as a vice admiral.
In accordance with the Federal Law of March 13, 95 No. 32-FZ “On the Days of Military Glory (Victory Days) of Russia,” August 9 is the Day of Military Glory of Russia, the day of the first naval victory in Russian history of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes at Cape Gangut in 1714.
The first naval victory in the history of Russia of the Russian fleet over the Swedish squadron at Cape Gangut (Hanko Peninsula, Finland), Baltic Sea, August 9, 1714
The Battle of Gangut between the Russian and Swedish fleets played an important role in the favorable outcome for Russia of the Northern War of 1700-1721. By the spring of 1714, the southern and almost entire central parts of Finland were occupied by Russian troops. In order to finally resolve the issue of Russia's access to the Baltic Sea, which was controlled by the Swedes, it was necessary to defeat the Swedish fleet. At the end of June 1714, the Russian rowing fleet (99 galleys and auxiliary ships with a 15,000-strong army) under the command of Admiral General F.M. Apraksina concentrated on the eastern coast of Gangut (in Tverminne Bay) with the goal of breaking through to the Abo-Aland skerries and landing troops to reinforce the Russian garrison in Abo (100 km northwest of Cape Gangut). The path to the Russian fleet was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates and a detachment of rowing ships) under the command of G. Vatrang.Peter I used a tactical maneuver. He decided to transfer part of his galleys to the skerry area north of Gangut across the isthmus of this peninsula, 2.5 kilometers long. To fulfill his plan, he ordered the construction of a perevolok (wooden flooring). Having learned about this, Vatrang sent a detachment of ships (1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerries) to the northern coast of the peninsula. The detachment was headed by Rear Admiral Ehrenskiöld. He decided to use another detachment (8 battleships and 2 bombardment ships) under the command of Vice Admiral Lillier to strike the main forces of the Russian fleet.
Peter expected such a decision. He decided to take advantage of the division of enemy forces. The weather was also favorable to him. On the morning of August 6 (July 26) there was no wind, which is why the Swedish sailing ships lost their maneuverability. Vanguard of the Russian fleet (20 ships) under the command of Commander M.Kh. Zmaevich began the breakthrough, bypassing the Swedish ships and remaining out of range of their fire. Following him, another detachment (15 ships) made a breakthrough. Thus, there was no need for relocation. Zmaevich's detachment blocked Ehrenskiöld's detachment near Lakkisser Island.
Believing that other detachments of Russian ships would continue the breakthrough in the same way, Vatrang recalled Lilje’s detachment, thus freeing the coastal fairway. Taking advantage of this, Apraksin with the main forces of the rowing fleet broke through the coastal fairway to his vanguard. At 14:00 on August 7 (July 27), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 ships, attacked Ehrenskiöld’s detachment, which built its ships along a concave line, both flanks of which rested on the islands. The Swedes managed to repulse the first two attacks with fire from naval guns. The third attack was launched against the flanking ships of the Swedish detachment, which did not allow the enemy to take advantage of their artillery advantage. They were soon boarded and captured. Peter I personally participated in the boarding attack, showing the sailors an example of courage and heroism. After a stubborn battle, the Swedish flagship also surrendered. All 10 ships of Ehrenskiöld's detachment were captured. Part of the forces of the Swedish fleet managed to escape to the Åland Islands.
The victory off the Gangut Peninsula was the first major victory of the Russian regular fleet. She provided him with freedom of action in the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and effective support for Russian troops in Finland. In the Battle of Gangut, the Russian command boldly used the advantage of the rowing fleet in the fight against the linear sailing fleet of the Swedes in the skerry area, skillfully organized the interaction of naval forces and ground forces, reacted flexibly to changes in the tactical situation and weather conditions, managed to unravel the enemy’s maneuver and impose its tactics on him . The high moral and combat qualities of soldiers, sailors and officers allowed the Russian fleet to defeat the numerically superior Swedish fleet.
Assessing the importance of the fleet for the state, Peter I said after the victory at Gangut: “A state that has one land army has one hand, and a state that has a fleet has both hands.”.
Battle of Gangut
The Battle of Gangut is a naval battle of the Great Northern War of 1700-1721, which took place on July 27 (August 7), 1714 at Cape Gangut (Hanko Peninsula, Finland) in the Baltic Sea between the Russian and Swedish fleets, the first naval victory of the Russian fleet in the history of Russia.
By the spring of 1714, the southern and almost entire central parts of Finland were occupied by Russian troops. In order to finally resolve the issue of Russia's access to the Baltic Sea, which was controlled by the Swedes, it was necessary to defeat the Swedish fleet.
