What a Russian naval commander. Basics of military service

Russia is a great maritime power. However, historically, access to the seas was thorny, the conquest of space went through difficult paths of expeditions and wars. Courageous and resourceful seafarers, simple sailors and talented naval commanders forged the glory of the Russian fleet. Valiant defenders are inscribed in the military annals of our country. They demonstrated the indestructible strength of the Russian fleet in battles near Gangut and Grengam, near Chesma and Kerch, near Navarin and Sinoy, near Sevastopol and in Tsushima. About ten legendary Russian admirals who selflessly served the Fatherland, our article.

Fedor Apraksin

One of the creators of the Russian navy, an associate of Peter I, Admiral General, the first president of the Admiralty College. The career of Fyodor Matveyevich Apraksin began in 1682, when he became the steward of Peter, participated in the creation of the "amusing army" and the flotilla of Pereslavsky Lake. In 1693–96 he was appointed Dvina voivode and governor of Arkhangelsk, under his watchful eye the 24-gun frigate "Saint Apostle Paul" laid down by Peter I himself is being built, the city is being overgrown with new fortifications, the Solombala shipyard is expanding. It was Apraksin who laid the foundations of commercial and military shipbuilding, and for the first time equipped Russian ships with goods abroad. In 1697, Apraksin controlled shipbuilding in Voronezh, where a fleet was urgently created for the Sea of ​​Azov. Since 1700, F.M. Apraksin is the chief head of the Admiralty Order and the Governor of Azov, the chief manager of all matters related to the arrangement and supply of admiralties and ships that entered the Azov and Baltic Seas. He was in charge of supply affairs, was responsible for the construction of a shipyard at the mouth of Voronezh, the opening of a cannon factory in Lipitsy, access to the open sea for ships, the construction of a harbor and fortifications in Taganrog, deepening of the shallow mouths of the Don, and research work at sea.

In 1707, Fyodor Matveyevich was granted the rank of admiral and president of the admiralties, received personal command of the fleet on the Baltic Sea, and also often commanded the ground forces. In 1708, he led the corps operating in Ingermanland, which repelled the Swedish attack on Kronshlot, Kotlin and Petersburg: on September 28, Shtromberg’s corps was defeated at Rakobor, and on October 16, Liebeker’s corps in Kapor Bay (these two corps, according to the Swedes’ action plan, came from two parties and should eventually unite). For the victory, Fedor Matveyevich received the status of a real privy councilor and the title of count. For Apraksin's services to the Fatherland and the military art shown by him, Tsar Peter awarded him with a special nominal silver medal, on one side of which Apraksin himself was depicted and the inscription was engraved: “Imperial Majesty Admiral F.M. Apraksin", and on the other - four military sailing ships against the backdrop of the battle; above - two hands, outstretched from the clouds, hold a laurel wreath - a symbol of victory. Along the circumference is the inscription: “Storing this does not sleep; death is better than infidelity."

Alexander Menshikov

The right hand of Peter the Great, Aleksashka, whose charismatic personality manifested itself in many fields, including in maritime affairs. Almost all the instructions and directives that the sovereign sent to the troops passed through the hands of Alexander Danilovich. Often, Peter gave some thought, and Menshikov found the best embodiment for it. He had many ranks and regalia, including in 1726 he became a full admiral. On the day of the signing of the Treaty of Nystadt, which ended the long-term war with the Swedes, Menshikov received the rank of vice admiral. After that, he focused on the internal structure of the Russian fleet, and from 1718 he was responsible for the arrangement of all the armed forces of Russia. His great-grandson Alexander Sergeevich Menshikov was also an outstanding admiral who commanded the fleet in the Crimean War.

Ivan Kruzenshtern

Russian navigator, admiral. He distinguished himself not only in the battles for the North Sea, but also became famous as an explorer of new lands. Ivan Kruzenshtern, together with Yuri Lisyansky, made the first Russian round-the-world expedition. He opened new trade routes for Russia to the East Indies and China. He managed to prove that the sea direction is more profitable. During the round-the-world expedition, such islands of the Pacific Ocean as the Kuriles, Kamchatka and Sakhalin were explored. In 1827, Kruzenshtern was appointed director of the Naval Cadet Corps and a member of the Admiralty Council. The 16-year activity as director was marked by the introduction of new teaching subjects into the courses of the naval corps, the enrichment of the library and museums with many teaching aids, the establishment of an officer class and other improvements.

Pavel Nakhimov

The famous Russian admiral, perhaps, was able to show his talent for the first time during the Crimean War, when the Black Sea squadron under his command in stormy weather discovered and blocked the main forces of the Turkish fleet in Sinop. As a result, the Turkish fleet was destroyed in a matter of hours. For this victory, Nakhimov received the Highest Diploma of His Imperial Majesty Nicholas with the words: "The extermination of the Turkish squadron, you have adorned the annals of the Russian fleet with a new victory." Nakhimov also led the defense of Sevastopol from 1855. Having made a difficult decision to sink the Russian fleet, he blocked the enemy ships from entering the bay. The soldiers and sailors who defended the southern part of Sevastopol under his leadership called the admiral "father-benefactor."

Fedor Ushakov

Admiral Ushakov commanded the Black Sea Fleet, participated in the Russian-Turkish war, during which he made a huge contribution to the development of tactical warfare by the sailing fleet. He received his first award in 1783 for a successful victory over the plague that raged in Kherson. Ushakov's actions were distinguished by extraordinary courage and determination. He boldly advanced his ship to the first positions, choosing one of the most dangerous positions and thereby showing an excellent example of courage to his commanders. A sober assessment of the situation, an accurate strategic calculation taking into account all success factors and a swift attack - this is what allowed the admiral to emerge victorious in many battles. Ushakov can also rightfully be called the founder of the Russian school of tactical combat in naval art. For military exploits, he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as a saint.

Vladimir Schmidt

The ancestors of Admiral Schmidt were discharged in the 17th century by Peter the Great as shipwrights from Frankfurt am Main. Schmidt participated in the Crimean War, defended Sevastopol and led naval operations in the Russo-Turkish War. For his valor in battle, he was awarded the golden broadsword "For Courage" and the Order of St. George IV degree. In 1855 alone, he was wounded four times: in the right side of the head and chest, with a fragment of a bomb in the left side of the forehead, in the index finger of the left hand and in the left leg. By 1898 he became a full admiral and holder of all the orders that existed at that time in Russia. Cape Schmidt on Russky Island is named after him.

Alexander Kolchak

In addition to being the leader of the White Movement and the Supreme Ruler of Russia, Admiral Kolchak was also an outstanding oceanographer, one of the largest polar explorers, a participant in three polar expeditions, and also the author of the monograph “What kind of fleet does Russia need”. The admiral developed the theoretical foundations for the preparation and conduct of joint army operations on land and at sea. In 1908 he lectured at the Naval Academy. Participated in the Russo-Japanese War, including its longest battle - the defense of Port Arthur. During the First World War, he commanded a division of destroyers of the Baltic Fleet, and from the 16-17s - the Black Sea Fleet.

