Never believe there is no way out. The largest naval battles in the history of Russia (12 photos)

To commemorate the three great victories of the Russian fleet - Gangut, Chesma, Sinop - Russian sailors traditionally wear three white stripes on their jacks *.

* Guys - a large blue collar on a uniform - a sailor's upper cloth or linen shirt.

GANGUTSKY SEA BATTLE.

The naval battle of the Great Northern War 1700-1721, which took place on July 27 (August 7), 1714. at Cape Gangut (now Hanko) between the Russian fleet under the command of Admiral F.M. Apraskin and Emperor Peter I and the Swedish fleet of Vice-Admiral G. Vatrang. Gangut is the first major victory of the Russian fleet. She raised the morale of the troops, showing that the Swedes can be defeated not only on land but also at sea. The captured Swedish ships were delivered to St. Petersburg, where a solemn meeting of the winners took place on September 9, 1714. The winners marched under a triumphal arch. Peter I praised the victory at Gangut, equating it with Poltava. On August 9, in honor of this event, a holiday was officially established in Russia - the Day of Military Glory.

CHESMEN'S SEA BATTLE.

Naval battle in the Aegean Sea off the western coast of Turkey on June 24-26 (July 5-7) 1770. between the Russian and Turkish fleets ended with the complete victory of the Russian fleet over the enemy, which was twice as large as the Russian squadron in number of ships, but was almost completely destroyed. The victory was achieved thanks to the correct choice of the moment for delivering a decisive blow, surprise of the attack at night, well-organized interaction of forces, as well as the high morale and combat quality of the personnel and naval skill of Admiral G.A. Spiridov, who boldly abandoned the stereotyped linear tactics, dominant at that time in the Western European fleets. All of Europe was shocked by the victory of the Russians, which was achieved not by numbers, but by skill. A naval museum dedicated to the victory at Chesme was opened in St. Petersburg today.

SYNOPE SEA BATTLE.

A naval battle on November 18 (30), 1853 between a Russian squadron under the command of Vice Admiral P.S. Nakhimov and a Turkish squadron under the command of Osman Pasha. The Turkish squadron was heading towards the coast of the Caucasus for a large landing. On the way, she took refuge from the bad weather in the Sinop Bay. Here it was blocked by the Russian fleet. However, the Turks and their English instructors did not allow the thought of a Russian attack on the bay protected by strong coastal batteries. However, the Russian corrals entered the bay so swiftly that the coastal artillery did not have time to inflict significant damage on them. During the four-hour battle, artillery fired 18 thousand shells, which almost completely destroyed the Turkish fleet. The Sinop victory was the result of a century and a half of the history of the Russian sailing fleet, since this battle was the last major naval battle of the era of sailing ships. With its victory, the Russian fleet won complete domination in the Black Sea and thwarted the Turkish plans for a landing in the Caucasus.

Gangut battle
The Gangut battle 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 all central parts of Finland were occupied by Russian troops. 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-thousandth landing) under the command of General-Admiral Count Fedor Matveyevich Apraksin concentrated off the eastern coast of the Gangut (in the Tverminna Bay) in order to land troops to strengthen the Russian garrison in Abo (100 km north-west of Cape Gangut). The way 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 (Shautbenakht Peter Mikhailov) used a tactical maneuver. He decided to transfer part of his galleys to the area north of the Gangut across the isthmus of this peninsula 2.5 kilometers long. To fulfill the plan, he ordered the construction of a passageway (wooden flooring). Upon learning of this, Vatrang sent a detachment of ships (1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerboats) to the northern coast of the peninsula. The detachment was led by Rear Admiral Ehrensjold. Another detachment (8 battleships and 2 bombarding ships) under the command of Vice Admiral Lille, he decided to use to strike at 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 for him. On the morning of July 26 (August 6), there was calm, because of which 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. After him, another detachment (15 ships) made a breakthrough. Thus, the need for haulage has disappeared. Zmaevich's detachment blocked Ehrensheld's detachment near Lakkisser Island.

Believing that other detachments of Russian ships would continue to break through in the same way, Vatrang withdrew Lille's detachment, thus freeing the coastal fairway. Taking advantage of this, Apraksin with the main forces of the rowing fleet broke through the coastal channel to his vanguard. At 14 o'clock on July 27 (August 7), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 ships, attacked Ehrensheld's detachment, which built its ships along a concave line, both flanks of which rested against the islands. The Swedes managed to repel the first two attacks with the fire of naval guns. The third attack was launched against the flanking ships of the Swedish detachment, which did not allow the enemy to use the advantage in artillery. They were soon boarded and captured. Peter I personally took part in the boarding attack, showing the sailors an example of courage and heroism. After a stubborn battle, the Swedish flagship, the Elephant frigate, surrendered. All 10 ships of the Ehrensheld squad were captured. Part of the forces of the Swedish fleet managed to withdraw to the Aland Islands.

The victory at the Gangut Peninsula was the first major victory for the Russian regular fleet. She provided him with freedom of action in the Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia, effective support of the 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, flexibly responded to changes in the tactical situation and weather conditions, managed to unravel the enemy's maneuver and impose his own tactics on him.

Forces of the parties:
Russia - 99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary vessels, 15 thousandth landing
Sweden - 14 battleships, 1 supplies, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys

War losses:
Russia - 127 killed (8 officers), 342 wounded (1 brigadier, 16 officers), 232 prisoners (7 officers). In total - 701 people (including - 1 brigadier, 31 officers), 1 galley - captured.
Sweden - 1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerboats, 361 killed (9 officers), 580 prisoners (1 admiral, 17 officers) (of which 350 were wounded). In total - 941 people (including - 1 admiral, 26 officers), 116 guns.

