First naval victory at Cape Gangut. Day of military glory of Russia in honor of the victory over the swedes at Cape Gangut

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.

GANGUT SEA BATTLE.

The sea 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 for the coast of the Caucasus for the landing of a large assault force. 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 Turkish plans to land troops in the Caucasus.

Gangut battle
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 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 required to defeat the Swedish fleet.
At the end of June 1714, the Russian rowing fleet (99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary vessels 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 crossroad (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 bombardment 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 calmness, 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 staying 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 14:00 on July 27 (August 7), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 ships, attacked Ehrensheld's detachment, which had 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 reacted to changes in the tactical situation and weather conditions, was able to guess the enemy's maneuver and impose his own tactics on him.

Forces of the parties:
Russia - 99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary ships, 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 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. Because of 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 waters, 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.

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 outbreak 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 failed 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 cut 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 ships of the line, 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 ships of the line 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, 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, 3 more ships of the line had 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 Kuchuk-Kainardzhiyskiy 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 strait 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 was 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 break 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 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 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 raid 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 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.

On 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. A 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 near 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 found Russian ships sailing under full sail in a marching order of three columns. The arrival of the Russians confused the Turks. Despite their 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 the battle formation that had proved itself in the Battle of Kerch, Fyodor Fedorovich 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 two 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 closer, the Russians with all their might fell on the front part of the Turkish fleet. 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 ships, which became the leading as a result of this maneuver. During the turn, a series of powerful volleys were fired at them, causing 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 theirs. 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. Slightly lagging behind, Neledinsky waited until 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, the "Rozhdestvo Khristovo" again stood sideways against the nose of the Turkish flagship, preparing for the next volley. But then, 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 end 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 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 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 Russo-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 F.M. 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 ships 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 intended to use 68-pound bombardments.

On the morning of November 18 (November 30) it was raining with a gusty wind 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 round from the 44-gun frigate "Aunni-Allah" fire was opened 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 at 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, anchored, 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 with 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 operate 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.

At 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, suffering a severe defeat, and fled. Taking advantage of the speed of the Taif, Yahya-bey managed to escape the pursuing Russian ships (the 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 "misbehavior."

Forces 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 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. 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 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 with the aim 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 units. Togo immediately began deploying his forces in order to impose battle on the Russian squadron and destroy it.

The Russian squadron marched 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 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 versus 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" was 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. 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 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 Emerald 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

Let word for word come in cool
Let the words be stones
May the glory of the Russian Gangut
Will live forever.

Mikhail Dudin

It was 1714. For nearly 15 years, the Northern War, which was exhausting for Russia, lasted. Behind were the shameful defeat of the Russian troops near Narva in 1700, which forced Tsar Peter I to urgently create a new regular army, and the glorious victory of Russian arms at Poltava in 1709, which showed the power of the renewed Russia and put an end to Swedish hegemony in Central Europe. However, even having lost the 30,000th land army, the Swedish king Charles XII did not lose hope of winning this war.

In order to crush Sweden, Russia had to take possession of the Baltic Sea, which the Swedes themselves called "Swedish Lake", in an effort to emphasize the dominance of their navy here. Russia has been preparing for the solution of this strategic task for a long time. The Northern War itself was started by the Russians with the aim of recapturing access to the Baltic. And although the Russian troops gradually managed to occupy the entire eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, it was too early to talk about gaining control over the entire Baltic. A powerful navy was needed to dominate the Baltic, and its creation was not easy.

For the first time, the extensive construction of warships by Peter I was undertaken in Voronezh, after an unsuccessful campaign against the Turkish fortress of Azov in the summer of 1695. Then, within a few months, two 36-gun ships "Apostle Peter" and "Apostle Paul", 23 galleys and more than a thousand plows were built. This motley flotilla, led by the first Russian admiral, friend and associate of Peter - Franz Yakovlevich Lefort, participated in the second Azov campaign and, blocking the fortress from the sea, forced its garrison to surrender. It happened on July 19, 1696.

And on October 20 of the same year, the Boyar Duma, having discussed the results of the Azov campaigns, decided: "There will be ships!", Thereby sanctioning the creation of the Russian navy. However, the state treasury did not have the funds necessary for this. A way out was found in the organization of "kumpans" - associations of nobles, monasteries and merchants to finance the construction of warships.

To manage the construction in 1697, the first admiralty was established in Voronezh, headed by the future Admiral-General of the Fleet Fyodor Matveyevich Apraksin. By the spring of 1698, 52 ships were built, which formed the basis of the Azov fleet.