Vladimir Istomin

Rear Admiral of the Russian Navy, Hero of the Sevastopol Defense. At the end of the Naval Corps in 1827, as a simple midshipman on the battleship Azov, he set off on a long voyage from Kronstadt to Portsmouth, to the coast of Greece. There he distinguished himself in the Battle of Navarino and received the Insignia of the Military Order of St. George and the rank of midshipman. In 1827-1832, V. Istomin plied the Mediterranean Sea, improving his naval education in a serious military situation, created by long cruises in the Archipelago and participation in the blockade of the Dardanelles and landing on the Bosphorus. In 1830 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 3rd class. Subsequently, he served in the Baltic Fleet, then - in the Black Sea. In 1837, he was promoted to lieutenant and appointed commander of the ship "Northern Star", on which in the same year Emperor Nicholas I and the Empress sailed through the ports of the Black Sea. Istomin was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir of the 4th degree and a diamond ring. In 1843 he received the Order of St. Stanislaus, 2nd class. Until 1850, he was at the disposal of the governor in the Caucasus, Prince Vorontsov, taking an active part in joint operations of the army and navy aimed at conquering the Caucasus. In 1846 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree, and the following year, for actions against the highlanders, he was promoted to captain of the 2nd rank. In 1849 he became a captain of the 1st rank. In 1850 he commanded the battleship Paris. In 1852 he was presented to the Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd degree. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Sinop on November 18, 1853, for which he received the rank of Rear Admiral. In a report to the emperor, Admiral P.S. Nakhimov especially noted the actions of the Paris battleship in the Battle of Sinop: “It was impossible to stop admiring the beautiful and cold-bloodedly calculated actions of the Paris ship.” In 1854, when the siege of Sevastopol began, Istomin was appointed commander of the 4th defensive distance of Malakhov Kurgan, and then became chief of staff under Vice Admiral V. Kornilov. November 20, 1854 Istomin was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree. Istomin was one of the most active and bravest participants in organizing this amazing defense. After the death of Kornilov, he literally did not leave his positions for a single day; he lived on the Kamchatka redoubt, in a dugout. On March 7, 1855, the 45-year-old V.I. Istomin had his head blown off by a cannon ball when he was leaving his dugout. Istomin was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, in the same crypt with Admirals M. P. Lazarev, V.A. Kornilov, P.S. Nakhimov. IN AND. Istomin had four brothers, and they all served in the Navy; Konstantin and Pavel rose to the ranks of admirals.

Vladimir Istomin

The famous Russian naval commander was a graduate of the Naval Cadet Corps. In 1823 he entered the naval service, was the first captain of the Twelve Apostles. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Navarino in 1827, being a midshipman on the flagship Azov. Since 1849 - Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet. Kornilov is actually the founder of the Russian steam fleet. In 1853, he participated in the first historical battle of steam ships: the 10-gun steam frigate "Vladimir" under his flag of the chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet entered the battle with the 10-gun Turkish-Egyptian steamer "Pervaz-Bakhri". After a 3-hour battle, Pervaz-Bakhri was forced to lower the flag. During the outbreak of the war with England and France, he actually commanded the Black Sea Fleet, until his heroic death he was the immediate superior of P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomin. After the landing of the Anglo-French troops in Evpatoria and the defeat of the Russian troops on the Alma, Kornilov received an order from the commander-in-chief in the Crimea, Prince Menshikov, to flood the ships of the fleet in the roadstead in order to use sailors to defend Sevastopol from land. Kornilov gathered flag officers and captains for a council, where he told them that, since the position of Sevastopol was practically hopeless due to the advance of the enemy army, the fleet should attack the enemy at sea, despite the huge numerical and technical superiority of the enemy. Taking advantage of the disorder in the location of the British and French ships at Cape Ulukola, the Russian fleet was to attack first, imposing a boarding battle on the enemy, blowing up, if necessary, their own ships along with the enemy's ships. This would make it possible to inflict such losses on the enemy fleet that its further operations would be thwarted. Having given the order to prepare to go to sea, Kornilov went to Prince Menshikov and announced to him his decision to give battle. In response, the prince repeated the given order - to flood the ships. Kornilov refused to obey the order. Then Menshikov ordered to send Kornilov to Nikolaev, and to transfer command to Vice Admiral M.N. Stanyukovich. However, the annoyed Kornilov managed to give a worthy answer: “Stop! This is suicide... what you are forcing me to do... but it is impossible for me to leave Sevastopol surrounded by the enemy! I am ready to obey you." V.A. Kornilov organized the defense of Sevastopol, where his talent as a military leader was especially pronounced. Commanding a garrison of 7,000, he set an example of the skillful organization of active defense. Kornilov is rightfully considered the founder of positional methods of warfare (continuous attacks by the defenders, night searches, mine warfare, close fire interaction between ships and fortress artillery). V.A. Kornilov died on Malakhov Hill on October 5 (17), 1854, during the first bombardment of the city by the Anglo-French troops. He was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, in the same crypt with Admirals M.P. Lazarev, P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomin.

Vsevolod Rudnev

Hero of the Russo-Japanese War, rear admiral of the Russian Imperial Fleet, commander of the legendary cruiser Varyag. At the beginning of his maritime career, he participated in a round-the-world voyage. He was one of the first to bring from France a steam warship specially built for Russia. Since 1889 V.F. Rudnev was on a foreign voyage on the cruiser Admiral Kornilov, again under the command of Captain 1st Rank E.I. Alekseev. On the "Admiral Kornilov" Rudnev participated in the maneuvers of the Pacific Fleet, became a senior officer of the ship. In 1890 he returned to Kronstadt. Since 1891, he has been in command of ships and is moving up the ranks. In 1900, dredging was carried out in Port Arthur on the inner roadstead, the dry dock was rebuilt and expanded, the port was electrified, and coastal defenses were strengthened. Rudnev becomes a senior assistant to the port commander in Port Arthur. At that time, Port Arthur was the base of the 1st Pacific Squadron, the backbone of the Russian fleet in the Far East. Rudnev was not happy with his appointment, but, nevertheless, he set to work with enthusiasm. In December 1901, he received the rank of captain of the 1st rank. In December 1902, an order was issued by the Naval Ministry, by which Vsevolod Fedorovich Rudnev was appointed commander of the Varyag cruiser. He came to the Varyag as an experienced naval officer who had served on seventeen ships and commanded nine, being a member of three round-the-world voyages, one of which he did as a ship commander.

The situation in the Russian Far East was deteriorating. Japan accelerated efforts to prepare for war. The Japanese managed to achieve considerable superiority in forces over the Far Eastern grouping of troops of the Russian Empire. On the eve of the war, "Varyag" by order of the tsar's governor in the Far East, Adjutant General Admiral E.I. Alekseev was sent to the neutral Korean port of Chemulpo, in which the Varyag was supposed to guard the Russian mission and carry out the duties of a senior stationer on the road. On January 26 (February 7), 1904, the Japanese squadron stopped on the outer road of the bay. There were Russians in the inner roadstead - the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets", as well as foreign warships. On the morning of January 27 (February 9), 1904, Rudnev received an ultimatum from Rear Admiral Sotokichi Uriu, announcing that Japan and Russia were at war. The Japanese demanded that the Russians leave the raid before noon, threatening otherwise to open fire on them. Such actions in a neutral port would be a violation of international law.

