Kolchak Alexander Vasilyevich - biography. Admiral Kornilov: short biography

If the revolution had not happened, Alexander Vasilyevich Kolchak would undoubtedly have become the pride of Russia as a polar explorer, scientist, and naval commander. For decades, this phrase "Admiral Kolchak" was perceived, on the one hand, by the defeated in the civil war participants in the "white cause" with deep respect, in any case - with understanding; on the other hand, the Bolsheviks, the Reds, many Soviet people brought up on the Marxist-Leninist principles of class intolerance with hatred or sharp hostility. The White movement set as its goal the restoration of a "united and indivisible" Russia. The Russian nationalism of the whites coincided with the uncontrollably growing local nationalism on the outskirts of the Russian state, where the center of the struggle against the Bolsheviks turned out to be. The White movement did not have a leader whose authority would be recognized by all, did not have a leader who understood the political nature of the civil war. Nevertheless, Kolchak is the leader of the white movement, and this is beyond doubt. The tragic fate of this great man, whose services to the Motherland were erased in long history Soviet period.

Alexander Vasilyevich Kolchak is the Supreme Ruler of Russia, an outstanding personality with many-sided talent and controversial character. Russian admiral, participant of the Russian-Japanese, World War I and civil wars, commander of the Black Sea Fleet (1916-1917), organizer of the white movement in Siberia, Supreme Ruler of Russia (1918-1920). Member of expeditions in the Northern Arctic Ocean and the Arctic, full member of the Russian Geographical Society, author of articles on hydrology and compiler of sea and coast maps. He was awarded the Orders of St. George 4th (1916) and 3rd (1919) degrees and other orders, a large Konstantinovsky gold medal from the Russian Hydrographic Society.

Born November 4, 1874 in the family of a naval artillery officer in St. Petersburg, in a noble family. His father, Vasily Ivanovich Kolchak, was a native and hereditary nobleman of Odessa, an Orthodox Christian. His father, at that time a staff captain, and later a major general, was a hereditary military man. The great-grandfather of the future commander Luka Kolchak became the centurion of Bugsky Cossack army, and father Vasily Ivanovich served as a naval artilleryman and retired as a major general. Male uncles had high ranks in the fleet. was also known noble family mother, Olga Ilyinichna Possokhova, whose grandfather became the last mayor of Odessa.

As a child, Kolchak received good home education. Sasha studied at the gymnasium for only three years and at the age of 14 he entered the Marine cadet corps, who graduated second in academic achievement. His success in training was awarded the Admiral P.I. Rikord - the famous navigator and corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences. Achievement list Kolchak consists of two parts: military deeds and scientific expeditions. From marine corps he left in 1894 with the rank of midshipman. The following year, Kolchak was appointed assistant watch officer on the battleship Rurik and sailed from Petersburg to Vladivostok on it. In 1896, he was transferred as a watchman to the Kreyser clipper, on which he returned to St. Petersburg. Kolchak later recalled his service on the "Rurik" and "Cruiser": "It was my first voyage ... the main task I was a purely combatant on the ship, but, in addition, I specially worked in oceanography and hydrology. From that time on, I began to work scientific works: “I had a dream to find the South Pole; but I never got on a voyage to the southern ocean "Bogdanov K.A. Admiral Kolchak - biographical story-chronicle; SPb, 1993 p. eighteen . Admiral Tsyvinsky, who commanded the Cruiser, later recalled Midshipman Kolchak: “He was an extraordinarily capable and talented officer, he had a rare memory, owned perfectly three European languages, knew well the sailing directions of all seas, knew the history of all almost European fleets and naval battles.

In 1898 Kolchak was promoted to lieutenant. Upon learning that Baron Toll was preparing a high-latitude expedition on the whaling yacht Zarya ( main goal his was the search for the legendary Sannikov Land), Kolchak turned to academician Schmidt with a request to take him into the crew. He was offered the post of second magnetologist with hydrology classes. In order to prepare for the duties assigned to him, Kolchak asked to be appointed to work at the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg and the Pavlovsk Magnetic Observatory. Then he went to Norway to Nansen to study new methods of magnetic measurements and to study hydrology.