A year later, the Russian Navy also had its own flag. Its description was made by Peter I: "The white flag, through which the blue cross of St. Andrew, for the sake of the fact that from this apostle Russia was baptized." Tsar Peter believed that this symbol would give the naval army of the Russian state heavenly protection, courage and spiritual strength.

But the fleet needed not only ships, but also specialists. Therefore, in 1697, Peter I sent 35 young noblemen as part of the "Great Embassy" to study in the Netherlands and England in naval affairs, including himself under the name of the bombardier Peter Mikhailov. Later, in 1701, a school of mathematical and navigational sciences was opened in Moscow, which became the first naval educational institution in Russia.

Unfortunately, the Azov fleet did not have the chance to gain fame for itself in successful naval operations at that time, and the Baltic Fleet was yet to be born.

During the Northern War, in May 1702, a shipbuilding shipyard was founded at the mouth of the Syas River, which flows into Lake Ladoga. The first ships were laid here, intended for future hostilities for the reconquest of the Baltic Sea. The only way for the Russians to reach the Baltic Sea was the Neva River, which connects Lake Ladoga with the Gulf of Finland, but the entrance to it from the Ladoga side was formidably covered by the Swedish fortress of Noterburg. This powerful fortress, with numerous artillery, located on an island located at the confluence of the Neva into the lake, was a tough nut to crack. By the way, before the Swedes took possession of it, it was called Oreshek.

Peter I, at the head of 14 regiments, arrived at the walls of the fortress in the fall of 1702. The Swedes refused to capitulate to the Russians. Then the fortress underwent a two-week bombardment, and on October 11, a decisive assault followed. Russian troops, under heavy enemy fire, crossed by boats to the island and, having climbed the walls with the help of siege ladders, after a bloody 12-hour battle, captured the fortress. Remembering the ancient Russian name of the fortress, Peter I triumphantly said: "It is true that this nut was extremely cruel, however, thank God, it was happily gnawed."

Subsequently, Noterburg was renamed by Peter to Shlisselburg (Klyuch-gorod), which was supposed to mean not only the importance of its strategic position, but also to remind that it was the capture of Noterburg that was the first step towards recapturing the exit to the Baltic.

The next step towards achieving this goal was the capture of the mouth of the Neva in the spring of 1703. On April 30, after an artillery bombardment, another Swedish fortress surrendered - Nieshants, located at the confluence of the Okhta River into the Neva. The first naval battle in the Northern War took place on May 7. The day before, two Swedish ships from the squadron of Admiral Numers, unaware of the fall of Nyenskans, entered the mouth of the Neva. Peter decided, using the morning fog, to unexpectedly attack them on river boats and board them. This bold plan was brilliantly implemented by the tsar. 30 ordinary fishing boats with soldiers of the Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky Guards regiments, under the command of Peter himself and his closest associate, Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, captured these two Swedish warships in a fierce battle. And of the 77 crew members of these ships, only 19. In honor of this incredible and brilliant victory, Peter ordered to knock out a commemorative medal with the inscription: "The unseen happens!" She was awarded to all participants in this desperate operation. Peter himself and Prince Alexander Menshikov received, as a reward for personal bravery, the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called - the highest award of the Russian Empire.

If it was possible to take possession of the mouth of the Neva quite easily, then it was much more difficult to keep it in our hands. The Swedish fortress Nyenskans was weakly fortified, and it was far from the mouth of the Neva. Therefore, for protection from the sea, on the island of Zayachiy, located at the mouth of the river, on May 16, 1703, a new fortress was laid, named after the holy apostles Peter and Paul - Peter and Paul. It was she who laid the foundation for the future capital of the Russian Empire - the city of St. Petersburg.

In 1704, on the island of Kotlin, located in the Gulf of Finland opposite the mouth of the Neva, the construction of the sea fortress of Kronshlot (future Kronshtadt) began. She was supposed to cover the approaches to St. Petersburg, and later became the main naval base of Russia in the Baltic. In 1705, a large shipbuilding yard for the Baltic Fleet was founded in the city, which was still under construction, and a new admiralty was created. The construction of the new fleet has become widespread.

This could not but worry Sweden. In order to destroy the nascent Russian fleet and its main naval base, Karl XII in the summer of 1705 sent a squadron under the command of Admiral Ankershtern to the mouth of the Neva, consisting of 7 battleships, 6 frigates and 8 auxiliary ships with a landing party on board. However, the Russians already had something to oppose the onslaught of the enemy.