At the end of June 1714, the Russian rowing fleet (99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary ships with a 15,000-strong landing party) under the command of Admiral General Count Fyodor Matveyevich Apraksin concentrated off the eastern coast of Gangut (in Tverminne Bay) with the goal of landing troops to strengthen the Russian garrison in Abo (100 km northwest of Cape Gangut). The path to the Russian fleet was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys) under the command of G. Vatrang. Peter I (Schautbenacht Peter Mikhailov) used a tactical maneuver. He decided to transfer part of his galleys to the area north of Gangut across the isthmus of this peninsula, 2.5 kilometers long. To fulfill his plan, he ordered the construction of a perevolok (wooden flooring). Having learned about this, Vatrang sent a detachment of ships (1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerries) to the northern coast of the peninsula. The detachment was headed by Rear Admiral Ehrenskiold. He decided to use another detachment (8 battleships and 2 bombardment ships) under the command of Vice Admiral Lillier to strike the main forces of the Russian fleet.
Peter expected such a decision. He decided to take advantage of the division of enemy forces. The weather was also favorable to him. On the morning of July 26 (August 6), there was no wind, which is why the Swedish sailing ships lost their maneuverability. The vanguard of the Russian fleet (20 ships) under the command of Commander Matvey Khristoforovich Zmaevich began a breakthrough, bypassing the Swedish ships and remaining out of range of their fire. Following him, another detachment (15 ships) made a breakthrough. Thus, there was no need for relocation. Zmaevich's detachment blocked Ehrenskiöld's detachment near Lakkisser Island.
Believing that other detachments of Russian ships would continue to break through in the same way, Vatrang recalled Lilje’s detachment, thus freeing the coastal fairway. Taking advantage of this, Apraksin with the main forces of the rowing fleet broke through the coastal fairway to his vanguard. At 14:00 on July 27 (August 7), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 ships, attacked Ehrenskiöld’s detachment, which built its ships along a concave line, both flanks of which rested on the islands. The Swedes managed to repulse the first two attacks with fire from naval guns. The third attack was launched against the flanking ships of the Swedish detachment, which did not allow the enemy to take advantage of their artillery advantage. They were soon boarded and captured. Peter I personally participated in the boarding attack, showing the sailors an example of courage and heroism. After a stubborn battle, the Swedish flagship, the frigate Elephant, surrendered. All 10 ships of Ehrenskiöld's detachment were captured. Part of the forces of the Swedish fleet managed to escape to the Åland Islands.
The victory off the Gangut Peninsula was the first major victory of the Russian regular fleet. She provided him with freedom of action in the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and effective support for Russian troops in Finland. In the Battle of Gangut, the Russian command boldly used the advantage of the rowing fleet in the fight against the linear sailing fleet of the Swedes, skillfully organized the interaction of the forces of the fleet and ground forces, reacted flexibly to changes in the tactical situation and weather conditions, managed to unravel the enemy’s maneuver and impose its tactics on him.
Strengths of the parties:
Russia - 99 galleys, scamps and auxiliary ships, 15 thousandth landing force
Sweden - 14 battleships, 1 provision ship, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys
Military losses:
Russia - 127 killed (8 officers), 342 wounded (1 brigadier, 16 officers), 232 prisoners (7 officers). Total - 701 people (including 1 brigadier, 31 officer), 1 galley - captured.
Sweden - 1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerries, 361 killed (9 officers), 580 prisoners (1 admiral, 17 officers) (of which 350 were wounded). Total - 941 people (including 1 admiral, 26 officers), 116 guns.
Battle of Grenham
The Battle of Grengam - a naval battle that took place on July 27 (August 7), 1720 in the Baltic Sea near the island of Grengam (southern group of the Åland Islands), was the last major battle of the Great Northern War.
After the Battle of Gangut, England, concerned about the growing power of the Russian army, formed a military alliance with Sweden. However, the demonstrative approach of the joint Anglo-Swedish squadron to Revel did not force Peter I to seek peace, and the squadron retreated to the shores of Sweden. Peter I, having learned about this, ordered the Russian fleet to be moved from the Åland Islands to Helsingfors, and several boats to be left near the squadron for patrolling. Soon one of these boats, which ran aground, was captured by the Swedes, as a result of which Peter ordered the fleet to be returned back to the Åland Islands.
On July 26 (August 6), the Russian fleet under the command of M. Golitsyn, consisting of 61 galleys and 29 boats, approached the Åland Islands. Russian reconnaissance boats spotted the Swedish squadron between the islands of Lameland and Fritsberg. Due to the strong wind, it was impossible to attack her, and Golitsyn decided to go to Grengam Island in order to prepare a good position among the skerries.
When on July 27 (August 7) the Russian ships approached Grengam, the Swedish fleet under the command of K.G. Shoblada, having 156 guns, unexpectedly weighed anchor and approached, subjecting the Russians to massive shelling. The Russian fleet began to hastily retreat into shallow waters, where the pursuing Swedish ships ended up. In shallow water, the more maneuverable Russian galleys and boats went on the attack and managed to board 4 frigates (34-gun Stor-Phoenix, 30-gun Venker, 22-gun Kiskin and 18-gun Dansk-Ern) ), after which the rest of the Swedish fleet retreated.
The result of the Battle of Grengam was the end of undivided Swedish influence in the Baltic Sea and the establishment of Russia on it. The battle brought the conclusion of the Nystadt Peace closer.