V.F. Rudnev decided to break out of the bay. Before the line of officers and sailors of the cruiser, he informed them about the ultimatum of the Japanese and about his decision. The Japanese squadron blocked the way to the open sea. The enemy squadron opened fire. The "Varangians" responded by giving a worthy rebuff to the enemy, fighting holes and fires under heavy enemy fire. According to reports from various sources, Japanese cruisers Asama, Chiyoda, Takachiho were damaged by fire from the Varyag and one destroyer was sunk. "Varyag" returned to the port, having a strong list on one side. The machines were out of order, about 40 guns were broken. It was decided: to remove the teams from the ships, to flood the cruiser, to blow up the gunboat so that they would not get to the enemy. The decision was promptly implemented. Wounded in the head and shell-shocked, Rudnev was the last to leave the ship. Captain 1st rank V.F. Rudnev was awarded the Order of St. George 4th degree, received the rank of adjutant wing and became commander of the squadron battleship "Andrew the First-Called". In November 1905, Rudnev refused to take disciplinary action against the revolutionary-minded sailors of his crew. The consequence of this was his dismissal and promotion to rear admiral. In 1907, the Japanese emperor Mutsuhito, in recognition of the heroism of Russian sailors, sent V.F. Rudnev Order of the Rising Sun II degree. Rudnev, although he accepted the order, never put it on.

Veide Adam Adamovich(1667-1720) - Russian commander, infantry general. From the family of a foreign colonel who served the Russian tsars. Service began in the "amusing" troops of Peter l. Member of the Azov campaigns of 1695-1696. Training in military affairs on the orders of Peter took place in Austria, England and France. In 1698, he drew up the "Military Regulations", which provided for and strictly described the duties of military officials. Participated in the drafting of the "Military Regulations" of 1716. During the Northern War, he commanded a division at Narva (1700), where he was taken prisoner and stayed there until 1710. He also commanded a division in the Prut campaign. Participated in expeditions of the Russian army to Finland, Pomerania, Mecklenburg. Particularly distinguished himself in the Gangut naval battle. From 1717 - President of the Military Collegium.

Greig Samuil Karlovich(1736-1788) - military commander, admiral (1782). Honorary Member of the St. Petersburg Academy

Sciences (1783). A native of Scotland. He served as a volunteer in the English Navy. In Russia since 1764. He was accepted into the service as a captain of the 1st rank. He commanded a number of warships of the Baltic Fleet. During the Mediterranean expedition of the squadron of Admiral G. A. Spiridov, he was an adviser on maritime affairs to A. G. Orlov. In the Battle of Chesme, he commanded a detachment that destroyed the Turkish fleet, for which he was awarded the hereditary nobility. In 1773-1774. commanded a new squadron sent from Kronstadt to the Mediterranean Sea. In May 1775, he delivered Princess Tarakanova, captured by A. G. Orlov, to St. Petersburg. Since 1777 - the head of the naval division. In 1788 he was appointed commander of the Baltic Fleet. He defeated the Swedes in the Gogland naval battle. He made a great contribution to the rearmament of the Russian fleet, the reconstruction of ports and naval bases.

Gudovich Ivan Vasilievich(1741-1820) - military leader, field marshal general (1807), count (1797). He began his service as an ensign in 1759. Then - the adjutant wing of P. I. Shuvalov, adjutant general of Uncle Peter III - Prince George of Holstein. With the coming to power of Catherine II, he was arrested, but soon released / From 1763 - commander of the Astrakhan infantry regiment. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. distinguished himself in battles near Khotyn (1769), at Larga (1770), Cahul (1770). In November 1770, the troops led by him occupied Bucharest. From 1774 he commanded a division in Ukraine. Then he was Ryazan and Tambov governor general, inspector general (1787-1796). In November 1790 he was appointed commander of the Kuban corps and head of the Caucasian line. At the head of a 7,000-strong detachment, he occupied Anapa (June 22, 1791). He achieved the accession to Russia of the territory of Dagestan. In 1796 retired. After the accession to the throne of Paul I, he was returned and appointed commander of the troops in Persia. Since 1798 - Kyiv, then Podolsk Governor-General. In 1799 - Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Rhine Army. In 1800, for criticizing the military reform of Paul I, he was dismissed. In 1806, Mr.. again returned to service and was appointed commander in chief of troops in Georgia and Dagestan. From 1809 - Commander-in-Chief in Moscow, member of the Indispensable (since 1810 - State) Council, senator. Since 1812 - retired.

Panin Petr Ivanovich(1721-1789) - military commander, general-in-chief, brother of N.I. Panin. During the Seven Years' War, he commanded large formations of the Russian army, proving himself to be a capable military leader. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. commanded the 2nd army, stormed the fortress of Vendora. In 1770, he resigned, becoming one of the leaders of the palace opposition. In July 1774, despite the negative attitude of Catherine II, he was appointed commander of the troops aimed at suppressing the Pugachev uprising.

Repnin Anikita Ivanovich(1668-1726) - military figure, field marshal general (1725). One of Peter's companions!. From 1685 - lieutenant of "amusing" troops. Since 1699 - major general. Member of the Azov campaigns. He took part in the creation of a regular Russian army in 1699-1700. In 1708 he was defeated, for which he was demoted, but in the same year he was restored to the rank of general. During the Battle of Poltava, he commanded the central section of the Russian army. In 1709-1710. led the siege and capture of Riga. From 1710 - Governor-General of Livonia, from January 1724 - President of the Military Collegium.

Repnin Nikolay Vasilievich(1734-1801) - military figure and diplomat, field marshal general (1796). Served as an officer since 1749. Member of the Seven Years' War. In 1762-1763. ambassador to Prussia, then to Poland (1763-1768). During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. commanded a separate corps. In 1770, he stormed the fortresses of Izmail and Kiliya, participated in the development of the terms of the Kyuchuk-Kainarji peace. In 1775-1776. ambassador to Turkey. In 1791, during the absence of G. A. Potemkin, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian army in the war with Turkey. Governor-General of Smolensk (1777-1778), Pskov (1781), Riga and Revel (1792), Lithuanian (1794-1796). In 1798 he was dismissed.

Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky Petr Alexandrovich(1725-1796) - an outstanding Russian commander, field marshal general (1770), count (1744). Enlisted in the guard at the age of six, from the age of 15 he served in the army with the rank of second lieutenant. In 1743 he was sent by his father to St. Petersburg with the text of the Abo peace treaty, for which he was immediately promoted to colonel and appointed commander of an infantry regiment. Then, together with his father, he was awarded the title of count. During the Seven Years' War, commanding a brigade and a division, he distinguished himself near Gross-Jegersdorf (1757) and Kunersdorf (1759). Since 1761 - general-in-chief. After the overthrow of Peter III - in disgrace. Since 1764 under the patronage of the Orlovs, he was appointed president of the Little Russian Collegium and governor-general of Little Russia (remained in this position until his death). In the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. commanded the 2nd Army, and then the 1st Army. In the summer of 1770, within one month, he won three outstanding victories over the Turks: at Ryaba Mogila, Larga and Cahul. From 1771 to 1774 he acted at the head of the army in Bulgaria, forcing the Turks to make peace with Russia. In 1775 he was given the honorary title Zadunaisky. Under Potemkin, Rumyantsev's position at court and in the army weakened somewhat. In 1787-1791. commanded the 2nd Army. In 1794 he was appointed commander in chief of the army in Poland. An outstanding military theorist - "Instructions" (1761), "Rite of Service" (1770), "Thoughts" (1777).