A detachment of Russian ships under the flag of Vice-Admiral K.I. Kruis (8 frigates *, 5 shnyav **, 2 fire ships *** and several rowing ships) blocked the way to St. relying on the support of its coastal batteries, from June 4 to 10, it repelled repeated attempts by the enemy to land troops on Kotlin Island or break through to St. Petersburg.

The last attempt of the Swedes to capture Kotlin was made a month later - on July 14. The Swedes succeeded in suppressing the fire of our batteries and ships and landing a landing force of 1,600 people on the island. The furious hand-to-hand combat continued for several hours. The Swedes lost 560 people killed and 114 wounded, after which they ignominiously returned to their ships and left, as the saying goes, "not eating salty." So, thanks to the fortitude and courage of now unknown ordinary Russian sailors and soldiers, the young Baltic Fleet and the new capital of the Russian state were saved.

After the failure of the operation to capture St. Petersburg and Kronschlot, Sweden no longer dared to conduct active hostilities at sea. Its fleet was used only to support land forces, transport transport and protect its sea shores. But the Russian fleet was not yet ready for offensive naval operations. His main force then consisted of light rowing ships - galleys and scampaves *, intended for operations in coastal waters, and several frigates. The construction of large battleships was just beginning. However, the war, which was already burdensome for the Russian economy, dragged on. For its early completion, active actions at sea were necessary.

The situation forced the Russians to be more decisive in their actions. In the spring of 1713, a 16,000-strong Russian army landed in Finland and captured Helsingfors (Helsinki), Borgo (Porvo) and Abo (Turku). Now the Russian troops were separated from the territory of Sweden only by the Gulf of Bothnia. Peter I is planning to send his army from the Finnish coast to the Aldan Islands, located just in the center of the bay, and from there he will land in Sweden. But for this it was necessary to bring up sufficient forces here and have a large number of ferry means at hand.

In July 1714, a flotilla of Russian rowing ships, consisting of 99 galleys and scampaves with 15 thousand soldiers on board, left St. Petersburg. She was heading to the western coast of Finland, to the Abo fortress, which served as a concentration point for Russian troops before throwing themselves on the Aldan archipelago. But at Cape Gangut, on the southern tip of the Gangut (Hanko) peninsula, the way for Russian ships was blocked by the Swedish fleet under the command of Admiral Vatrang. It consisted of 15 battleships, 3 frigates and a detachment of rowing ships. In terms of the number of artillery, the Swedish fleet significantly outnumbered the Russian forces.

Peter I, who personally led this naval operation, ordered the construction of a wooden flooring across the narrow isthmus of the peninsula - to drag the galleys overland and bypass the Swedish barrier. Upon learning of this, Vatrang divided his forces and sent 1 frigate, 6 galleys and 3 skerboats *, under the command of Rear Admiral Ehrenschild, to the skerries located north of the peninsula, to the place where Russian galleys were launched. Another detachment, consisting of 8 battleships and 2 bombing ships **, led by Rear Admiral Lilya, was sent to the parking lot of the Russian flotilla to prevent the galleys from being pulled ashore.

But unfortunately for the Swedes, the sea was completely calm. The Swedish sailboats stood motionless.

Taking advantage of the calmness and dispersion of enemy forces, Peter I decided to drastically change his plans. In the early morning of July 26 (August 6, new style), the advance detachment of the Russians, consisting of 20 scampways, under the command of Captain-Commander Matiy Khristoforovich Zmaevich, bypassed the Swedes by sea on oars and, rounding the cape, blocked the Ehrenschild's squadron of ships in the skerries. Vatrang, in order to block the path of the rest of the Russian forces, ordered the ships to be towed with the help of boats into the sea, at the same time recalling Lily's detachment. In the morning of the next day, the remaining Russian ships, under the command of General-Admiral Fyodor Mikhailovich Apraksin, passed through the shallow water between the coast and the Swedish squadron and headed to the aid of Zmaevich's detachment. Thus, Ehrenschild's ships were completely cut off from the main forces and practically deprived of the help of Watrang.

The famous Gangut battle began in the middle of the day on July 27. It was preceded by a surrender offer. When deflected, a blue flag was raised on Admiral Apraksin's ship, and then a cannon shot rang out. These were the signals of an attack.