The expedition began in the summer of 1900 and lasted three years. She was very heavy. Toll spent his first wintering near the island of Taimyr. Here Kolchak made observations on temperatures and specific gravity surface layer sea ​​water, studied the shape, condition and thickness of ice, participated in the collection of fossil remains of mammals. In the autumn of 1901, the Zarya approached Cape Chelyuskin. Toll and Kolchak made an expedition to the peninsula. In 41 days they traveled 500 miles in a strong blizzard, and Kolchak constantly surveyed the route and made magnetic observations. Then the yacht clean water moved to Bennett Island and began searching for Sannikov Land to the east of the Novosibirsk archipelago. For the second wintering, the expedition stood at West Bank Kotelny Islands in the Zarya Strait. In the summer of 1902, Toll, with three companions, with dog teams and kayaks, went to explore Bennett Island. From this expedition, he intended to return on his own. Meanwhile, the Zarya, unable to break through the ice to the north, reached the mouth of the Lena. From here Kolchak with part of the crew through Yakutsk and Irkutsk arrived in St. Petersburg.

Because in fixed time Baron Toll did not return, the Academy of Sciences began to equip detachments to search for him. Kolchak headed one of them. In the spring of 1903, he reached the mouth of the Lena by land, where the abandoned Zarya stood, and took one of the good whaling whaleboats from her. Together with 16 companions, on dogs dragging a whaleboat on sleds, he crossed from the mouth of the Yana to Kotelny Island, and in the summer he went on a whaleboat to Bennett Island. Here Kolchak found Toll's abandoned winter hut and a letter testifying to the death of the entire detachment. This expedition took place in extremely difficult conditions. However, he managed to reach big land and delivered Toll's documents and geological collections to the capital. For the courage shown in this expedition, Kolchak in 1903 was awarded the order Saint Vladimir. In 1905 Russian geographical society awarded him a large Konstantinovsky gold medal, and in February 1906 he was elected a member of this society. One of the islands in the Kara Sea was named after Kolchak (at the end of the 1930s it was renamed Rastorguev Island).

Start Russo-Japanese War found Kolchak in Yakutsk. In an urgent telegram to the Academy of Sciences in January 1904, he asked permission to go to the Pacific squadron and received consent. In March, he married Sofya Omirova, handed over his affairs to his assistant Olenin and went to Port Arthur. Vice-Admiral Makarov first appointed Kolchak as a watchman on the Askold cruiser, then transferred to the Amur mine transport and, finally, made the captain of the Angry destroyer. During the siege of Port Arthur, this destroyer made several bold attacks on Japanese squadron. Kolchak was awarded the Order of St. Anne with the inscription "For Courage", a golden saber with the inscription "For Courage" and the Order of St. Stanislav with swords for distinction. In November 1904, he was appointed commander of two batteries in the northeastern wing of the defense of Port Arthur. After the surrender of the fortress, wounded, with a severe form of articular rheumatism, Kolchak was captured by the Japanese, who, however, treated him very gently. Together with other wounded, Kolchak was allowed to return to Russia through the United States. In April 1905 he was already in St. Petersburg.

After a long treatment and rest on the waters, Kolchak returned to the disposal of the Academy of Sciences. Until January 1906, he processed the materials of the polar expedition and compiled short description sailing of the yacht Zarya. When the Directorate of the Naval General Staff was formed, Kolchak took the post of head of the statistical department, and then the department for developing strategic ideas for the defense of the Baltic. At the same time, he lectured at the Naval Academy and studied scientific activity. In 1909, his most important work"Ice of the Kara and Siberian Seas", which for many years later was considered an important guide for any polar explorer. Kolchak dreamed of making another polar expedition. In 1909, with his direct participation, the Taimyr and Vaigach icebreaking transports were built, which were tasked with passing the northern by sea from Vladivostok to Murmansk. Kolchak was appointed captain of the Vaigach. In autumn, the ships set sail from St. Petersburg around Europe and Asia to the Pacific Ocean. However, this time Kolchak did not have a chance to take part in the polar voyage. In the summer of 1910, when the ships arrived in Vladivostok, he was urgently recalled to the capital to develop a shipbuilding program. Until the spring of 1912, he was engaged in its detailing at the General Staff.