Battle of Grengam
The Battle of Grengam - a naval battle that took place on July 27 (August 7), 1720 in the Baltic Sea near the Grengam Island (southern group of the Aland Islands), was the last major battle of the Great Northern War.

After the Battle of Gangut, England, preoccupied with the growing power of the Russian army, formed a military alliance with Sweden. However, the demonstrative approach of the united Anglo-Swedish squadron to Revel did not force Peter I to seek peace, and the squadron withdrew to the shores of Sweden. Peter I, having learned about this, ordered to move the Russian fleet from the Aland Islands to Helsingfors, and leave several boats near the squadron for patrolling. Soon one of these boats, stranded, was captured by the Swedes, as a result of which Peter ordered the fleet back to the Aland Islands.
On July 26 (August 6), the Russian fleet under the command of M. Golitsyn, consisting of 61 galleys and 29 boats, approached the Aland Islands. Russian scout boats spotted a Swedish squadron between the islands of Lameland and Fritsberg. Due to the strong wind, it was impossible to attack it, 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. Sheblada, having 156 guns, unexpectedly weighed anchor and went to a rapprochement, subjecting the Russians to massive shelling. The Russian fleet began to hastily retreat into shallow water, where the Swedish ships pursuing it fell. In shallow water, 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 the undivided Swedish influence in the Baltic Sea and the establishment of Russia on it. The battle brought the conclusion of the Nystadt peace closer.

Forces of the parties:
Russian Empire - 61 galleys and 29 boats
Sweden - 1 ship of the line, 4 frigates, 3 galleys, 3 skerboats, shnava, galiot and brigantine

War losses:
Russian Empire - 82 killed (2 officers), 236 wounded (7 officers). In total - 328 people (including 9 officers).
Sweden - 4 frigates, 103 killed (3 officers), 407 prisoners (37 officers). In total - 510 people (including 40 officers), 104 guns, 4 flags.

Chesme battle

The Battle of Chesme is a naval battle on July 5-7, 1770 in the Chesme Bay between the Russian and Turkish fleets.

After the start of the Russian-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 English adviser Rear Admiral John Elfinston), united under the general command of Count Alexei Orlov, discovered the Turkish fleet on the roadstead of the Chesme Bay (western 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 up positions against the Turkish ships. The Turkish fleet opened fire at 11: 30-11: 45, the Russian - at 12:00. The maneuver was unsuccessful for three Russian ships: the Europa slipped past its seat and was forced to turn around and stand behind the Rostislav, the Three Saints rounded the second Turkish ship from the rear before it could become operational and was mistakenly attacked by the Tri Hierarch ", and" St. Januarius "was forced to turn around before he became operational.
"St. Eustathius "under the command of Spiridov began a duel with the flagship of the Turkish squadron" Real Mustafa "under the command of Gassan Pasha, and then tried to board him. After the burning mainmast of Real Mustafa fell to 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 had chopped off the anchor ropes and retreated to the Chesme Bay under the cover of coastal batteries.

July 6-7, battle in the Chesme Bay
In the Chesme Bay, Turkish ships formed two lines of 8 and 7 battleships, respectively, the rest of the ships took up a position between these lines and the coast.
During the day on July 6, Russian ships fired at the Turkish fleet and coastal fortifications from a long distance. Fire ships were made of four auxiliary vessels.

At 17:00 on July 6, the bombarding ship "Thunder" anchored in front of the entrance to the Chesme Bay and began shelling Turkish ships. At 0:30 the battleship "Europe" joined him, and by 1:00 - "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 batteries on the western coast of the bay ... At 1:30 or a little earlier (at midnight, according to Elphinstone), as a result of "Thunder" and / or "Don't touch me" fire, one of the Turkish battleships exploded due to the transition of flames from the burning sails to the hull. Burning debris from this explosion pelted other ships in the bay.

After the explosion at 2:00 am of the second Turkish ship, 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 Elphinston, only Captain Dugdale's fire-ship was shot, and Captain Gagarin's fire-ship 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 ship of the line. Ilyin set fire to the fire-ship, and he, together with the team, left it in a boat. The ship exploded and set fire to most of the remaining Turkish ships. By 2:30 am, 3 more ships of the line exploded.

At about 4:00, Russian ships sent boats to rescue two large ships that had not yet burned, but only one of them was removed - the 60-gun Rhodes. From 4:00 to 5:30 another 6 battleships exploded, and at 7 o'clock - simultaneously 4. By 8:00 the battle in the Chesme Bay was completed.
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 Kyuchuk-Kainardzhi peace treaty.

Forces 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 ships,
OK. 15,000 people

Losses:
Russian Empire - 1 ship of the line, 4 fire ships, 661 people, of which 636 - in the explosion of the ship St. Eustathius, 40 wounded
Ottoman Empire - 15 ships of the line, 6 frigates, a large number of small ships, approx. 11.000 people. Captured: 1 ship of the line, 5 galleys

Rochensalm battles

The first Battle of Rochensalm was a naval battle between Russia and Sweden, which took place on August 13 (24), 1789 on the roadstead of the Swedish city of Rochensalm and ended with 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. Ehrensverd took refuge in the Rochensalm roadstead among the islands near the modern Finnish city of Kotka. The Swedes blocked the only accessible for large ships the Rochensalm Strait, sinking three ships there. On August 24, 86 Russian ships under the command of Vice Admiral K.G. Nassau-Siegen began an attack from two sides. The southern detachment under the command of Major General I.P. Balle for several hours diverted the main forces of the Swedes, while the main forces of the Russian fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Yu. P. Litta were breaking through from the north. The ships fired, and special teams of sailors and officers cut through the passage. Five hours later Rochensalm was cleared, and the Russians broke into the raid. The Swedes were defeated, having lost 39 ships (including the admiral captured). The losses of the Russians amounted to 2 ships. The commander of the right wing of the Russian avant-garde, Antonio Coronelli, distinguished himself in the battle.