The vanguard of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter Mikhailov's shoutbeinacht attacked not the entire Swedish squadron, but the blocked detachment of Rear Admiral Ehrenschild, consisting of the Elephant frigate and nine smaller ships. The Swedes had powerful artillery (116 guns versus 23), but this did not bother Peter at all. For two hours the Swedes managed to repel the onslaught of the Russians, but then the attackers took the ships on board and grappled with the enemy hand-to-hand. “Truly,” Peter recalled about this battle, “it is impossible to describe the courage of ours, both primary and private, even the boarding was so brutally repaired that several soldiers were torn from the enemy's cannons not by cannonballs, but by the spirit of gunpowder from the cannons.” Ehrenschild tried to escape by boat, but was captured. "True," wrote Peter to Catherine, "both in this war and the alirts (that is, allies) with France, there are many not only generals, but also brano field marshals, and not a single flagship."

The bloody battle ended in complete victory for the Russian fleet. The Swedes lost more than 700 people in this battle, 230 sailors surrendered. Our losses amounted to 469 people. All of Ehrenschild's ships became Russian trophies. Calm prevented the Swedish squadron from helping the defeated detachment of Rear Admiral Ehrenschild. The success of the Russian fleet horrified the Swedish court: it began to evacuate from the capital. The tsar compared the naval victory at Gangut with the Poltava Victoria.

The naval battle that brought glory to the Russian fleet was followed by two ceremonies. On September 9, the population of St. Petersburg solemnly greeted the winners. Three Russian galleys decorated with flags entered the Neva. They were followed by captured Swedish ships. Then the commander's galley of Shautbeinacht Peter Mikhailov appeared. The procession was closed by two galleys with soldiers. The parade continued on land: the winners carried banners and other trophies. Ehrenschild was also among the prisoners. The procession was closed by the battalions of the Preobrazhensky regiment, led by Peter. The winners passed through a triumphal arch, which adorned with intricate images. One of them looked like this: an eagle was sitting on the back of an elephant. The inscription read: "The Russian Eagle does not catch flies." The meaning of the ironic inscription will become clear if we remember that the captured frigate was called "Elephant" (elephant).

The continuation of the ceremony took place in the Senate. Surrounded by the senators, the "prince-Caesar" Romodanovsky was seated in a luxurious armchair. Schautbeinakht Peter Mikhailov asked permission to enter the hall to give a report and letter of recommendation from General-Admiral Apraksin about his service. The papers were read aloud, and the "prince-Caesar", who was not distinguished for eloquence, the script assigned a laconic role: after asking several insignificant questions, he said: "Hello, Vice Admiral!" So the king received the rank of vice admiral. From that time on, he began to sign for receiving 2,240 rubles an annual salary.

Russians again surprised all European countries! No one has yet succeeded in planning and crushing a large navy with the help of rowing ships alone. After such a defeat, the Swedish fleet was unable to prevent the landing of Russian troops on the Aldan Islands, from where they delivered tangible strikes along the coast of Sweden during the entire final stage of the war. Peter equated the victory at Gangut with the glorious Poltava victory and ordered the minting of gold and silver award medals depicting his portrait on one side, the battle scene on the other. The inscription on the medal read: "Diligence and loyalty is much superior. July 27, 1714" This medal was awarded to 144 officers and 2813 soldiers and non-commissioned officers who directly took part in this naval battle.

The victory at Gangut went down in the history of the Russian fleet as the first major naval victory, which marked the beginning of the defeat of Sweden at sea. Remarkable is the fact that it was on the sixth anniversary of the Gangut victory - on July 27, 1720, that the Russian fleet won its second major naval victory at Grengam Island, which became the decisive battle of the Northern War and ended the Swedish domination in the Baltic.

After the brilliant victories at Gangut in 1714 and at Grengam in 1720, the European states seemed to wake up from hibernation and found in the east a powerful state - Russia with a first-class military fleet. England, Holland and France had something to think about.

Russia, the genius of Peter I, his associates, domestic and foreign craftsmen, created a mighty fleet. By the end of the reign of Peter I, it had in its composition: 34 battleships, 9 frigates, 17 galleys, 26 ships of other types. In its ranks there were up to 30 thousand people, and on account of a number of brilliant victories.

Tsar Peter I was already a recognized military sailor. In the summer of 1716, maneuvers took place on the Baltic Sea, in which 84 warships took part. Russian flags fluttered over 21 of them. Peter I was awarded the honor of commanding a joint squadron of ships from England, Holland, Denmark and the ships of Russia. He wrote in his diary: "Such an honor to command the fleets of foreign peoples and hardly anyone else in the world was honored with his own. I recall with pleasure the power of attorney of those powers." ...