Saltykov Nikolay Ivanovich(1736-1816) - military and statesman, field marshal general (1796), prince (1814). He began his military service in 1748. Member of the Seven Years' War. Since 1762 - major general. Participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. (in the capture of Khotin in 1769, etc.). Since 1773 - general-in-chief, vice-president of the Military Collegium and trustee of the heir Pavel Petrovich. From 1783 he was the chief educator of the Grand Dukes Konstantin and Alexander. From 1788 - and. about. President of the Military College. Since 1790 - Count. In 1796-1802. - President of the Military College. In 1807 - the head of the militia. In 1812-1816. - Chairman of the State Council and the Cabinet of Ministers.

Saltykov Petr Semenovich(1696-1772) - military figure, field marshal general (1759), count (1733). Military training began under Peter I, who sent him to France, where he remained until the 1930s. Since 1734 - major general. Participated in hostilities in Poland (1734) and against Sweden (1741-1743). Since 1754 - general-in-chief. At the beginning of the Seven Years' War, he commanded landmilitia regiments in Ukraine. In 1759 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian army and proved to be an outstanding commander, having won victories over the Prussian troops near Kunersdorf and Palzig. In 1760 he was removed from command. In 1764 he was appointed governor-general of Moscow. After the "plague riot" he was dismissed.

Spiridov Grigory Andreevich(1713-1790) - military leader, admiral (1769). From an officer's family. In the Navy since 1723. Sailed on the Caspian, Azov, White and Baltic Seas. Since 1741 - the commander of the battleship. Member of the Russian-Turkish war of 1735-1739, the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763. and the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. Since 1762 - Rear Admiral. Since 1764 - the chief commander of the Revel, and since 1766 - the Kronstadt port. Since 1769 - the commander of the squadron, which made the transition to the Mediterranean Sea. He successfully led the fleet in the battle in the Strait of Chios (1770) and in the Battle of Chesma (1770). In 1771-1773. commanded the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean. He made a great contribution to the development of Russian naval art.

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich(1729-1800) - an outstanding Russian commander. Generalissimo (1799). Count Rymniksky (1789), Prince of Italy (1799). In 1742, he was enrolled in the Semyonovsky Guards Regiment. He began his service in it as a corporal in 1748. In 1760-1761. in the rank of lieutenant colonel, he was an officer of the headquarters of the commander-in-chief V.V. Fermor. In 1761 participated in the fighting against the Prussian corps near Kolberg. In 1770 he was promoted to major general. Since 1773 - on the Russian-Turkish front, where he won the first victory at Turtukay, and then at Girsovo. In June 1774, he put to flight the 40,000th army of the Turks at Kozludzha, having only 18 thousand people. In the same year he was sent to the Urals to suppress the Pugachev uprising. In 1778-1784. commanded the Kuban and Crimean corps, and then prepared an expedition against Persia. During the war with the Turks of 1787-1791. in the rank of general-in-chief he was appointed commander of the corps. In 1787, he defeated the Turkish landing on the Kinburn Spit, and then defeated the Turks at Focsani and Rymnik. In 1790, he took the impregnable fortress of Izmail by storm. From 1791 - commander of troops in Finland, in 1792-1794. - in Ukraine. Participated in the suppression of the Polish uprising in 1794, and then (1795-1796) commanded troops in Poland and Ukraine. There he compiled his main military book, The Science of Victory, in which he formulated the essence of the tactics he used as a well-known triad: eye, speed, onslaught. In February 1797 he was dismissed and exiled to the Konchanskoye estate. However, soon, at the request of Russia's allies in the 2nd anti-French coalition, he was appointed commander of the allied forces in Italy, where, through his efforts, the entire territory of the country was liberated from the French in just six months. After the Italian campaign. in the same 1799, he undertook the most difficult campaign in Switzerland, for which he was awarded the rank of generalissimo. Soon he was dismissed again. Died in exile.

Rules of War by D. V. Suvorov

1. Act only offensively. 2. In a campaign - speed, in an attack - swiftness; steel arms. 3. Methodism is not needed, but a correct military outlook. 4. Full power to the commander in chief. 5. Beat and attack the enemy in the field. 6. Don't waste time in sieges; maybe some Mainz, like a storage point. - Sometimes an observation corps, a blockade, and best of all, an open assault. - There is less loss. 7. Never split forces to occupy points. Bypassed the enemy - so much the better: he goes to defeat ... End of 1798-1799 Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich(1744-1817) - an outstanding Russian naval commander, admiral (1799) .. He graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps in 1766. He served in the Baltic Fleet. In 1769 he was assigned to the Don Flotilla. Participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. commanded the battleship St. Paul. In 1788 the vanguard of the Black Sea squadron headed by him played a decisive role in the victory over the Turkish fleet at about. Fidonisi. From 1789 - Rear Admiral. From 1790 - Commander of the Black Sea Fleet. He won major victories over the Turks in the Kerch naval battle (1790), near about. Tendra (1790), near Cape Kaliakria (1791). Since 1793 - Vice Admiral. He led the campaign of the military squadron in 1798-1800. to the Mediterranean. In 1799, he stormed the fortress on about. Corfu. During the Italian campaign of Suvorov (1799) he contributed to the expulsion of the French from southern Italy, blockading their bases in Ancona and Genoa, commanding landing forces that distinguished themselves in Naples and Rome. The squadron was withdrawn at the request of the Allies in 1800. Since 1807 - retired.

Fought at the front of the Great Patriotic War from March 1942 to May 1945. During the time he was wounded 2 times near the city of Rzhev, Kalinin region.

He met the victory near Koenigsberg in the rank of senior sergeant as commander of the 7th branch of the Motorized Reconnaissance Company (participated in 21 reconnaissance operations).

Awarded:
-Order "Glory of the 3rd degree" for courage and courage shown in the fight against the German invaders;
- medal "For the victory over Germany in the Second World War 1941-1945;
- badge "Excellent scout".

The Navy is in his blood. This is how one can characterize the brightest Russian naval commander and admiral. Could his fate have turned out differently, without the navy? Of course not. His family has connected their lives with this difficult craft since the founding of the fleet in Russia. Grandfather served as a boatswain under Peter I and rose to the rank of rear admiral, and his brother made an equally brilliant career, achieving impressive results in the battle on Lake Ezel against the Swedes. His father, with the rank of vice-admiral, also served as military governor of Kronstadt. Senyavin got into the naval corps at the age of 10, when his father, during a beer feast, decided to send his son to study. Later, a well-known biographer, Bronevsky, will write about the childhood period of training of the future general: “Dmitry Nikolaevich, by nature, was a simple and modest person who knew how to win over everyone around him and use their love for the good of the common cause. In the circle of friends, he was known as a loving and caring father, in the circle of colleagues - as a fair, but demanding boss.

Service start

He began his naval service at the age of 14, and after 3 years he passed the exam for the rank of midshipman.