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 61 galleys and 29 boats
Sweden - 1 battleship, 4 frigates, 3 galleys, 3 skerry boats, shnyava, galliot and brigantine
Military losses:
Russian Empire - 82 killed (2 officers), 236 wounded (7 officers). Total - 328 people (including 9 officers).
Sweden - 4 frigates, 103 killed (3 officers), 407 prisoners (37 officers). Total - 510 people (including 40 officers), 104 guns, 4 flags.
Battle of Chesma
The Battle of Chesma is a naval battle on July 5-7, 1770 in Chesma Bay between the Russian and Turkish fleets.
After the outbreak of the Russo-Turkish War in 1768, Russia sent several squadrons from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to divert the attention of the Turks from the Black Sea Fleet - the so-called First Archipelago Expedition. Two Russian squadrons (under the command of Admiral Grigory Spiridov and the English adviser Rear Admiral John Elphinstone), united under the overall command of Count Alexei Orlov, discovered the Turkish fleet in the roadstead of Chesme Bay (west coast of Turkey).
July 5, battle in the Chios Strait
After agreeing on a plan of action, the Russian fleet, under full sail, approached the southern edge of the Turkish line, and then, turning around, began to take positions against the Turkish ships. The Turkish fleet opened fire at 11:30-11:45, the Russian - at 12:00. The maneuver failed for three Russian ships: “Europe” overshot its place and was forced to turn around and stand behind “Rostislav”, “Three Saints” went around the second Turkish ship from the rear before it could get into formation and was mistakenly attacked by the ship “Three Hierarch" and "St. Januarius was forced to turn around before getting into formation.
"St. Eustathius, under the command of Spiridov, began a duel with the flagship of the Turkish squadron, Real Mustafa, under the command of Hassan Pasha, and then tried to board it. After the burning mainmast of the Real Mustafa fell on the St. Eustathius,” he exploded. After 10-15 minutes, Real Mustafa also exploded. Admiral Spiridov and the commander's brother Fyodor Orlov left the ship before the explosion. The captain of “St. Eustathia" Cruz. Spiridov continued command from the ship "Three Saints".
By 14:00 the Turks cut off the anchor ropes and retreated to Chesme Bay under the cover of coastal batteries.
July 6-7, battle in Chesme Bay
In Chesme Bay, Turkish ships formed two lines of 8 and 7 battleships, respectively, the rest of the ships took a position between these lines and the shore.
During the day of July 6, Russian ships fired at the Turkish fleet and coastal fortifications from a great distance. Fireships were made from four auxiliary vessels.
At 17:00 on July 6, the bombardment ship "Grom" anchored in front of the entrance to Chesme Bay and began shelling Turkish ships. At 0:30 he was joined by the battleship "Europe", and at 1:00 - by "Rostislav", in the wake of which the fire ships arrived.
"Europe", "Rostislav" and the approaching "Don't touch me" formed a line from north to south, engaging in battle with Turkish ships, "Saratov" stood in reserve, and "Thunder" and the frigate "Africa" attacked the batteries on the western shore of the bay . At 1:30 or a little earlier (midnight, according to Elphinstone), as a result of the fire of the Thunder and/or Touch Me Not, one of the Turkish battleships exploded due to the transfer of flames from the burning sails to the hull. Burning debris from this explosion scattered other ships in the bay.
After the explosion of the second Turkish ship at 2:00, the Russian ships ceased fire, and fire ships entered the bay. The Turks managed to shoot two of them, under the command of captains Gagarin and Dugdale (according to Elphinstone, only Captain Dugdale’s fireship was shot, and Captain Gagarin’s fireship refused to go into battle), one under the command of Mackenzie grappled with an already burning ship, and one under the command of Lieutenant D. Ilyina grappled with an 84-gun battleship. Ilyin set fire to the fireship, and he and his crew left it on a boat. The ship exploded and set fire to most of the remaining Turkish ships. By 2:30, 3 more battleships exploded.
At about 4:00, Russian ships sent boats to save two large ships that were not yet burning, but only one of them, the 60-gun Rhodes, was taken out. From 4:00 to 5:30, 6 more battleships exploded, and in the 7th hour, 4 exploded simultaneously. By 8:00, the battle in Chesme Bay was over.
After the Battle of Chesme, the Russian fleet managed to seriously disrupt the communications of the Turks in the Aegean Sea and establish a blockade of the Dardanelles. All this played an important role in the conclusion of the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace Treaty.
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 9 battleships, 3 frigates, 1 bombardment ship,
17-19 small craft, approx. 6500 people
Ottoman Empire - 16 battleships, 6 frigates, 6 shebeks, 13 galleys, 32 small vessels,
OK. 15,000 people
Losses:
Russian Empire - 1 battleship, 4 fire ships, 661 people, of which 636 were killed in the explosion of the ship St. Eustathius, 40 wounded
Ottoman Empire - 15 battleships, 6 frigates, a large number of small ships, approx. 11,000 people. Captured: 1 battleship, 5 galleys
Battles of Rochensalm
The first Battle of Rochensalm was a naval battle between Russia and Sweden, which took place on August 13 (24), 1789, in the roadstead of the Swedish city of Rochensalm and ended in the victory of the Russian fleet.