Forces of the parties:
Russia - 86 ships
Sweden - 49 ships

War losses:
Russia -2 ships
Sweden - 39 ships

The Second Battle of Rochensalm is a naval battle between Russia and Sweden, which took place on July 9-10, 1790 on 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, almost already won by Russia, on conditions unfavorable for the Russian side.

The attempt to storm Vyborg, undertaken by the Swedes in June 1790, was not crowned with success: on July 4, 1790, the Swedish fleet, blocked by Russian ships in the Vyborg Bay, escaped from the encirclement at the cost of significant losses. Having taken the galley fleet to Rochensalm (the main part of the sailing warships that survived the breakthrough of the Vyborg blockade went to Sveaborg for repairs), Gustav III and flag captain Lieutenant Colonel Karl Olof Kronstedt began preparations for the alleged attack by the Russians. On July 6, final orders were issued on the organization of the defense. At dawn on July 9, 1790, in view of the approaching Russian ships, an order was given to start the battle.
Unlike the first Battle of Rochensalm, the Russians decided to break into 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 am and at 9 am, without preliminary reconnaissance, began a battle - probably wanting to make a gift to Empress Catherine II on the day of 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 thrown back by a hurricane wind and fired from the shore by Swedish coastal batteries, as well as by anchored Swedish galleys and gunboats.

Then the Swedes, skillfully maneuvering, moved the gunboats to the left flank and mixed the formation of the Russian galleys. During the panicky retreat, most of the Russian galleys, followed by frigates and shebeks, were smashed by storm waves, sank or capsized. Several Russian sailing ships, anchored in combat positions, were boarded, captured or burned.

In the morning of the next day, the Swedes consolidated their disposition 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 ships involved) in all of naval history; a larger number of warships - if you 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.

Forces of the parties:
Russian Empire - 20 ships of the line, 23 galleys and shebeks, 77 battleships, ≈1400 guns, 18,500 people
Sweden - 6 battleships, 16 galleys, 154 sloops and gunboats, ≈1000 guns, 12,500 people

War 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 ships

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. It 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 area of hostilities due to the presence of a Turkish squadron in the west of the Black Sea. The squadron of Rear Admiral FF Ushakov came to the aid of the flotilla. Having under his command 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 17 cruising ships, a bombing ship, a rehearsal ship and 2 fire-ships, on August 25 he left Sevastopol and headed for Ochakov to join up 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, thirsted for revenge for the defeat in the battle at 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 the Russian naval forces in the Black Sea and thus earned his favor. For loyalty, Selim III gave his friend and relative (Hasan Pasha was married to the Sultan's sister) an experienced admiral Said Bey to help his friend and relative, intending to turn the tide of events at sea in Turkey's favor.
On the morning of August 28, the Turkish fleet, consisting of 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 other vessels, 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 arrival of the Russians confused the Turks. Despite the superiority in forces, they hastily began to cut the ropes and retreat in disarray to the Danube. Ushakov ordered to carry all the sails and, remaining in the marching order, began to descend on the enemy. The leading Turkish ships, having filled their sails, retired a considerable distance. But, noticing the danger hanging over the rearguard, Hasan Pasha began to unite with him and build a battle line. Ushakov, continuing the rapprochement with 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 from the Turks.

Using the change in battle formation that had proved itself in the Battle of Kerch, Fyodor Fyodorovich pulled out of the line three frigates - "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 both sides. At 15 o'clock, approaching the enemy at a grapeshot range, F.F. Ushakov forced him to fight. And soon, under the powerful fire of the Russian line, the enemy began to dodge into the wind and become frustrated. Coming nearer, the Russians attacked the front of the Turkish fleet with all their might. Ushakov's flagship "Christmas Christ" fought three enemy ships, forcing them to leave the line.

By 17 o'clock, the entire Turkish line was finally broken. Compressed by the Russians, the leading enemy ships turned stern to them to get out of the battle. Their example was followed by the rest of the vessels, which became as a result of this maneuver the leading ones. During the turn, a series of powerful volleys were fired at them, causing them great destruction. Particularly affected were two Turkish flagship ships located opposite the "Nativity of Christ" and "Transfiguration of the Lord". On the Turkish flagship, the main topsail was shot down, the yards, topmills were destroyed and the stern part was destroyed. The battle continued. Three Turkish ships were cut off from the main forces, and the aft part of the Hasan-Pashinsky ship was blown to pieces by Russian cannonballs. The enemy fled towards the Danube. Ushakov pursued him until darkness and intensified wind forced him to stop 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 Mediolansky" did find itself among the enemy fleet. But since the flags had not yet been raised, the Turks took him for their own. The resourcefulness of the commander - captain M.N. Neledinsky - helped him get out of such a difficult situation. Dropping anchor with other Turkish ships, he continued to follow them without raising a flag. Little by little, Neledinsky waited for the moment when the danger was over, raised the Andreevsky flag and went to his fleet. Ushakov gave the command to raise 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 the flagship of Said-bey, 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, directed its course to the shallow water separating the fairway between Kinburn and Hajibey. The vanguard commander, brigadier captain G.K. 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. Coming up 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 off all the masts from him and gave way to St. George ". Soon, "Christmas" again stood sideways against the nose of the Turkish flagship, preparing for the next volley. But here, seeing its despair, the Turkish flagship lowered the flag. Russian sailors boarded the enemy ship, already engulfed in flames, first of all trying to select officers for boarding the boats. With a gusty wind and thick smoke, the last boat, with great risk, again approached the side and took off Said-bey, after which the ship took off into the air together with the remaining crew and the treasury of the Turkish fleet. The explosion of a large admiral's ship in front of the entire Turkish fleet made a strong impression on the Turks and completed the moral victory gained by Ushakov at Tendra. The increasing wind, damage to the spars 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 ships of the line, a brigantine, a lanson and a floating battery.