Admiral. Born in the family of a nobleman A.A. Spiridov, who honestly served Tsar Peter I as a commandant in Vyborg. The son chose a career as a naval officer and from the age of 15 sailed as a volunteer on a ship. Byafter five years of volunteer service, he successfully passed the navigation knowledge exams, was promoted to midshipman and entered the military service.

Spiridov began his maritime career on the Caspian Sea, in Astrakhan. His immediate supervisor was Lieutenant A.I. Nagaev, who made a description of the Caspian Sea. In the future, Nagaev will become an admiral and a famous hydrograph. The young midshipman Spiridov will learn a lot from his mentor. An executive, intelligent and diligent junior officer will soon be transferred to Kronstadt, where he will gain naval experience by making regular voyages in the Baltic Sea.
As a reward for diligent service, the rank of midshipman and the transfer to the Don Flotilla as an adjutant of the commander of Vice Admiral P.P. Bredal became. This appointment allowed him to gain combat experience during the Russian-Turkish war of 1735-1741, participating in the battles for Azov.

Vladimir Alekseevich Kornilov was born in 1806 in the Tver region, into an officer's family. In 1823 he graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps. Since 1827, Kornilov served on the battleship Azov.

Kornilov was one of the participants in the famous battle of Navarino. In 1838 he became chief of staff of Lazarev's squadron, commanded a landing force on the Caucasian coast.

In 1849, Vladimir Alekseevich became the chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet. He understood the need to modernize the fleet, believed that he had to keep up with the times. He lobbied for the replacement of sailing ships with steam ones, was one of the developers of the new Naval Charter, and participated in the creation of the Sevastopol Military Library.

Stepan Osipovich Makarov - wonderful, born in 1848. There were many military men in the Makarov family, both grandfathers, father. Who will be Stepan, it was a foregone conclusion.

The boy's father served in the Siberian military flotilla, while the family lived in Nikolaevsk-on-Amur. In this city, at the age of 10, Stepan Makarov enters the naval school. Here he stands out for his extraordinary mind and desire for knowledge.

The young man graduated from the naval school with the rank of midshipman. In 1867, already having some experience of sailing the seas, Makarov was assigned to the crew of the Baltic Fleet. During the service, he began to write scientific articles. In 1869 he received the rank of midshipman.

A year later, he came to the command with a proposal for his project to repair holes in the hull of ships. After the meetings, Stepan Osipovich's proposal was approved, and the new technology began to be used on Russian warships. Soon he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev is a remarkable Russian traveler and naval commander. The future naval commander was born in Vladimir in November 1788 in the family of the ruler of the Vladimir governorate.

In 1800, Mikhail was admitted to the Naval Cadet Corps. The study was difficult, and these difficulties were combined with the difficulties of campaigns in the Gulf of Finland. The young man was quickly noticed, he stood out from his peers with his talents and attitude to work.

After graduating from the cadet corps, Lazarev was sent as a volunteer to England for sea practice. For several years he sailed the seas and oceans, engaged in self-education. Michael loved history and ethnography.

In 1808, officer Mikhail Lazarev returned to Russia, received the rank of midshipman. Participated in the war with Sweden, in 1811 he was promoted to lieutenant. He was also a member, and smashed Napoleon on the seas.

Alexander Vasilyevich Kolchak was born in 1874. His father was a hero of the defense of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. At the age of 18, the young man entered the Naval Cadet Corps, where he studied for six years.

Kolchak got into the Cadet Corps from an ordinary St. Petersburg gymnasium. He was fond of the exact sciences, he loved to make something. At the end of the cadet corps in 1894, he was promoted to midshipman.

In the period from 1895 to 1899, he traveled around the world three times, in which he was engaged in scientific work, studied oceanography, maps of the currents and coasts of Korea, hydrology, tried to learn Chinese, and prepared for the south polar expedition.

In 1900 he took part in the expedition of Baron E. Toll. In 1902, he went in search of the baron's expedition that remained to winter in the north. Having examined the proposed route of the expedition on the wooden whaler "Zarya", he managed to find the last stop of the baron and determine that the expedition was lost. For participation in the search expedition, Kolchak received the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree.

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov is a remarkable Russian naval commander. Born in the family of an officer on June 23, 1802 in the Vyazemsky district of the Smolensk province. He received his primary education at home, after which he entered the Cadet Corps. After graduating from college, Nakhimov on the frigate "Phoenix" sailed to the shores of Sweden and Denmark. It was in 1817.

Returning from sailing in the Baltic, Pavel Nakhimov was promoted to non-commissioned officer. A year later, he successfully passed the exams, became a midshipman, and was assigned to the 2nd naval crew. In 1822 he circumnavigated the world under command. During the journey, which lasted about three years, he was promoted to lieutenant.

After a short vacation, Pavel Stepanovich was sent to the 74-gun ship Azov. The first baptism of fire was the "Battle of Navarino", which took place during one of the Russian-Turkish wars. For this battle, he was awarded the Order of St. George 4th degree, the British Order of the Bath, and the French Order of the Savior.

Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov was born on February 24, 1745, into a noble family. The family did not live richly. At the age of 16, Fedor Ushakov entered the Naval Corps in St. Petersburg. At this time, Catherine II sat on the Russian throne. Russia was preparing for a war with Turkey, so the country needed to create a powerful fleet in the Azov and Black Seas.

The construction of the fleet was entrusted to Vice Admiral Senyavin, who in the early spring of 1769 began to create a naval base in Taganrog. Ushakov arrived at Senyavin's location among seconded officers.

In the spring of 1773, the Russian fleet began to dominate the Sea of ​​Azov. After the final defeat of the Turks in the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov, hostilities moved to the Black. The fleet dealt sensitive blows to the Turks, and the position of the Russian army in the war with them improved significantly.

After four years of the war, Ushakov began to command the messenger bot "Courier". Subsequently, he became the commander of a large 16-gun ship. In the final part of the Russian-Turkish war, he participated in the defense of the Russian military base on the Crimean coast - Balakva.

Over the entire period of the existence of mankind, there have been many wars that have radically changed the course of history. There were many of them in our country. The success of any military action entirely depended on the experience and skill of military commanders. Who are they, the great commanders and naval commanders of Russia, who brought victories to their Fatherland in difficult battles? We present you the brightest domestic military leaders, starting from the time of the Old Russian state and ending with the Great Patriotic War.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

The famous commanders of Russia are not only our contemporaries. They were in the period of the existence of Russia. Historians call the Prince of Kyiv Svyatoslav the brightest commander of that time. He ascended the throne in 945, immediately after the death of his father Igor. Since Svyatoslav was not yet old enough to rule the state (he was only 3 years old at the time of succession), his mother Olga became regent under him. This heroic woman had to lead the Old Russian state even after her son grew up. The reason was his endless military campaigns, because of which he practically never visited Kyiv.