On August 22, 1789, the Swedish fleet with a total of 49 ships under the command of Admiral K. A. Ehrensvärd took refuge in the Rochensalm roadstead among the islands near the modern Finnish city of Kotka. The Swedes blocked the only Rochensalm Strait accessible to large ships, sinking three ships there. On August 24, 86 Russian ships under the command of Vice Admiral K. G. Nassau-Siegen launched an attack from two sides. The southern detachment under the command of Major General I.P. Balle distracted the main forces of the Swedes for several hours, while the main forces of the Russian fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Yu.P. Litta made their way from the north. The ships fired, and special teams of sailors and officers cut a passage. Five hours later Rochensalm was cleared and the Russians broke into the roadstead. The Swedes were defeated, losing 39 ships (including the admiral's, which was captured). Russian losses amounted to 2 ships. The commander of the right wing of the Russian vanguard, Antonio Coronelli, distinguished himself in the battle.
Strengths of the parties:
Russia - 86 ships
Sweden - 49 ships
Military losses:
Russia -2 ships
Sweden - 39 ships
The Second Battle of Rochensalm was a naval battle between Russia and Sweden, which took place on July 9-10, 1790 in the roadstead of the Swedish city of Rochensalm. The Swedish naval forces inflicted a crushing defeat on the Russian fleet, which led to the end of the Russian-Swedish war, which Russia had almost already won, on conditions unfavorable for the Russian side.
The attempt to storm Vyborg, undertaken by the Swedes in June 1790, was unsuccessful: on July 4, 1790, the Swedish fleet, blocked by Russian ships in the Vyborg Bay, escaped from encirclement at the cost of significant losses. Having taken the galley fleet to Rochensalm (the main composition of the sailing warships that survived the breakthrough of the Vyborg blockade went to Sveaborg for repairs), Gustav III and the flag captain, Lieutenant Colonel Karl Olof Kronstedt, began preparations for the expected Russian attack. On July 6, final orders for the organization of defense were made. At dawn on July 9, 1790, in view of the approaching Russian ships, the order was given to begin the battle.
Unlike the first Battle of Rochensalm, the Russians decided to break through to the Swedish raid from one side of the Rochensalm Strait. The head of the Russian rowing fleet in the Gulf of Finland, Vice Admiral Karl Nassau-Siegen, approached Rochensalm at 2 a.m. and at 9 a.m., without preliminary reconnaissance, began the battle - probably wanting to give a gift to Empress Catherine II on the day of her accession to the throne. From the very beginning of the battle, its course turned out to be favorable for the Swedish fleet, which was entrenched in the Rochensalm roadstead with a powerful L-shaped anchor formation - despite the significant superiority of the Russians in personnel and naval artillery. On the first day of the battle, Russian ships attacked the southern flank of the Swedes, but were driven back by hurricane winds and fired from the shore by Swedish coastal batteries, as well as Swedish galleys and gunboats at anchor.
Then the Swedes, skillfully maneuvering, moved the gunboats to the left flank and mixed up the formation of the Russian galleys. During the panicked retreat, most of the Russian galleys, and after them the frigates and shebeks, were broken by storm waves, sank or capsized. Several Russian sailing ships anchored in combat positions were boarded, captured or burned.
The next morning, the Swedes consolidated their position with a new successful attack. The remnants of the Russian fleet were finally driven away from Rochensalm.
The Second Battle of Rochensalm cost the Russian side about 40% of the Baltic coastal defense fleet. The battle is considered one of the largest naval operations (in terms of the number of vessels involved) in all of naval history; a larger number of warships - if we do not take into account the data from ancient sources about the battles of Salamis Island and Cape Eknom - took part only in the battle in Leyte Gulf on October 23-26, 1944.
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 20 battleships, 23 galleys and xebeks, 77 sloops of war, ≈1,400 guns, 18,500 people
Sweden - 6 battleships, 16 galleys, 154 sloops of war and gunboats, ≈1000 guns, 12,500 men
Military losses:
Russian Empire - more than 800 killed and wounded, more than 6,000 prisoners, 53-64 ships (mostly galleys and gunboats)
Sweden - 300 killed and wounded, 1 galley, 4 small vessels
Battle of Cape Tendra (Battle of Hajibey)
The Battle of Cape Tendra (Battle of Hajibey) is a naval battle on the Black Sea during the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791 between the Russian squadron under the command of F. F. Ushakov and the Turkish squadron under the command of Hasan Pasha. Happened on August 28-29 (September 8-9), 1790 near the Tendra Spit.