Nikolay Kolesnikov

Before Peter I, large warships did not exist in Russia, therefore, there was actually no outlet to the sea. The first Russian sailing ship "Eagle", designed for military needs and created in 1669, accommodated a crew of only 35 people and was intended for the landing of troops and boarding crew, that is, for close combat, but not for operations in the open sea.

Having studied shipbuilding abroad, the emperor came to the conclusion about the need for a serious reorganization of the naval business in Russia and began shipbuilding. The result of such an extensive reformatory activity was the first victories won by the Russian fleet during his reign. For the first time, the Russian fleet proved itself in the Azov campaigns, after which it was tested in practice during the Northern War.

Fleet under Peter I

One of the first large and successful battles of the sailing navy of Russia under Peter the Great took place, oddly enough, not at sea, but on the Pelkina River on October 6, 1713. The battle was attended by the galley fleet of Commander-in-Chief Apraksin with a landing of more than 16 thousand marines on board and a ship fleet commanded by Peter himself. Russian troops attacked the enemy positions, outflanking them, and after a short resistance won a crushing victory.

On May 27, 1714, another decisive naval battle of the navy took place - the Gangut sea battle, in which grenadier, infantry, guards and galley regiments and battalions took part. The Gangut battle took place in the open sea and superior enemy forces, since the Russian naval squadron, consisting of a rowing fleet, fought with 15 battleships, 3 frigates, 2 bombarding ships and 9 galleys of the Swedish fleet, commanded by G. Vatrang.

Realizing that the Russian ships had no chance of winning such a huge and well-armed fleet directly in battle, Peter decided to transfer part of the fleet across the isthmus north of the cape itself, for which it was planned to fight, for which a whole transshipment bridge was built, along which the galleys had to be pulled to the other side. The Swedes, having learned about such a cunning maneuver, divided their fleet and threw it across the ships that had just been ferried, which were not there, since all the actions carried out by Peter were nothing more than a military trick, as a result of which they managed to divide the large fleet and gain a noticeable advantage ...

A detachment of the Russian fleet consisting of 20 ships, headed by Commander M.Kh. Zmaevich began to break through the Swedish fleet, while remaining out of the line of fire, while another detachment of 15 ships was in reserve for a certain time, which saved Peter from the need to drag ships, but put the Swedes at a standstill. The Swedes tried to attack three times, but were repulsed and after the surrender of the main flagship were forced to admit defeat. Only a small part of the Swedish ships managed to escape.

Another battle that glorified the Russian fleet and put it on a par with the best fleets of European countries took place on July 27, 1720 near the Grengam Island, which is part of the Aland Islands group. The Russian fleet, consisting of 90 ships, was commanded by M. Golitsyn, the Swedish fleet by K. G. Sheblad. As a result of the battle, Russian galleys and boats that did not require great depths managed to lure the Swedish fleet into shallow water, where it was defeated.

The naval battles under Peter I put an end to the domination of the Swedes in the Baltic Sea and showed that Russia is becoming a serious rival not only on land, but also at sea.

Yesterday I had a history lesson. An 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, experienced, once again brought out for myself a lot of confirmation of how strong our naval and military traditions are, where the origins, the beginning of many of them , including the most important: 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 Victory Day of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes at Cape Gangut (1714).
THIS IS -
- 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 equate with the Battle of Poltava;
-the battle, which was included in all textbooks of naval military affairs;
- 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 indication.
Reading how it was is still interesting today. I will only give you the basics here. Here, for example, is the very essence of the battle, like a military summary.

“The battle at Cape Gangut took place on July 27, 1714. The Swedes resolutely rejected the offer to surrender, and on the third attempt (the first two were repulsed, since the Swedes had 116 guns against 23 of Peter's), the Russian galleys came close to the enemy ships and took them on board. After fierce battles "Elephant" ("Elephant") was captured, the rest of the ships surrendered "

Here with many details:
“The third attack started at about 4 o'clock. 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. Gallera "Tranan" was taken on board. When approaching the deck of the Swedish galley, the first daredevils rushed, followed by the rest. The onslaught was swift, the crew of the Swedish galley could not stand the hand-to-hand combat and laid down their arms. Behind the first galley, the rest were captured - Ern, Gripen, Laxen, Geden and Walvis. Both the sailors of the galleys and the soldiers of the landing - Semenovsky, Nizhny Novgorod, Galitsky, Velikolutsky, Grenadier and other regiments took part in the boarding. The enemy's flank ships were captured.
However, the Swedes continued to resist. Part of the Swedish crews escaped on the frigate, strengthening its defenses. The fire of the entire detachment was concentrated on the frigate "Elephant". Fires began on the ship, and no matter how hard the Swedes tried to hold back the attack, they did not succeed. The assault on the flagship began. The frigate was surrounded on all sides, the Russians climbed on it, and fierce hand-to-hand fighting began. Step by step they pressed the Swedes. Soon the frigate was captured. "