In 1912, Kolchak returned to the active fleet. In April, he was appointed commander of the Ussuriets destroyer, and a year later he was transferred to the Border Guard destroyer. In December 1913, Kolchak was promoted to captain of the 1st Rank. After the outbreak of the First World War, he again managed to distinguish himself. In February 1915, four destroyers subordinate to him mined the sea near Danzig. These mines blew up 23 German ships, including 4 cruisers and 8 destroyers. For this and other operations, Kolchak was awarded the Order of St. George. His career developed rapidly. In June 1916, Kolchak was promoted to rear admiral, and a few months later he was appointed commander of the Black Sea Fleet with promotion to vice admiral. Arriving in Sevastopol, Kolchak immediately showed himself to be an energetic commander. He immediately went to sea and attacked the German cruiser Breslau, which was forced to flee. After that, work began on mining coastal waters. A month later, Kolchak reported on the results of his tenure as commander: “From the first days ... I set about putting things in order on the mines of the barrier, meaning the setting of the barrier at the Bosphorus ... Apparently, this case was not given in the Black Sea of serious importance ... 10 days of training and sorting mines set this business up, and the new destroyers completed the task of setting up a barrier and close proximity Bosphorus fortifications» Bogdanov K.A. Admiral Kolchak: Biographical story-chronicle; SPb, 1993 p. 25.

After February Revolution 1917 Kolchak was the first in the Black Sea Fleet to swear allegiance to the Provisional Government. In the spring of 1917, the Stavka began preparations landing operation to capture Constantinople, but because of the disintegration of the army and navy, this idea had to be abandoned. Kolchak received gratitude from the Minister of War Guchkov for his quick reasonable actions, by which he contributed to maintaining order in the Black Sea Fleet.

However, due to the defeatist propaganda and agitation that penetrated the army and navy after February 1917 under the guise and cover of freedom of speech, both the army and the navy began to move towards their collapse. On April 25, 1917, Alexander Vasilievich spoke at a meeting of officers with a report “The situation of our armed forces and relations with the allies.” Among other things, Kolchak noted: "We are facing the collapse and destruction of our armed forces, [because] the old forms of discipline have collapsed, and new ones have not been created."

Kolchak demanded an end to homegrown reforms based on the "conceit of ignorance" and the adoption of forms of discipline and organization inner life already taken from the allies.

In June 1917, the Sevastopol Soviet decided to disarm the officers suspected of counter-revolution, including taking away from Kolchak his St. George weapon - the golden saber handed to him for Port Arthur. The admiral preferred to throw the blade overboard with the words: "The newspapers do not want us to have weapons, so let him go to sea." On the same day, Alexander Vasilievich handed over the case to Rear Admiral V.K. Lukin. Three weeks later, the divers raised the saber from the bottom and handed it to Kolchak, engraving the inscription on the blade: "To the Knight of Honor Admiral Kolchak from the Union of Army and Navy Officers." At this time, Kolchak, along with General Staff General of Infantry L.G. Kornilov, was considered as a potential candidate for military dictators.

It is for this reason that in August A.F. Kerensky summoned the admiral to Petrograd, where he forced him to resign, after which he, at the invitation of the command US Navy went to the United States to advise American specialists on the experience of using mine weapons by Russian sailors in the Baltic and Black Seas in the First world war. According to Kolchak, there was another, secret, reason for his trip to the USA: “... Admiral Glenon told me in top secret that in America there is an assumption to take active actions of the American fleet in the Mediterranean against the Turks and the Dardanelles. Knowing that I was engaged in similar operations, Admiral Glenon told me that it would be desirable that I give all the information on the question of landing operations in the Bosporus. Regarding this landing operation, he asked me not to tell anyone anything and not even inform the government about it, since he will ask the government to send me to America, officially to report information on mines and anti-submarine warfare.

In San Francisco, Kolchak was offered to stay in the United States, promising him a minecraft department at the best naval college. Kolchak refused and went back to Russia.

Arriving in Japan, Kolchak learned about October revolution, liquidation rates Supreme Commander and the negotiations initiated by the Bolsheviks with the Germans. He agreed to a telegram proposing his candidacy for constituent Assembly from the Cadets and a group of non-Party people in the Black Sea Fleet District, but his answer was received late. The admiral left for Tokyo. There he presented the British Ambassador with a request for admission to the British army in the field. The ambassador, after consultations with London, handed Kolchak a direction to the Mesopotamian front. On the way there, in Singapore, he was overtaken by a telegram from the Russian envoy to China, Kudashev, inviting him to Manchuria to form Russian military units. Kolchak went to Beijing, after which he set about organizing the Russian armed forces to protect the CER. However, due to disagreements with Ataman Semenov and the head of the CER, General Horvat, Admiral Kolchak left Manchuria and left for Russia, intending to join the Volunteer Army of Generals Alekseev and Denikin.