Svyatoslav began to independently rule his lands only in 964, but even after that he did not stop his conquests. In 965, he managed to defeat the Khazar Khaganate and annex a number of conquered territories to Ancient Russia. Svyatoslav conducted a series of campaigns against Bulgaria (968-969), capturing its cities in turn. He stopped only after he captured Pereyaslavets. The prince planned to move the capital of Russia to this Bulgarian city and expand his possessions to the Danube, but because of the raids on the Kyiv lands of the Pechenegs, he was forced to return home with the army. In 970-971, Russian troops led by Svyatoslav fought for Bulgarian territories with Byzantium claiming them. The prince failed to defeat the mighty enemy. The result of this struggle was the conclusion between Russia and Byzantium of profitable military trade agreements. It is not known how many aggressive campaigns Svyatoslav Igorevich managed to carry out if in 972 he had not died in a battle with the Pechenegs.

Alexander Nevskiy

There were outstanding commanders of Russia during the period of feudal fragmentation of Russia. Alexander Nevsky should be attributed to such politicians. As the prince of Novgorod, Vladimir and Kyiv, he went down in history as a talented military leader who led the people in the fight against the Swedes and Germans claiming the northwestern territories of Russia. In 1240, despite the predominance of the enemy forces, he won a brilliant victory on the Neva, inflicting a crushing blow. In 1242, he defeated the Germans on Lake Peipsi. The merits of Alexander Nevsky are not only in military victories, but also in diplomatic abilities. Through negotiations with the rulers of the Golden Horde, he managed to achieve the liberation of the Russian army from participation in the wars conducted by the Tatar khans. After his death, Nevsky was canonized by the Orthodox Church. Considered the patron saint of Russian soldiers.

Dmitry Donskoy

Continuing to talk about who the most famous commanders of Russia are, it is necessary to recall the legendary Dmitry Donskoy. The Prince of Moscow and Vladimir went down in history as the man who laid the foundation for the liberation of Russian lands from the Tatar-Mongol yoke. Tired of enduring the arbitrariness of the Golden Horde ruler Mamai, Donskoy marched against him with an army. The decisive battle took place in September 1380. The troops of Dmitry Donskoy were 2 times inferior in size to the enemy army. Despite the inequality of forces, the great commander managed to defeat the enemy, almost completely destroying his numerous regiments. The defeat of Mamai's army not only accelerated the moment of liberation of the Russian lands from the Golden Horde dependence, but also contributed to the strengthening of the Moscow principality. Like Nevsky, Donskoy was canonized by the Orthodox Church after his death.

Mikhail Golitsyn

Famous commanders of Russia also lived during the time of Emperor Peter I. One of the most prominent military leaders of this era was Prince Mikhail Golitsyn, who became famous in the 21-year Northern War with the Swedes. He rose to the rank of Field Marshal. He distinguished himself during the capture of the Swedish fortress Noteburg in 1702 by Russian troops. He was the commander of the guard during the Battle of Poltava in 1709, as a result of which the Swedes suffered a crushing defeat. After the battle, together with A. Menshikov, he pursued the retreating enemy troops and forced them to lay down their arms.

In 1714, the Russian army under the command of Golitsyn attacked the Swedish infantry near the Finnish village of Lappole (Napo). This victory was of great strategic importance during the Northern War. The Swedes were ousted from Finland, and Russia took over the bridgehead for further offensive. Golitsyn also distinguished himself in the naval battle of Grengam Island (1720), which put an end to the long and bloody Northern War. Commanding the Russian fleet, he forced the Swedes to retreat. After that, Russian influence was established.

Fedor Ushakov

Not only the best commanders of Russia glorified their country. The naval commanders did it no worse than the commanders of the ground forces. Such was Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, whom the Orthodox Church canonized for numerous victories. He took part in the Russian-Turkish war (1787-1791). He led at Fidonisi, Tendra, Kaliakria, Kerch, led the siege of the island of Corfu. In 1790-1792 he commanded the Black Sea Fleet. During his military career, Ushakov fought 43 battles. He was not defeated in any of them. In battles, he managed to save all the ships entrusted to him.

Alexander Suvorov

Some generals of Russia became famous all over the world. Suvorov is one of them. Being the generalissimo of the naval and ground forces, as well as the holder of all military orders existing in the Russian Empire, he left a noticeable mark in the history of his country. He proved himself as a talented military leader in two Russian-Turkish wars, Italian and Swiss campaigns. In 1787 he commanded the Kinburn battle, in 1789 - the battles near Focsani and Rymnik. He led the assault on Ishmael (1790) and Prague (1794). During his military career, he won victories in more than 60 battles and did not lose in a single battle. Together with the Russian army he went to Berlin, Warsaw and the Alps. He left behind the book "The Science of Winning", where he outlined the tactics of successful warfare.

Mikhail Kutuzov

If you ask about who the famous commanders of Russia are, many people immediately remember Kutuzov. And this is not surprising, because for the special merits of this man he was awarded the Order of St. George - the highest military award of the Russian Empire. He held the rank of Field Marshal. Almost all of Kutuzov's life was spent in battles. He is the hero of two Russian-Turkish wars. In 1774, in the battle of Alushta, he was wounded in the temple, as a result of which he lost his right eye. After a long treatment, he was appointed to the post of Governor-General of the Crimean Peninsula. In 1788 he received a second serious wound in the head. In 1790, he successfully led the assault on Izmail, where he proved himself to be a fearless commander. In 1805 he went to Austria to command the troops opposing Napoleon. In the same year he took part in the Battle of Austerlitz.

In 1812, Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian troops in the Patriotic War against Napoleon. He held the grand battle of Borodino, after which, at the military council held in Fili, he was forced to decide on the withdrawal of the Russian army from Moscow. As a result of the counter-offensive, the troops under the command of Kutuzov were able to push the enemy back from their territory. The French army, considered the strongest in Europe, suffered huge human losses.

Kutuzov's military talent provided our country with a strategic victory over Napoleon, and he himself brought worldwide fame. Although the military leader did not support the idea of ​​persecuting the French in Europe, it was he who was appointed commander in chief of the combined Russian and Prussian forces. But illness did not allow Kutuzov to give another battle: in April 1813, having reached Prussia with his troops, he caught a cold and died.

Generals in the war with Nazi Germany

The Great Patriotic War revealed to the world the names of talented Soviet military leaders. Outstanding commanders of Russia put a lot of effort into the defeat of Nazi Germany and the destruction of fascism in European lands. There were many brave front commanders on the territory of the USSR. Thanks to their skill and heroism, they were able to adequately oppose the well-trained and armed with the latest technology of the German invaders. We offer you to get acquainted with the two greatest generals - I. Konev and G. Zhukov.

Ivan Konev

One of those to whom our state owes its victory was the legendary marshal and twice hero of the USSR Ivan Konev. The Soviet commander began participating in the war as commander of the 19th Army of the North Caucasian District. During the Battle of Smolensk (1941), Konev managed to escape capture and withdraw the army command and communications regiment from the enemy's encirclement. After that, the commander commanded the Western, Northwestern, Kalinin, Steppe, First and Second Ukrainian fronts. Participated in the battle for Moscow, led the Kalinin operations (defensive and offensive). In 1942, Konev headed (together with Zhukov) the first and second Rzhev-Sychev operations, and in the winter of 1943, the Zhizdrinsky operation.