After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, a new Russian-Turkish war began. Russian troops launched an offensive in the Danube region. A galley flotilla was formed to help them. However, she could not make the transition from Kherson to the combat area due to the presence of a Turkish squadron in the western Black Sea. The squadron of Rear Admiral F.F. Ushakov came to the aid of the flotilla. Having under his command 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 17 cruising ships, a bombardier ship, a rehearsal ship and 2 fire ships, on August 25 he left Sevastopol and headed to Ochakov to connect with the rowing fleet and give battle to the enemy.
The commander of the Turkish fleet, Hasan Pasha, having gathered all his forces between Hajibey (now Odessa) and Cape Tendra, longed for revenge for the defeat in the battle of the Kerch Strait on July 8 (19), 1790. With his determination to fight the enemy, he managed to convince the Sultan of the imminent defeat of Russian naval forces on the Black Sea and thus earned his favor. To be faithful, Selim III gave the experienced admiral Said Bey to help his friend and relative (Hasan Pasha was married to the Sultan’s sister), intending to turn the tide of events at sea in favor of Turkey.
On the morning of August 28, the Turkish fleet, consisting of 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 other ships, continued to anchor between Cape Tendra and Hajibey. And suddenly, from the direction of Sevastopol, Hasan discovered Russian ships sailing under full sail in a marching order of three columns. The appearance of the Russians threw the Turks into confusion. Despite their superiority in strength, they hastily began to cut the ropes and retreat to the Danube in disarray. Ushakov ordered all sails to be carried and, remaining in marching order, began to descend on the enemy. The advanced Turkish ships, having filled their sails, moved away to a considerable distance. But, noticing the danger looming over the rearguard, Hasan Pasha began to unite with him and build a battle line. Ushakov, continuing to approach the enemy, also gave the order to rebuild into a battle line. As a result, the Russian ships “very quickly” lined up in battle formation in the wind of the Turks.
Using the change in the battle order that had justified itself in the Battle of Kerch, Fyodor Fedorovich withdrew three frigates from the line - “John the Warrior”, “Jerome” and “Protection of the Virgin” to provide a maneuverable reserve in case of a change in the wind and a possible enemy attack from two sides. At 15 o'clock, having approached the enemy within range of a grape shot, F.F. Ushakov forced him to fight. And soon, under powerful fire from the Russian line, the enemy began to duck into the wind and become upset. Approaching closer, the Russians attacked the leading part of the Turkish fleet with all their might. Ushakov's flagship ship "Rozhdestvo Khristovo" fought with three enemy ships, forcing them to leave the line.
By 5 p.m. the entire Turkish line was completely defeated. Pressed by the Russians, the advanced enemy ships turned their stern towards them in order to get out of the battle. Their example was followed by the rest of the ships, which became advanced as a result of this maneuver. During the turn, a series of powerful volleys were fired at them, causing them great destruction. Two Turkish flagship ships, located opposite the Nativity of Christ and the Transfiguration of the Lord, were especially damaged. On the Turkish flagship, the main topsail was shot down, the yards and topmasts were broken, and the stern section was destroyed. The fight continued. Three Turkish ships were cut off from the main forces, and the stern of the Hasan-Pasha ship was blown to pieces by Russian cannonballs. The enemy fled towards the Danube. Ushakov pursued him until darkness and increased wind forced him to stop the pursuit and anchor.
At dawn the next day, it turned out that the Turkish ships were in close proximity to the Russians, whose frigate Ambrose of Milan ended up among the enemy fleet. But since the flags had not yet been raised, the Turks took him for one of their own. The resourcefulness of the commander - Captain M.N. Neledinsky - helped him get out of such a difficult situation. Having weighed anchor with other Turkish ships, he continued to follow them without raising his flag. Little by little falling behind, Neledinsky waited until the danger had passed, raised St. Andrew's flag and went to his fleet. Ushakov gave the command to raise the anchors and set sail to pursue the enemy, who, having a windward position, began to scatter in different directions. However, the heavily damaged 74-gun ship "Kapudania", which was Said Bey's flagship, and the 66-gun "Meleki Bahri" lagged behind the Turkish fleet. The latter, having lost his commander Kara-Ali, killed by a cannonball, surrendered without a fight, and “Kapudania”, trying to break away from the pursuit, headed towards the shallow water that separated the fairway between Kinburn and Gadzhibey. The vanguard commander, captain of brigadier rank G.K., was sent in pursuit. Golenkin with two ships and two frigates. The ship "St. Andrey" was the first to overtake "Kapudania" and opened fire. Soon “St. George”, and after him - “The Transfiguration of the Lord” and several more courts. Approaching from the wind and firing a volley, they replaced each other.
Said Bey's ship was practically surrounded, but continued to bravely defend itself. Ushakov, seeing the enemy’s useless stubbornness, at 14 o’clock approached him at a distance of 30 fathoms, knocked down all the masts from him and gave way to the “St. George." Soon the “Rozhdestvo Khristovo” again stood broadside against the bow of the Turkish flagship, preparing for the next salvo. But then, seeing his hopelessness, the Turkish flagship lowered the flag. Russian sailors boarded the enemy ship, already engulfed in flames, first of all trying to select officers to board the boats. With heavy winds and thick smoke, the last boat, at great risk, again approached the side and removed Said Bey, after which the ship took off along with the remaining crew and the treasury of the Turkish fleet. The explosion of the large admiral's ship in front of the entire Turkish fleet made a strong impression on the Turks and completed the moral victory achieved by Ushakov at Tendra. The increasing wind and damage to the spar and rigging did not allow Ushakov to continue pursuing the enemy. The Russian commander gave the order to stop the pursuit and link up with the Liman squadron.