Fedorovich Ushakov

Years of life 1745 - 1817
Place of birth village Burnakovo ( Yaroslavskaya oblast)
Citizenship Russian Empire
Years of service 1761 - 1807

Main events
Battle of Fidonisi
(1788, commanded the vanguard of the Russian squadron),
Battle of Cape Tendra
Battle of Kaliakria
Kerch battle,
Siege of Corfu

pinnacle of career
Admiral
Commander of the Black Sea Fleet

Awards
 Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky with diamonds
 Order of Saint Vladimir 2nd class
 Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd class
 Order of Saint Vladimir 4th class
 Order of St. George 2nd class
 Order of St. George 4th class
 Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (Russia)

Foreign:

 Order of Saint Januarius
Award of the Ottoman Empire "Chelenk"
Golden weapons from the Greek Republic of the Seven Islands

There are enough outstanding personalities in the history of our army and navy. These are people who have had a strong influence on the development of not only the military industry, but also the entire statehood of the country. One of these was Admiral Ushakov. Biography of this wonderful person provided in this article.
His fame is evidenced at least by the fact that in the fleet Russian Empire and Soviet Union there were several ships named after him. In particular, even one cruiser of the Soviet Navy. Since 1944, there has been an order and a medal of Ushakov. A number of objects in the Arctic are named after him.
Initial period of life
Fedor Ushakov, the future admiral, was born in the tiny village of Burnakovo, lost in the vastness of the Moscow province, in February 1745. He came from a family of a landowner, but not too rich. It is not surprising that he had to go to school early in order not to force his parents to spend money on his maintenance. In 1766 he studied in the cadet corps, receiving the rank of midshipman. His naval career began in the Baltic Sea. Ushakov immediately showed himself as a capable commander and a brave man.

Start of service, first successes
Already in 1768-1774, during the first war with the Turks, Ushakov commanded several battleships at once. He also participated in the heroic defense of the Crimean coast.

In the Baltic, Fyodor Ushakov commanded the frigate "Saint Paul", and later on he also made the transition to the Mediterranean Sea. He carried out important assignments for the transportation of timber to the shipyards of St. Petersburg. In 1780, he was even appointed commander of the imperial yacht, but the future admiral refuses this boring post and applies for a transfer back to the battleship of the line. Then Ushakov received the rank of captain of the second rank.
From 1780 to 1782 he commanded the battleship Victor. During this period, Ushakov was constantly on raids: he and his crew guarded trade routes from English privateers, who at that time were completely unrestrained.

Role in creation Black Sea Fleet
Admiral Ushakov is especially famous for one deed. His biography includes the fact that this particular person was one of the founders of the entire Black Sea Fleet. Since 1783, he was busy building the Sevastopol base for the fleet, personally supervising the training of new crews on ships. By 1874, Ushakov became a captain of the first rank. At the same time, he received the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, for his fight against the plague epidemic in Kherson. After that, he was entrusted with the command of the ship "St. Paul" and was given the rank of brigadier captain.

War with the Turks
During the next war with the Turks, from 1787 to 1791, the loudest victories of the Russian fleet are associated with the name of Ushakov. So, in a naval battle near the island of Fidonisi (now called Serpentine), which took place on July 3, 1788, Admiral Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov personally led the vanguard of four frigates. The Turkish fleet at that time consisted of 49 ships at once, and Eski-Gassan commanded them.

We had only 36 ships, and there were five times fewer ships of the line. It was Ushakov, skillfully maneuvering and preventing the Turks from approaching, who managed to drive away their two advanced battleships, turning the fire of their guns to flight. This battle lasted three hours, as a result of which the entire Turkish fleet preferred to retire. For this battle, the future Admiral Ushakov (his biography is described in the article) was granted the Knights of St. George.

New exploits
The next two years did not set out for naval battles. Nevertheless, in 1790, the entire Black Sea Fleet was transferred under the control of Ushakov. The active officer immediately began training the crews of the main line ships. Soon the opportunity arose to check the work: at Sinop, the squadron of Rear Admiral Ushakov bombed almost thirty enemy ships. In response, the entire Turkish squadron went on a raid. Anticipating this, the talented commander withdrew his fleet in advance and anchored it near Kerch Strait, in order to block the breakthrough of Turkish ships to the Crimea and prevent the landing of enemy troops. Thus began the Kerch naval battle. Subsequently, it was included in almost all textbooks on naval combat, since the techniques used by the admiral at that time were really advanced for their time.

New battle
However, soon Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich (whose biography contains many such episodes) decided to go towards the Turkish squadron. This temptation turned out to be irresistible for the Turks: relying on a fair wind, they decided to swoop down on the Russian fleet and destroy it.