Forces of the parties:
Russian Empire - 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship and 20 auxiliary ships, 830 cannons
Ottoman Empire - 14 ships of the line, 8 frigates and 23 support ships, 1400 cannons

Losses:
Russian Empire - 21 killed, 25 wounded
Ottoman Empire - 2 ships, more than 2 thousand killed

Battle of Kaliakria

The Battle of Kaliakria is the last naval battle of the Russo-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 Fedor 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 battleships, 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, the commander of the Algerian fleet, raised anchor and followed 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. Turkish ships were damaged and fled in disarray from the battlefield. 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 Russian-Turkish war closer, which ended with the signing of the Yassy Peace Treaty.

Forces of the parties:
Russian Empire - 15 battleships, 2 frigates, 19 auxiliary ships
Ottoman Empire - 18 ships of the line, 17 frigates, 48 auxiliary ships, coastal battery

Losses:
Russian Empire - 17 killed, 28 wounded
Ottoman Empire - Unknown

Battle of Sinop

Battle of Sinop - 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 regard it as the "swan song" of the sailing fleet and the first battle of the Crimean War. The Turkish fleet was defeated within a few hours. This attack served as a pretext for Great 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 the 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 block the port in order to attack the enemy with the arrival of reinforcements from Sevastopol.
On November 16 (28), 1853, the squadron of Rear Admiral FM Novosilsky (120-gun battleships Paris, Grand Duke Constantine and Three Saints, frigates Cahul and Kulevchi) joined Nakhimov's detachment. The Turks could be reinforced by the allied Anglo-French fleet located in the Beshik-Kertez Bay (Dardanelles Strait). It was decided to attack in 2 columns: in the 1st, closest to the enemy - the ships of the Nakhimov 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 supposed to use 68-pound bombing 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 be washed ashore).
At 9.30 am, keeping rowing ships 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 positioned moon-like under the cover of 4 batteries (one - 8-gun, 3 - 6 guns each); behind the battle line were 2 steamers and 2 transport ships.
At 12.30 o'clock in the afternoon on the 1st shot from the 44-gun frigate "Aunni-Allah" was opened fire from all Turkish ships and batteries.
The battleship "Empress Maria" was filled with shells, most of its spars and standing rigging were destroyed, at the mainmast only one cable remained intact. However, the ship went forward non-stop and, acting with battle fire on the enemy ships, anchored against the frigate "Aunni-Allah"; the latter, unable to withstand the half-hour shelling, threw himself 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 were concentrated on battery No. 5.

The battleship "Grand Duke Constantine", anchored, opened heavy fire on battery No. 4 and the 60-gun frigates "Navek-Bahri" and "Nesimi-Zefer"; the first was detonated 20 minutes after the opening of fire, showered with debris and bodies of sailors on battery No. 4, which then almost ceased to function; the second was thrown ashore by the wind when its anchor chain was broken.
The battleship Chesma demolished batteries No. 4 and No. 3 with its shots.

The battleship Paris, at anchor, opened battle fire on battery No. 5, the Gyuli-Sefid corvette (22-push) and the frigate Damiad (56-push); then, blowing up the corvette and throwing the frigate ashore, began to hit the frigate "Nizamie" (64-push), the fore and mizzen masts of which 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 the fight against the frigates "Kaidi-Zefer" (54-push.) And "Nizamie"; with the first enemy shots, the spring was interrupted, and the ship, turning in the wind, was subjected to accurate longitudinal fire from battery No. 6, and its spar 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 "Feyze-Meabud" (24-push), and threw the corvette ashore.

At 1 ½ o'clock in the afternoon the Russian steamship-frigate "Odessa" appeared from behind the cape under the flag of Adjutant General Vice-Admiral VA Kornilov, accompanied by the steamer frigates "Crimea" and "Chersonesos". These ships immediately took part in the battle, which, however, was already drawing to a close; the forces of the Turks were greatly weakened. Batteries # 5 and # 6 continued to harass the Russian ships until 4 o'clock, but Paris and Rostislav soon destroyed them. Meanwhile, the rest of the Turkish ships, lit, apparently by their crews, took off one by one; from this, a fire spread in the city, which there was no one to extinguish.

About 2 o'clock Turkish 22-gun steam frigate "Taif", armament 2-10 dm bomb, 4-42 lb., 16-24 lb. guns, under the command of Yahya-bey, escaped from the line of Turkish ships, suffering a severe defeat, and fled. Taking advantage of the speed of the Taif, Yahya-bey managed to escape the pursuing Russian ships (frigates Cahul and Kulevchi, then the steam frigates of the Kornilov detachment) and inform Istanbul about the complete extermination of the Turkish squadron. Captain Yahya Bey, who was awaiting a reward for saving the ship, was dismissed from the service and deprived of his rank for "unworthy behavior."