And this is with an analysis of the art of war:

“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 navigate the rowing fleet to the Gulf of Bothnia. Well-organized reconnaissance and interaction of sailing and rowing fleets during the deployment of forces. Skillful use of the meteorological conditions of the theater of operations for organizing the breakthrough of the rowing fleet in calm weather. The use of military cunning (demonstrative dragging of rowing ships across the isthmus to the rear of the enemy). A variety of methods of inflicting strikes in battle (strike from the front, grasping the flanks). Decisiveness of actions and high moral and fighting qualities of Russian soldiers, sailors and officers.
As a result of the Gangut victory, the Russian fleet established complete domination in the Gulf of Finland. "

First victory! There was also a second one. Major and defining the outcome of the Northern War. And what is remarkable, also on July 27, but already in 1720. They got her off the island of Grengam.
“By this time, Russia had become a major maritime power with a mighty 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 participated. 21 ships belonged to Russia. But the most important thing is that Peter I was recognized by the Baltic powers as a major military seafarer, and the right to command a joint squadron of British, Dutch, Danish and Russian ships was entrusted to him. The battle at Cape Gangut and Grengam Island brought world fame to Russia and recognition by its neighbors as a major maritime power. "

"RUSSIAN EAGLE DOESN'T CATCH FLIES"

And now about those facts that, like a "bridge", were thrown from those days to ours, today.
I personally still have vivid impressions of the main parade in honor of the Day of the Navy, 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 shouts of the townspeople. First, a caravan entered the Neva, consisting of captured Swedish ships, led by three Russian galleys. The commander's galley of Shautbeinacht Peter Mikhailov (pseudonym of Peter I) followed the captured ships, two galleys with soldiers brought up the rear of the caravan. After descending ashore, the banners and the prisoners, Ehrenschildt was among them, were carried and led through the city. The procession was heading towards the Arc de Triomphe. And above her towered an image in which an eagle grabbed the back of an elephant. The inscription read: "The Russian eagle does not catch flies." The elephant meant the flagship Elephant. The costumed action continued in the Senate, where, in a magnificent atmosphere, the prince - "Caesar" Romodanovsky greeted the Shautbeinacht Peter Mikhailov with the words: "Hello, Vice Admiral!" So Peter the Great was given this title "...

“After descending ashore, the banners and the prisoners were carried and taken 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.

Evaluating the victory at Gangut, Peter the Great awarded the participants of this battle with specially minted commemorative medals: 130 officers were awarded gold medals, 3284 lower ranks - silver. On the obverse of the medals was a portrait of Peter I and his title. The inscriptions on the medals read: "Diligence and loyalty are superior", "The first fruits of the Russian fleet. Naval victory at Alanda on July 27, 1714".

And this is evidence that no one dares to blame us Russians for unconsciousness. Our memory has no time limit, just as there is no time limit for gratitude for faithful service to the Fatherland.

Mindful of the heroic deeds 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. in St. Petersburg was built the church of St. Panteleimon. The church was also a monument to the heroes of the battle for 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 plates, where grateful descendants immortalized in stone the names of all participants in the battles at Cape Gangut and Grengam Island.

Under the auspices of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the victory at Cape Gangut, the Imperial Mint coined a commemorative medal "In Commemoration 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: "the skillful use of meteorological conditions."

Once again, as if a "bridge" has been thrown from the past to the present. Often, Western politicians, assessing the price of victories in the wars that Russia waged throughout the history of the state, today stupidly insist that the weather helped the Russians to win.

We will not argue. And in this battle, the weather was our ally. The day was calm. It is a historical truth that "skillfully using the advantages of rowing ships over the battalion sailing ships of the enemy, in a skerry area and calm, they defeated the enemy."
But we know what the Russian fleet surpassed in that battle: military art, audacity, courage…. You read: "came close", "took on boarding", "fierce hand-to-hand combat began" .... And goosebumps.

And this is already a misunderstood Russian soul. Russian spirit. Character. What our enemies do not know.