Due to the superiority of the enemy forces, many battles conducted by the commander until the middle of 1943 were unsuccessful for the Soviet Army. But the situation changed dramatically after the victory over the enemy in the battle on (July-August 1943). After that, the troops under the leadership of Konev carried out a number of offensive operations (Poltava-Kremenchug, Pyatikhat, Znamenskaya, Kirovograd, Lvov-Sandomierz), as a result of which most of the territory of Ukraine was cleared of the Nazis. In January 1945, the First Ukrainian Front under the command of Konev, together with the allies, began the Vistula-Oder operation, liberated Krakow from the Nazis, and in the spring of 1945 the marshal's troops reached Berlin, and he himself personally took part in its assault.

Georgy Zhukov

The greatest commander, four times Hero of the USSR, the owner of many domestic and foreign military awards, was a truly legendary person. In his youth, he took part in the First World War and the Civil War, the battle of Khalkhin Gol. By the time of Hitler's invasion of the territory of the Soviet Union, Zhukov was appointed by the country's leadership to the positions of Deputy People's Commissar of Defense and Chief of the General Staff.

During the years he headed the troops of the Leningrad, Reserve and First Belorussian fronts. He took part in the battle for Moscow, the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk. In 1943, Zhukov, together with other Soviet commanders, carried out a breakthrough of the Leningrad blockade. He coordinated actions in the Zhytomyr-Berdychiv and Proskurovo-Chernivtsi operations, as a result of which part of the Ukrainian lands was liberated from the Germans.

In the summer of 1944, he led the largest military operation in the history of mankind "Bagration", during which Belarus, part of the Baltic states and Eastern Poland were cleared of the Nazis. At the beginning of 1945, together with Konev, he coordinated the actions of the Soviet troops during the liberation of Warsaw. In the spring of 1945 he participated in the capture of Berlin. On June 24, 1945, the Victory Parade took place in Moscow, timed to coincide with the defeat of Nazi Germany by Soviet troops. It was entrusted to Marshal Georgy Zhukov to receive him.

Results

It is impossible to list all the great military leaders of our country in one publication. The naval commanders and commanders of Russia from ancient Russia to the present day have played a significant role in world history, glorifying the domestic military art, heroism and courage of the army entrusted to their disposal.

Today, on the last Sunday of July, Russia traditionally celebrates Navy Day. The "Historian" proposes on this day to remember the great naval commanders who victoriously served the Motherland and increased the glory of the national fleet.

GRIGORY ANDREEVICH SPIRIDOV

Grigory Andreevich Spiridov was born in 1713 in the family of the commandant of Vyborg, recently conquered from the Swedes. At the age of 10, he volunteered for one of the best ships of the Baltic Fleet, the Saint Alexander. In 1728, on the recommendation of the ship's commander, young Spiridov was sent to the Naval Academy, and after graduating as an officer, to the Don Flotilla, where, acting against the Turks on the Sea of ​​Azov, the future naval commander gained his first combat experience.

Over the next 20 years, Grigory Spiridov went from midshipman to rear admiral, commander of a squadron in the Baltic Sea. Over the years of service, he showed outstanding pedagogical talents, so in 1755 he became one of the first teachers of the newly formed Naval Cadet Noble Corps. In 1761, he led the landing near the Prussian fortress of Kolberg. After the end of the Seven Years' War, he first headed the Kronstadt, then the Revel port, and eventually became the commander of the Baltic Fleet.

When the war with Turkey began in 1768, the Baltic Fleet was given the task of making a passage around Europe in order to deploy hostilities in the Mediterranean theater. The expedition was called the Archipelago, as they expected to cause mass uprisings among the Greeks and the Slavic peoples inhabiting the Balkan Peninsula. General management was carried out by Alexei Orlov, and the command of the fleet was entrusted to Grigory Spiridov. On June 24, 1770, he won the battle of Chios, after which the Turks retreated to Chesme Bay under the protection of coastal batteries. Grigory Spiridov developed a plan that combined artillery shelling of the enemy from short distances and a fire-ship attack. Thanks to this, on the night of June 25-26, most of the Turkish ships were set on fire.

I.K. Aivazovsky. "Chesme battle". 1848

The admiral spent the next four years among the islands of the Greek archipelago, blocking the Dardanelles and intercepting Turkish ships in the Aegean Sea.

In June 1773, Grigory Spiridov retired for health reasons. He died in 1790 in Moscow.

FYODOR FYODOROVICH USHAKOV

Born in 1745 in the family of a sergeant of the Life Guards of the Preobrazhensky Regiment. After graduating from the Naval Cadet Corps in 1766, he was sent to serve in the Baltic Fleet. When the Russian-Turkish war began in 1768, Lieutenant Fyodor Ushakov was appointed commander of pram No. 5 of the Don (Azov) flotilla, and until the conclusion of the Kyuchuk-Kaynarji peace, he guarded the Crimean coast from the enemy, and in 1775 he already commanded the frigate Severny eagle". Soon, a promising officer was appointed commander of the imperial yacht, but the court career did not appeal to Ushakov, and he achieved a transfer to the battleship Viktor, commanding which he participated in the implementation of the "policy of armed neutrality" in the Mediterranean.

Since 1783, Fedor Ushakov served in the Black Sea Fleet. For services in the fight against the plague in Kherson, in 1785 he received his first award - the Order of St. Vladimir IV degree. The beginning of the next Russian-Turkish war in 1787 found Fedor Ushakov in the position of commander of the battleship St. Paul. The following year, already commanding the vanguard of the squadron, in the battle of Fidonisi, he managed to win the first victory on the Black Sea over superior Turkish forces. In 1789, Fyodor Ushakov received the rank of Rear Admiral. In 1790, he won brilliant victories at the Kerch Strait and Tendra, and a year later - at Cape Kaliakria.

The pinnacle of Fedor Ushakov's career was the Mediterranean campaign. Russian sailors stormed the strong fortress of Corfu and liberated a significant part of Italy from the French.

In all battles, Fedor Ushakov adhered to active offensive tactics. Thanks to his supreme naval art, he always defeated superior enemy forces. The illustrious admiral did not lose a single ship in the battles, not a single one of his subordinates was captured. In 2001, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized Fedor Ushakov as a saint.

MIKHAIL PETROVICH LAZAREV

Born in 1788 in the family of Senator Pyotr Gavrilovich Lazarev. In 1800, together with his two brothers, who also became admirals, he entered the Naval Cadet Corps. In 1803, among the best midshipmen, he was sent on an internship in the British fleet, which lasted until 1808.
In 1813, Lieutenant Lazarev was appointed commander of the Suvorov sloop belonging to the Russian-American campaign. The ship was to make a round-the-world trip and deliver cargo to the stronghold of Russian settlements in Alaska, Novo-Arkhangelsk. During this journey, Mikhail Lazarev made his first geographical discovery - he discovered a small atoll in the South Pacific Ocean, named after Alexander Suvorov.