Forces of the parties:
Russian Empire - 6 battleships, 2 frigates, 3 steamers, 720 naval guns
Ottoman Empire - 7 frigates, 5 corvettes, 476 naval guns and 44 on coastal 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

Tsushima battle

Tsushima naval battle - naval battle 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 Zinovy Petrovich Rozhdestvensky suffered a crushing defeat 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 surrendered, 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, unparalleled in the history of steam fleets, by a large Russian squadron of various types from the Baltic Sea to the Far East.

The second Russian Pacific squadron under the command of Vice Admiral Z.P. Rozhestvensky 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 begun its journey in Libau, Rozhdestvensky's squadron reached the coast 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. The Rozhdestvensky 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 was 228 guns, 54 of them were from 203 to 305 mm caliber.

On May 14 (27), the Second Pacific Squadron entered the Korea Strait in order to break 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 groups. Togo immediately began deploying his forces in order to impose battle on the Russian squadron and destroy it.

The Russian squadron marched along the East Passage of the Korea Strait (Tsushima Strait), leaving Tsushima Island on its port 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 the transports in the rearguard and the cruisers covering them.

At 13:15, at the exit from the Tsushima Strait, the main forces of the Japanese fleet (battleships and armored cruisers) were discovered, which sought to cross the course of the Russian squadron. Rozhestvensky began to rebuild the ships into one wake column. During rebuilding, the distance between enemy ships was reduced. Having finished the rebuilding, the Russian ships opened fire at 13 hours 49 minutes from a distance of 38 cables (over 7 km).

The Japanese ships returned fire three minutes later, focusing on the lead Russian ships. Using superiority in squadron speed (16-18 knots versus 12-15 for the Russians), the Japanese fleet kept ahead of the Russian column, crossing its course and trying to cover its warhead. By 14 o'clock the distance had decreased to 28 cables (5.2 km). The Japanese artillery had a high rate of fire (360 rounds per minute against 134 for the Russian), the Japanese shells were 10-15 times superior in high-explosive action, the armor of the Russian ships was weaker (40% of the area versus 61% for the Japanese). This superiority predetermined the outcome of the battle.

At 14:25 the flagship battleship "Prince Suvorov" went out of action, Rozhestvensky was wounded. Another 15 minutes later, the excade battleship "Oslyabya" was killed. The Russian squadron, which had lost its leadership, continued to march in a column to the north, changing course twice in order to increase the distance between itself and the enemy. In the course of the battle, the Japanese ships consistently concentrated fire on the lead ships, trying to put them out of action.

After 18 hours, command was transferred to Rear Admiral N.I. Nebogatov. By this time, four squadron battleships had already died, all the ships of the Russian squadron were damaged. Japanese ships were also damaged, but none were sunk. The Russian cruisers marching in a separate column repulsed the attacks of the Japanese cruisers; One auxiliary cruiser Ural and one transport were killed 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, the teams of the three armored cruisers that lost control were forced to sink their ships. The Japanese lost three destroyers in the night battle. In the dark, the Russian ships lost contact with each other and then operated independently. Only two squadron battleships, two coastal defense battleships and one cruiser remained under the command of Nebogatov.
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 go to Vladivostok. In the Gulf of St. Vladimir, he ran aground and was blown up by the team. 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 were killed in the battle. Three destroyers were sunk by their crews, and one destroyer left for Shanghai, where he was interned. Only the cruiser Almaz and two destroyers broke through to Vladivostok. In general, the Russian fleet lost in the battle of Tsushima 8 squadron battleships, one armored cruiser, one coastal defense battleship, 4 cruisers, one auxiliary cruiser, 5 destroyers and several transports. Two squadron battleships, two coastal defense battleships and one destroyer surrendered to the Japanese.

Forces 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 class 1 battleships, 2 class 2 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 taken prisoner
Empire of Japan - 3 destroyers sunk, 117 killed, 538 wounded

The brightest battle pages are associated with actions against Sweden and Turkey, Russia's rivals in the Baltic, Black and Aegean Seas. Each of these opponents - both Sweden and Turkey - as a result of less than a century of consistent military struggle, ceased to exist as naval powers.

Let's briefly describe the most glorious victories of the Russian fleet:

1. "The Russian eagle does not catch flies." Gangut battle July 27 (August 7) 1714. The battle took place during the Northern War of 1700-1721 between Russian and Swedish squadrons in the Baltic Sea, near the Hanko Peninsula.

The purpose of the Russian fleet was to land troops to reinforce the Russian garrison in Abo in modern Finland. The Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates, and 11 more ships) under the command of Admiral G. Wattrang blocked the path of the Russian rowing fleet (99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary ships) with a landing of fifteen thousand people under the command of General-Admiral F.M. Apraksin.

Personally, Peter I decided to use a tactical maneuver and transfer part of his galleys across the isthmus north of the Gangut. The Swedish commander dispatched a squadron of Admiral Ehrenskjold (1 pram "Elephant" (translated as "Elephant"), 6 galleys and 3 skerboats, 116 guns, 941 sailors) to prevent the Russians.

But the calm that reigned helped the Russian fleet to pass by the Swedish and to board the entire squadron of Ehrensjold. The Swedes killed 361 people, and the rest were taken prisoner. The Russians lost 127 people and 342 were injured.