In a two-day naval battle, the enemy suffered a crushing defeat, losing two battleships, a brigantine, a lanson and a floating battery.
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship and 20 auxiliary ships, 830 guns
Ottoman Empire - 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 auxiliary ships, 1400 guns
Losses:
Russian Empire - 21 killed, 25 wounded
Ottoman Empire - 2 ships, more than 2 thousand killed
Battle of Kaliakria
The Battle of Kaliakra is the last naval battle of the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791 between the fleets of Russia and the Ottoman Empire, which took place on July 31 (August 11), 1791 in the Black Sea near Cape Kaliakra (northern Bulgaria).
The Russian fleet under the command of Admiral Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov, consisting of 15 battleships, 2 frigates and 19 smaller ships (990 guns), left Sevastopol on August 8, 1791, and at noon on August 11 discovered the Turkish-Algerian fleet under the command of Hussein Pasha, consisting of 18 ships of the line, 17 frigates (1,500-1,600 guns) and a large number of smaller ships anchored near Cape Kaliakra in northern Bulgaria. Ushakov built his ships in three columns, from the northeast, between the Ottoman fleet and the cape, despite the fact that there were Turkish batteries on the cape. Seit Ali, commander of the Algerian fleet, weighed anchor and headed east, followed by Hussein Pasha with 18 ships of the line.
The Russian fleet turned south, forming one column and then attacked the retreating enemy fleet. The Turkish ships were damaged and fled from the battlefield in disarray. Seit-Ali was seriously wounded in the head. Losses of the Russian fleet: 17 people were killed, 28 were wounded and only one ship was seriously damaged.
The battle brought the end of the Russo-Turkish War closer, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Iasi.
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 15 battleships, 2 frigates, 19 auxiliary ships
Ottoman Empire - 18 battleships, 17 frigates, 48 auxiliary ships, coastal battery
Losses:
Russian Empire - 17 killed, 28 wounded
Ottoman Empire - Unknown
Battle of Sinop
The Battle of Sinop is the defeat of the Turkish squadron by the Russian Black Sea Fleet on November 18 (30), 1853, under the command of Admiral Nakhimov. Some historians view it as the “swan song” of the sailing fleet and the first battle of the Crimean War. The Turkish fleet was destroyed within a few hours. This attack served as a pretext for Britain and France to declare war on Russia.
Vice Admiral Nakhimov (84-gun battleships "Empress Maria", "Chesma" and "Rostislav") was sent by Prince Menshikov to cruise to the shores of Anatolia. There was information that the Turks in Sinop were preparing forces for a landing at Sukhum and Poti. Approaching Sinop, Nakhimov saw a detachment of Turkish ships in the bay under the protection of 6 coastal batteries and decided to closely blockade the port in order to attack the enemy with the arrival of reinforcements from Sevastopol.
On November 16 (28), 1853, Nakhimov’s detachment was joined by the squadron of Rear Admiral F. M. Novosilsky (120-gun battleships “Paris”, “Grand Duke Konstantin” and “Three Saints”, frigates “Kahul” and “Kulevchi”). The Turks could be reinforced by the allied Anglo-French fleet located in Beshik-Kertez Bay (Dardanelles Strait). It was decided to attack in 2 columns: in the 1st, closest to the enemy, the ships of Nakhimov’s detachment, in the 2nd - Novosilsky, the frigates were supposed to watch the enemy steamers under sail; It was decided to spare the consular houses and the city in general if possible, hitting only ships and batteries. For the first time it was planned to use 68-pound bomb guns.
On the morning of November 18 (November 30), it was raining with gusty winds from OSO, the most unfavorable for the capture of Turkish ships (they could easily run ashore).
At 9.30 in the morning, keeping the rowing vessels at the sides of the ships, the squadron headed for the roadstead. In the depths of the bay, 7 Turkish frigates and 3 corvettes were located moon-shaped under the cover of 4 batteries (one with 8 guns, 3 with 6 guns each); Behind the battle line there were 2 steamships and 2 transport ships.
At 12.30 p.m., on the first shot from the 44-gun frigate "Aunni-Allah", fire was opened from all Turkish ships and batteries.
The battleship "Empress Maria" was bombarded with shells, most of its spars and standing rigging were broken, and only one shroud of the mainmast remained intact. However, the ship moved forward non-stop and, operating with battle fire at enemy ships, dropped anchor against the frigate "Aunni-Allah"; the latter, unable to withstand half an hour of shelling, jumped ashore. Then the Russian flagship turned its fire exclusively on the 44-gun frigate Fazli-Allah, which soon caught fire and also washed ashore. After this, the actions of the Empress Maria focused on battery No. 5.