Sloops Vostok and Mirny on a 1965 Soviet stampSloops Vostok and Mirny on a Soviet postage stamp

In 1819, the Russian government, at the insistence of the famous navigators Ivan Kruzenshtern and Otto Kotzebue, decided to equip an expedition to the south polar waters in search of the alleged mainland, then called "Terra Australis incognita". For this purpose, two sloops were allocated: "Vostok" under the command of Thaddeus Bellingshausen and "Mirny", which were instructed to command Mikhail Lazarev, who had recently returned from a round-the-world voyage. On July 3, the ships left Kronstadt, and January 16, 1820 was included as the date of the discovery of a new continent - Antarctica. Until March, the Russian expedition explored the south polar waters, after which the deterioration of the ice situation forced it to leave for the Australian port of Jackson. After the repair and rest of the crews, Vostok and Mirny again headed for Antarctica and on January 9, 1821 discovered the island, named after Peter I. On July 24, the expedition returned to Russia. For outstanding services, Mikhail Lazarev was promoted to captain of the II rank, bypassing the rank of lieutenant commander.

In 1822-1825, Mikhail Lazarev, commanding the frigate "Cruiser", made his third circumnavigation. It should be noted that the Ladoga transport accompanying the frigate was commanded by his older brother Lieutenant Commander Andrey Petrovich Lazarev. The Cruiser spent about a year off the coast of Russian America, protecting the territorial waters from smugglers, until it was replaced by the sloop Enterprise under the command of another famous Russian navigator, Otto Kotzebue.

Upon his return to Russia, Mikhail Lazarev was promoted to captain of the 1st rank and appointed commander of the battleship Azov. In the Battle of Navarino, he took the fight with five enemy ships at once, sinking two large frigates and one corvette, burned the flagship of Tagir Pasha, and also forced the ship of the line to run aground. For this feat, Mikhail Lazarev was promoted to rear admiral, and Azov received the stern St. George's flag.

His further fate turned out to be firmly connected with the Black Sea Fleet. In June 1833, commanding a squadron, Mikhail Lazarev led an expedition to the Bosporus, as a result of which he managed to conclude the Unkyar-Iskelesi Treaty, which was beneficial for Russia. In 1834 he received the rank of vice admiral and became commander of the Black Sea Fleet.

As soon as he took office, the new commander immediately set about improving the ship's composition. New battleships and frigates were intensively built. Mikhail Lazarev personally introduced a number of design improvements to the spars and sailing rigging, as well as introduced a more streamlined stern shape and changed the stem angle. One of the first in the Russian fleet, he took the initiative to build steam ships with an iron hull.

His special merit in this post was the training of a galaxy of talented sailors who entered the history of Russia under the collective term "Lazarev school". The future heroes of the Crimean War Pavel Nakhimov and Vladimir Kornilov enjoyed special respect for the admiral. The latter recalled that during the years of his service as a midshipman on the battleship Azov, Mikhail Lazarev, disapproving of the young officer's excessive enthusiasm for French novels, threw his library overboard, replacing it with useful books from his own.

Throughout almost his entire life until his death in 1851, Mikhail Lazarev harmoniously combined the talents of a naval commander, researcher and teacher.

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov

Born in 1802 in a poor family of a retired major. He was fourth in seniority among his brothers. From childhood, he fell in love with the fleet and dreamed of becoming a naval officer, and although he applied for enrollment in the Naval Corps back in 1813, they accepted young Nakhimov only two years later, since he had previously been refused due to lack of places.

In February 1818, at the age of fifteen and a half, Pavel Nakhimov was promoted to midshipman. He spent his first two campaigns as a watchman on the small Janus tender, and even then he fully showed a conscientious attitude to service, excellent knowledge of maritime affairs and the ability to work with sailors. Soon the rumor about the talents of the midshipman spread throughout the fleet, and Mikhail Lazarev took him on the frigate "Cruiser" to circumnavigate the world. Thus began their joint service, which lasted almost thirty years.

For distinction during the circumnavigation of the world, Pavel Nakhimov was promoted to lieutenant. In March 1826, he was assigned to the battleship Azov and during the Battle of Navarino "acted with excellent courage." On April 28, 1828, Russian sailors captured the Turkish corvette "Eastern Star", which was renamed "Navarin" and included in the Mediterranean squadron. Pavel Nakhimov was entrusted to command the prize.

Pavel Nakhimov on the bastion in Sevastopol

In 1831, Nakhimov was appointed commander of the frigate Pallada. Very quickly, he turned it into one of the best ships in the Baltic Fleet. However, Pavel Nakhimov did not have long to command the frigate, which was to go down in history in the future: in 1834 he was transferred to the Black Sea Fleet, appointed commander of the battleship Silistria, and in 1845 he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

I.K. Aivazovsky. "Sinop. Night after the battle on November 18, 1853"

In 1852, Pavel Nakhimov became vice admiral and head of the naval division. With the beginning of the Crimean War, he blocked the main forces of the Turkish fleet in the Sinop Bay and defeated them. This battle went down in history as the last battle of the sailing fleets.

When the enemies began to besiege Sevastopol, Nakhimov, along with Vice Admiral Vladimir Kornilov, led the defense of the city. On June 28 (July 10), 1855, he was mortally wounded by a bullet in the head on Malakhov Kurgan and died two days later. The famous admiral was buried in the crypt of the Vladimir Cathedral next to Mikhail Lazarev and Vladimir Kornilov.

STEPAN OSIPOVICH MAKAROV

Like Mikhail Lazarev, he combined not only naval leadership, but also research talents. Stepan Makarov was born in 1848 in Nikolaev in the family of an ensign. In 1858, the family moved to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur, and Stepan Makarov, at the age of 10, was admitted to the Nikolaev Naval School, from which he graduated in 1865. Immediately after graduation, he was assigned to the steamer "America" ​​and in 1869 was promoted to midshipman.

Makarov's officer service began on the Rusalka turret armored boat. In one of the campaigns, when the ship hit a rock, it received a hole, which, due to the lack of drainage facilities and the lack of proper organization of the struggle for survivability, almost led to the death of the ship. Analyzing this case, Stepan Makarov in 1870 published an article in the journal "Sea Collection" in which he first expressed his views on unsinkability and proposed a number of technical improvements, including a patch for sealing holes. This work laid the foundation for a scientific study of the survivability of the ship.

Steamboat "Grand Duke Konstantin"

In 1877, with the beginning of a new Russian-Turkish war, Stepan Makarov, commanding the steamship "Grand Duke Konstantin", for the first time in history used a mine as an offensive one, repeatedly successfully attacking Turkish ships with the help of small mine boats.

L.F. Lagorio “Destruction of the Turkish ships near the Bosporus by the steamer “Grand Duke Konstantin”. 1877"

In 1886-1889, Stepan Makarov circumnavigated the world on the Vityaz corvette, during which he managed to obtain important results in the field of hydrography.

Corvette "Vityaz" in the Far East

While in the position of chief inspector of naval artillery, he proposed the so-called Makarov caps made of mild steel for shells, which significantly increased their penetrating ability.

Icebreaker "Ermak"

Other important merits of Stepan Makarov to the Fatherland include the construction of the world's first linear icebreaker "Ermak", on which he made an expedition to Franz Josef Land in 1901.

Squadron battleship PetropavlovskSquadron battleship "Petropavlovsk"

With the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War, Makarov was appointed to the post of commander of the Pacific squadron. Arriving in Port Arthur, he greatly intensified the actions of Russian ships, but on April 13, 1904, the flagship battleship Petropavlovsk, on which the admiral was at that moment, was blown up by a Japanese mine and sank. The body of Stepan Makarov was never found.