The victory was marked by the erection of an arch with the image of the Eagle sitting on the back of the Elephant with the inscription "The Russian eagle does not catch flies."

2. "Good Initiative". Battle of Ezel on May 24 (June 4) 1719 between Russian and Swedish squadrons in the Baltic, near the island of Saaremaa, modern Estonia. Seven Russian ships attacked 3 Swedish ships and forced them to lower their flags. The losses of the Swedes amounted to 50 killed, 14 wounded, another 387 surrendered. This was the first victory in a naval artillery duel of the Russian ship fleet.

Tsar Peter I called this victory "a good initiative".

Emperor Peter I. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

3. "The Nystadt world that brought closer". Grengam battle July 27 (August 7) 1720 between the Russian rowing squadron under the command of General-in-Chief Prince M.M. Golitsyn (61 galleys and 29 boats) and the Swedish squadron under the command of K.G. brigantine, 156 guns). The Russians, retreating, lured the Swedish ships into shallow water, where, going into a counterattack, they boarded four frigates (103 killed, 407 taken prisoner), the rest retreated.

Russian losses: 82 killed, 236 wounded.

4. "Count Orlov of Chesmensky". Battle of Chesme June 24-26 (July 5-7) 1770, during the First Archipelago operation of the Russian fleet (9 battleships, 3 frigates, and about 20 auxiliary ships, about 6,500 people) under the command of Count A.G. Orlov in the Aegean Sea against the Turkish fleet (16 battleships, 6 frigates, 6 Shebek, 13 galleys and 32 small ships, about 15,000 people) under the command of Kapudan Pasha Husameddin Ibrahim Pasha. Having driven the Turkish fleet as a result of the Chios battle (one ship from both sides exploded) into the Chesme Bay, the Russian fleet (loss of 4 fire ships and about 20 people) burned it down with its artillery fire and the actions of its fire ships in the next two days. The Turks lost 15 ships of the line, 6 frigates, most of the small ships, about 11,000 men. One ship of the line and five galleys were captured by Russian sailors.

The Russian commander received the right to add the name "Chesmensky" to his surname.

5. "Destruction of the Dulcy Fleet". Battle of Patras October 26-29 (November 6-9) 1772, during the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774 in the Aegean Sea. The Russian squadron (2 battleships, 2 frigates and three small ships, 224 guns) under the command of Captain 1st Rank M.T.Konyaev defeated the Turkish squadron (9 frigates, 16 shebeks, 630 guns) under the command of Kapudan Pasha Mustafa Pasha ... During the three-day battle, 9 frigates, 10 shebeks and more than 200 Turks were destroyed by Russian artillery and burned down by brandskugels. Russian losses: 1 killed and 6 wounded.

6. "Cabin in the roadstead". The first battle of Rochensalm 13 (24) August 1789 in the Gulf of Finland, during the Russian-Swedish war of 1788-1790. The Russian fleet (86 ships) under the command of Prince K. G. Nassau-Siegen defeated the Swedish fleet (49 ships) under the command of Admiral K. A. Ehrensverd on the roadstead of the fortress city of Rochensalm, the modern Finnish city of Kotka. Swedish losses: 39 ships (including the admiral's captured), 1,000 killed and wounded, 1,200 prisoners. The Russians lost 2 ships and about 1,000 people killed and wounded.

7. "Running through the line". Battle of Revel 2 (13) May 1790 in the Baltic during the Russian-Swedish war of 1788-1790. Ships of the Swedish fleet (22 battleships, 4 frigates and 4 auxiliary vessels) under the command of Duke Karl of Südermanland, passing by the battle line of the Russian fleet (10 battleships, 5 frigates and 9 auxiliary vessels) under the command of Admiral V.Ya. Chichagov, in turn were subjected to long-term concentrated fire from all Russian artillery, were "driven through the ranks", suffering severe damage. As a result, the Swedes lost 1 ship destroyed, 1 captured and 1 run aground, 61 sailors were killed, 71 wounded and 520 taken prisoner. Russian losses: 8 killed and 27 wounded.

8. "Trafalgar Baltic" or "Vyborg spitsruteny". Battle of Vyborg on June 22 (July 3) 1790 on the Baltic Sea during the same Russian-Swedish war. The Russian fleet (50 battleships and frigates, 20 galleys, 8 rowing skerry frigates, 52 small galleys, 21,000 sailors and soldiers) under the command of Admiral V.Ya. Chichagov blocked the Swedish fleet (22 battleships, 13 frigates, 366 small ships, 3 000 guns, 30 000 sailors and soldiers) under the command of King Gustav III and Prince Karl of Südermanland in the Vyborg Bay, after another unsuccessful attempt to capture St. Petersburg. Breaking through, the Swedes lost 7 ships of the line, 3 frigates, almost 60 small ships and up to 7 thousand killed, wounded and captured. The Russians lost 117 killed and 164 wounded.

Admiral F.F.Ushakov. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

9. "Many thanks to Rear Admiral Ushakov." Battle of the Kerch Strait 8 (19) July 1790 years during the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791 between the Russian fleet (10 battleships, 6 frigates, and 17 other ships, 837 guns) under the command of Vice Admiral F.F.Ushakov with the Turkish fleet (10 battleships, 8 frigates , 36 other ships, 1100 cannons) under the command of Kapudan Pasha Giritli Hussein Pasha, who went to conquer the Crimea. By concentrating the artillery onslaught on the Turkish flagship, the Russian commander won. The Turks fled, losing one ship, suffering heavy losses in their landing force.