The battleship "Grand Duke Konstantin", having anchored, opened heavy fire on battery No. 4 and the 60-gun frigates "Navek-Bakhri" and "Nesimi-Zefer"; the first was blown up 20 minutes after opening fire, showering debris and the bodies of sailors on battery No. 4, which then almost ceased to operate; the second was thrown ashore by the wind when its anchor chain was broken.
The battleship "Chesma" destroyed batteries No. 4 and No. 3 with its shots.
The battleship Paris, while at anchor, opened battle fire on battery No. 5, the corvette Guli-Sefid (22 guns) and the frigate Damiad (56 guns); then, having blown up the corvette and thrown the frigate ashore, he began to hit the frigate “Nizamiye” (64 guns), whose foremast and mizzen masts were shot down, and the ship itself drifted to the shore, where it soon caught fire. Then "Paris" again began to fire at battery No. 5.
The battleship "Three Saints" entered into battle with the frigates "Kaidi-Zefer" (54 guns) and "Nizamiye"; the first enemy shots broke his spring, and the ship, turning to the wind, was subjected to well-aimed longitudinal fire from battery No. 6, and its mast was badly damaged. Turning the stern again, he very successfully began to act on the Kaidi-Zefer and other ships and forced them to rush to the shore.
The battleship "Rostislav", covering the "Three Saints", concentrated fire on battery No. 6 and on the corvette "Feize-Meabud" (24 guns), and threw the corvette ashore.
At 1 ½ o'clock in the afternoon, the Russian steam frigate "Odessa" appeared from behind the cape under the flag of Adjutant General Vice Admiral V. A. Kornilov, accompanied by the steam frigates "Crimea" and "Khersones". These ships immediately took part in the battle, which, however, was already nearing its end; The Turkish forces were greatly weakened. Batteries No. 5 and No. 6 continued to harass the Russian ships until 4 o'clock, but the Paris and Rostislav soon destroyed them. Meanwhile, the rest of the Turkish ships, apparently set on fire by their crews, took off one after another; This caused a fire to spread throughout the city, and there was no one to put it out.
About 2 o'clock the Turkish 22-gun steam frigate "Taif", armament 2-10 dm bomb, 4-42 lb., 16-24 lb. guns, under the command of Yahya Bey, broke out of the line of Turkish ships, which were suffering a severe defeat, and fled. Taking advantage of the speed advantage of the Taif, Yahya Bey managed to escape from the Russian ships pursuing him (the frigates Cahul and Kulevchi, then the steam frigates of Kornilov’s detachment) and report to Istanbul about the complete destruction of the Turkish squadron. Captain Yahya Bey, who was expecting a reward for saving the ship, was dismissed from service and stripped of his rank for “inappropriate behavior.”
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 6 battleships, 2 frigates, 3 steamships, 720 naval guns
Ottoman Empire - 7 frigates, 5 corvettes, 476 naval guns and 44 on shore batteries
Losses:
Russian Empire - 37 killed, 233 wounded, 13 guns
Ottoman Empire - 7 frigates, 4 corvettes, >3000 killed and wounded, 200 prisoners, including Admiral Osman Pasha
Battle of Tsushima
Tsushima naval battle - a naval battle on May 14 (27), 1905 - May 15 (28), 1905 in the area of Tsushima Island (Tsushima Strait), in which the Russian 2nd squadron of the Pacific Fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Zinoviy Petrovich Rozhdestvensky suffered a crushing defeat defeated by the Imperial Japanese Navy under the command of Admiral Heihachiro Togo. The last, decisive naval battle of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, during which the Russian squadron was completely defeated. Most of the ships were sunk or scuttled by the crews of their ships, some capitulated, some were interned in neutral ports, and only four managed to reach Russian ports. The battle was preceded by a grueling 18,000-mile (33,000-kilometer) passage of a large, diverse Russian squadron from the Baltic Sea to the Far East, unprecedented in the history of steam fleets.
The Second Russian Pacific Squadron, under the command of Vice Admiral Z. P. Rozhdestvensky, was formed in the Baltic and was intended to reinforce the First Pacific Squadron, which was based in Port Arthur on the Yellow Sea. Having started its journey in Libau, Rozhdestvensky’s squadron reached the shores of Korea by mid-May 1905. By that time, the First Pacific Squadron had already been practically destroyed. Only one full-fledged naval port remained in the hands of the Russians in the Pacific Ocean - Vladivostok, and the approaches to it were covered by a strong Japanese fleet. Rozhestvensky's squadron included 8 squadron battleships, 3 coastal defense battleships, one armored cruiser, 8 cruisers, one auxiliary cruiser, 9 destroyers, 6 transports and two hospital ships. The artillery armament of the Russian squadron consisted of 228 guns, 54 of them with calibers ranging from 203 to 305 mm.