Empress Catherine II expressed her gratitude to our commander "Rear Admiral Ushakov."

10. "Unexpected attack". Battle of Cape Tendra August 28-29 (September 8-9) 1790 in the Black Sea during the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. The Russian Black Sea Fleet (10 battleships, 6 frigates, and 21 auxiliary ships, 830 guns) under the command of Rear Admiral F.F.Ushakov unexpectedly attacked the anchored Turkish fleet (14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 auxiliary ships, 1 400 cannons) under the command of Giritli Husen Pasha and overturned his formation. The Turks lost 2 ships of the line and 3 auxiliary ships, the flagship of the line was captured, more than 2,000 people were killed. Another battleship and several Turkish auxiliary vessels sank on the way home. Russian losses: 21 killed, 25 wounded.

11. "Go down on the enemy." Battle of Kaliakria July 31 (August 11) 1791. Present Northern Bulgaria, Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. The Russian fleet (15 battleships, 2 frigates and 19 auxiliary vessels) under the command of Rear Admiral F.F.Ushakov sailed between the Turkish fleet (18 battleships, 17 frigates and 48 auxiliary vessels) under the command of Giritli Khusen Pasha and coastal batteries and forced the Turks to flee. The Turks suffered heavy losses. The flagship sank in the strait of Constantinople.

12. "At the very capital of the Ottoman Empire." Battle of Dardanelles, 10 (22) -11 (23) May 1807 in the Aegean Sea, near the Dardanelles during the Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812. Conducting its Second Archipelago operation, the Russian fleet (10 battleships, 1 frigate) under the command of Vice-Admiral D.N. Senyavin, as a result of the battle forced the Turkish fleet (8 battleships, 6 frigates, 55 auxiliary ships) under the command of Kapudan Pasha Seit -Ali go back to the straits with the loss of 3 ships and about 2,000 people.

Russian losses: 26 killed and 56 wounded.

13. "Between Athos and Lemnos". Battle of Athos, June 19 (July 1) 1807 in the Aegean Sea, between the Athos peninsula and the island of Lemnos. The Russian fleet (10 ships of the line) under the command of the same Vice-Admiral D.N. -Ali.

The Turks lost 2 ships of the line, 2 frigates, 1 sloop, and up to 1,000 people were killed. One ship of the line was captured along with 774 prisoners. Two more ships never returned to the Dardanelles.

Russian casualties: 77 killed and 189 wounded.

The Ottoman Empire lost the fighting efficiency of its fleet for a whole decade.

14. "It will be done with the enemy in Russian." Battle of Navarino 8 (20) October 1827, Aegean Sea. Saying goodbye to the Russian squadron (9 ships) under the command of Rear Admiral L.P. Heyden, on the Azov ship, Emperor Nicholas I said: "I hope that in the event of any hostilities, it will be done with the enemy in Russian."

United Russian-Anglo-French squadron (10 battleships (4 Russian, 3 English, 3 French), out of 10 frigates (4 Russian, 4 English, 2 French), 4 brig, 2 corvettes (1 Russian), and 1 tender) supported the Greek liberation movement and faced opposition from the Turkish fleet (3 battleships, 17 frigates, 30 corvettes, 28 brigs, more than 10 other ships). The battle took place in the Navarino harbor, where over 60 Turkish ships and more than 4,000 sailors were destroyed. The flagship of the battleship "Azov" of the Russian squadron, which destroyed five Turkish ships, including the Turkish flagship, was particularly distinguished. For the first time in the Russian fleet "Azov" was awarded the St. George flag for this battle.

Allied losses: 181 killed and 480 wounded.

"Sinop massacre". Photo: www.globallookpress.com

15. "Sinop massacre". Battle of Sinop 18 (30) November 1853. The scene is the Black Sea during the Crimean War of 1853-1856. The Russian squadron (6 battleships, 2 frigates, 3 steamers, 720 guns) under the command of Vice-Admiral P.S.Nakhimov in the harbor of the Black Sea coast of Turkey defeated the Turkish fleet (7 frigates, 3 corvettes, 2 steamers and 2 transports, 478 guns and 44 coastal guns) under the command of Vice Admiral Osman Pasha.

The Turks lost all 7 frigates, 2 corvettes, about 3,000 people were killed and wounded, 200 prisoners (together with the admiral).

The Battle of Sinop was the last major battle of the sailing fleets.

The great MI Kutuzov said best of all about the people of heroism and victory, whose deeds we have described: "Your iron chest fears neither the severity of the weather, nor the anger of enemies: it is a reliable wall of the Fatherland, about which everything will be crushed."

Mauritius Bakua, Gangut battle. Engraving

On August 9, 1714, near Cape Gangut, during the Northern War, the Russian fleet under the command of Peter I won the first major naval victory in Russian history over the Swedes. Now in detail - what kind of battle and how significant it was in the history of Russia. Let's figure it out.

What do we know about the Gangut battle

The Gangut battle 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 all central parts of Finland were occupied by Russian troops. 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-thousandth landing) under the command of General-Admiral Count Fedor Matveyevich Apraksin concentrated off the eastern coast of the Gangut (in the Tverminna Bay) in order to land troops to strengthen the Russian garrison in Abo (100 km north-west of Cape Gangut). The path of the Russian fleet was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys) under the command of Gustav Vatrang.

Tactical move of Peter I

Peter I (Shautbenakht Peter Mikhailov) used a tactical maneuver. He decided to transfer part of his galleys to the area north of the Gangut across the isthmus of this peninsula 2.5 kilometers long. To fulfill the plan, he ordered the construction of a passageway (wooden flooring). Upon learning of this, Vatrang sent a detachment of ships (1 pram, 6 galleys, 3 skerboats) to the northern coast of the peninsula. The detachment was led by Rear Admiral Ehrensjold. Another detachment (8 battleships and 2 bombarding ships) under the command of Vice Admiral Lille, he decided to use to strike at the main forces of the Russian fleet.

Painting by Alexei Bogolyubov

Peter expected such a decision. He decided to take advantage of the division of enemy forces. The weather was favorable for him. On the morning of July 26 (August 6), there was calm, because of which 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. After him, another detachment (15 ships) made a breakthrough. Thus, the need for haulage has disappeared. Zmaevich's detachment blocked Ehrensheld's detachment near Lakkisser Island.

Andrey Lysenko. Peter I meets a foreign fleet, 2004.

At 14 o'clock on July 27 (August 7), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 ships, attacked Ehrensheld's detachment, which built its ships along a concave line, both flanks of which rested against the islands.

The Swedes managed to repel the first two attacks with the fire of naval guns. The third attack was launched against the flanking ships of the Swedish detachment, which did not allow the enemy to use the advantage in artillery. They were soon boarded and captured. Peter I personally took part in the boarding attack, showing the sailors an example of courage and heroism. After a stubborn battle, the Swedish flagship, the Elephant Pram, surrendered. All 10 ships of the Ehrensheld squad were captured. Part of the forces of the Swedish fleet managed to withdraw to the Aland Islands.

P.N. Wagner, Battle of Gangut

Myths and inaccuracies

However, the St. Petersburg researcher P.A.Krotov, having examined archival documents, pointed out a number of inaccuracies in the traditional perception of the battle. He showed that there were not three attacks in the battle, but one (the myth of three attacks was created by the Swedes to indicate their stubborn resistance). The scientist presented the results of the research in the monograph "The Gangut Battle of 1714".

The victory of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Gangut was due to the correct choice of the direction of the main attack, the skillful use of the skerry fairway to escort the rowing fleet to the Gulf of Bothnia, well-organized reconnaissance and interaction of the sailing and rowing fleets during the deployment of forces.

The skillful use of the meteorological conditions of the theater of operations to organize a breakthrough of the rowing fleet in calm weather and the use of military cunning (demonstratively dragging rowing vessels across the isthmus to the enemy's rear) also played a role.

"For this battle, Peter I was promoted to vice admiral"

In September 1714, celebrations took place in St. Petersburg on the occasion of the Gangut victory. The winners marched under a triumphal arch with an image of an eagle sitting on the back of an elephant. The inscription read: "The Russian eagle does not catch flies."

Pram "Elephant" no longer took part in the hostilities, but stood together with other captured ships in the Kronverkskaya channel, enveloping Zayachiy Island from the north (between the modern Artillery Museum and the Peter and Paul Fortress).

Ship model, Class C-1. Pram "Elephant", scale 1:48, Arkady Polivkin, Vecheslav Polivkin, Vitebsk.

In 1719 the tsar ordered to repair the Elephant, in 1724 - to pull it ashore at the Kronverkskaya harbor and keep it forever as a battle trophy. But by 1737, the pram rotted away and was taken apart for firewood.

August 9 - in honor of this event, a holiday is officially established in Russia - the Day of Military Glory.

During the battle, the Swedes lost 361 people killed, 350 wounded, the rest were captured.

The Russians lost 124 people killed. There were 342 wounded.

In memory of the victories at Gangut and at Grengam (won in different years on the same day - the day of the memory of St. Panteleimon), the Panteleimon Church was built in St. Petersburg.

Panteleimon Church, Pestel Street. St. Petersburg, photo: Evgeny Yakushev

In 1914, at the initiative of the Imperial Russian Military Historical Society, marble memorial plaques with a list of regiments that fought at Gangut and Grengam were reinforced on the facade of the Panteleimon Church. (Opposite the church, at the end of house No. 11 on Pestel Street, there is also a memorial plaque in honor of the defenders of Hanko (the modern name of Gangut) during the Great Patriotic War).

In the building of the Panteleimon Church, an exposition has been opened that tells about the battles of the Peter's galley and sailing fleet in the Baltic, about the courage of Russian soldiers in the Northern War and the heroism of sailors in the defense of the Hanko Peninsula at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

The following entry was left in the marching journal of Peter the Great about this battle:

"Truly, it is impossible to describe the courage of ours, both primary and private, even boarding is so brutally repaired that from the enemy's guns"

This victory was the first major military success of the Russian fleet and was of great military and political significance; Peter I himself equated it in importance with the Battle of Poltava. After all, the young Russian fleet defeated the strongest Swedish fleet at that time, which did not know defeat before the Battle of Gangut. In addition, this military success significantly strengthened the position of the Russian troops in Finland and created the conditions for the transfer of hostilities to the territory of Sweden itself.

The Gangut victory made a great impression on the Western powers. Gangut showed that another maritime power was born to be reckoned with. England was especially alarmed, as it embarked on a course of neutralizing Russia in the Baltic. The British government, fearing that Russia would force Sweden to surrender and sharply strengthen its position in the Baltic Sea, began to put pressure on Stockholm in order to continue the war and threaten the Russians with its powerful fleet. From the summer of 1715, the British squadron began to systematically visit the Baltic Sea, trying to contain the Russian onslaught on Sweden. However, that's another story ...