On May 14 (27), the Second Pacific Squadron entered the Korean Strait with the goal of breaking through to Vladivostok, and was discovered by the Japanese patrol cruiser Izumi. The commander of the Japanese fleet, Admiral H. Togo, by this time had 4 squadron battleships, 8 armored cruisers, 16 cruisers, 6 gunboats and coastal defense ships, 24 auxiliary cruisers, 21 destroyers and 42 destroyers, armed with a total of 910 guns, of which 60 had a caliber from 203 to 305 mm. The Japanese fleet was divided into seven combat detachments. Togo immediately began deploying his forces with the goal of imposing battle on the Russian squadron and destroying it.
The Russian squadron sailed along the Eastern Passage of the Korea Strait (Tsushima Strait), leaving Tsushima Island on the left side. She was pursued by Japanese cruisers, following in the fog parallel to the course of the Russian squadron. The Russians discovered the Japanese cruisers at about 7 am. Rozhestvensky, without starting the battle, rebuilt the squadron into two wake columns, leaving transports and the cruisers covering them in the rearguard.
At 13:15, at the exit from the Tsushima Strait, the main forces of the Japanese fleet (battleships and armored cruisers) were discovered, which were trying to cross the course of the Russian squadron. Rozhdestvensky began to rebuild the ships into one wake column. During the rebuilding, the distance between the enemy ships decreased. Having finished rebuilding, the Russian ships opened fire at 13:49 from a distance of 38 cables (over 7 km).
The Japanese ships returned fire three minutes later, concentrating it on the lead Russian ships. Taking advantage of the superiority in squadron speed (16-18 knots versus 12-15 for the Russians), the Japanese fleet stayed ahead of the Russian column, crossing its course and trying to cover its head. By 14:00 the distance had decreased to 28 cables (5.2 km). Japanese artillery had a higher rate of fire (360 rounds per minute versus 134 for the Russian), Japanese shells were 10-15 times more explosive than Russian shells, and the armor of Russian ships was weaker (40% of the area versus 61% for the Japanese). This superiority predetermined the outcome of the battle.
At 2:25 p.m., the flagship battleship “Prince Suvorov” broke down and Rozhdestvensky was wounded. Another 15 minutes later, the squadron battleship Oslyabya died. The Russian squadron, having lost its leadership, continued to move in a column to the north, changing course twice to increase the distance between itself and the enemy. During the battle, the Japanese ships consistently concentrated fire on the lead ships, trying to disable them.
After 18 hours, command was transferred to Rear Admiral N.I. Nebogatov. By this time, four squadron battleships had already been lost, and all the ships of the Russian squadron were damaged. Japanese ships were also damaged, but none were sunk. The Russian cruisers, traveling in a separate column, repelled the attacks of the Japanese cruisers; one auxiliary cruiser "Ural" and one transport were lost in the battle.
On the night of May 15, Japanese destroyers repeatedly attacked Russian ships, firing 75 torpedoes. As a result, the battleship Navarin sank, and the crews of three armored cruisers that lost control were forced to scuttle their ships. The Japanese lost three destroyers in the night battle. In the darkness, the Russian ships lost contact with each other and then acted independently. Under the command of Nebogatov, only two squadron battleships, two coastal defense battleships and one cruiser remained.
Some of the ships and Nebogatov’s detachment still tried to break through to Vladivostok. Three cruisers, including the Aurora, sailed south and reached Manila, where they were interned. Nebogatov's detachment was surrounded by Japanese ships and surrendered to the enemy, but the cruiser Izumrud managed to break through the encirclement and escape to Vladivostok. In the Gulf of St. Vladimir, he ran aground and was blown up by the crew. The destroyer Bedovy with the wounded Rozhdestvensky also surrendered to the Japanese.
On May 15 (28), one battleship, one coastal defense battleship, three cruisers and one destroyer, who fought independently, were killed in battle. Three destroyers were sunk by their crews, and one destroyer went to Shanghai, where it was interned. Only the cruiser Almaz and two destroyers broke through to Vladivostok. In general, the Russian fleet lost 8 squadron battleships, one armored cruiser, one coastal defense battleship, 4 cruisers, one auxiliary cruiser, 5 destroyers and several transports in the Battle of Tsushima. Two squadron battleships, two coastal defense battleships and one destroyer surrendered to the Japanese.
Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 8 squadron battleships, 3 coastal defense battleships, 3 armored cruisers (2 obsolete), 6 cruisers, 1 auxiliary cruiser, 9 destroyers, 2 hospital ships, 6 auxiliary ships
Empire of Japan - 4 1st class battleships, 2 2nd class battleships (obsolete), 9 armored cruisers (1 obsolete), 15 cruisers, 21 destroyers, 44 destroyers, 21 auxiliary cruisers, 4 gunboats, 3 advice notes, 2 hospital ships
Losses:
Russian Empire - 21 ships sunk (7 battleships), 7 ships and vessels captured, 6 ships interned, 5045 people killed, 803 wounded, 6016 captured
Empire of Japan - 3 destroyers sunk, 117 killed, 538 wounded