However, their plan was obvious to Ushakov, and therefore he promptly gave the command to reorganize and allocate several ships of the line to reliably cover the avant-garde. When the latter tied the Turks in battle, the rest of the Russian ships arrived in time. By three o'clock in the afternoon the wind began to favor our fleet. The ships of the two squadrons quickly began to approach, and soon their gunners entered into a tense duel.

Russian gunners showed themselves in this battle just fine. Soon, most of the Turkish ships, due to the severe destruction of the equipment, could no longer participate in the battle. A little more, and the Russians began to celebrate a complete and unconditional victory. The Turks managed to escape only thanks to the best performance their compact and nimble ships. So the history of the Black Sea Fleet was replenished with another glorious victory.
Many historians note that in that battle the enemy did not lose a single ship sunk, but the state of the Turkish squadron was such that it definitely could not go into battle in the coming months. In addition, their crews suffered huge losses in manpower, and the landing units were seriously battered. The Russians killed only 29 people. It was in honor of this victory that in 1915 one of the battleships of the fleet was given the name "Kerch".

Battle near Tendra
At the end of the summer of 1790, a rather significant battle took place near Cape Tendra, where Ushakov's squadron suddenly stumbled upon the Turks, who were freely anchored. The admiral disregarded all the traditions of the fleet, ordering to attack on the move, without long rebuilds. Confidence in success was fueled by the presence of a traditional reserve of four frigates.

He commanded the Turkish squadron Kapudan Pasha Hussein. He was an experienced naval commander, but even he had to retreat after several hours of intense fighting. The flagship of the Russian fleet "Christmas" under the command of Ushakov himself fought a simultaneous battle with three enemy ships at once. When the Turks fled, the Russian ships pursued them until dark, after which they had to anchor.

The next day the battle resumed with new force. Several hours of battle ended in the complete victory of our fleet. For this, the admiral was awarded the Order of St. George of the 2nd degree, as well as five thousand serfs assigned to the Mogilev province. After that, Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov, in short, became a "purebred" landowner. However, he almost never visited his estates, being constantly occupied by the fleet.

Battle of Kaliakria, new victories
On land, Turkey suffered constant defeats. Sultan Pasha decided to win back by taking revenge on the sea. Warships were assembled throughout the empire, and soon an incredibly powerful fleet was stationed near Istanbul. He, in the amount of 78 ships, soon anchored near Cape Kaliakria. Since the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha began at that time, some of the crews were released ashore.

However, the Russian government at that time began negotiations with a weakened enemy, which the Turks were only happy about. But Admiral Ushakov (his biography was thus replenished with another battle) did not know about this when he stumbled upon the Turkish fleet. According to his old habit, he immediately gave the order to rebuild in the marching position, simultaneously firing at the enemy squadron from all guns.

The Turks tried to repeat the maneuver, withdrawing from the raid under fire. Thus began the battle at Cape Kaliakria. The already mentioned flagship of the Russian fleet "Christmas" attacked the enemy on the move. Shortly thereafter, the enemy squadron was dispersed, and in 1791 a peace treaty was finally signed.

Post-war work
After the war, the admiral devotes all his strength and time to the preparation and development of the Black Sea Fleet. In 1793 he received the rank of vice admiral. During this period, Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich, whose biography is full significant events, already has tremendous authority in the fleet, he is respected even by enemies.

And here a curious turn of history happens: Russia, as part of a coalition against the French, becomes an ally of Turkey, with which Ushakov fought a couple of years ago. During the Mediterranean expedition of 1798-1800, the admiral visited Istanbul, where the fleet of Kadyr Bey joined his squadron. The task was difficult: to liberate many islands (including the Greek Corfu), and also to join the British under the command of Nelson.

Capture of Corfu
Almost all the targets were captured on the move, but Corfu was a powerful fortress, and therefore, at first, Ushakov ordered to take it into the ring of a naval blockade. The united squadron did not have enough infantry, so it was premature to think about an assault. After long and hard negotiations, the Turkish side finally sent 4.5 thousand troops, and another 2 thousand were the local militia. It was possible to draw up a plan for taking the object.

Russian paratroopers, who landed on the shore under fire from the fort, quickly began to build two artillery batteries. The rest of the infantry was ordered to attack the forward fortifications of the French. At the same time, the assault on the island of Vido began, the garrison of which quickly capitulated.

Naval artillery successfully suppressed the French batteries, after which the assault began. Part of the wall was quickly captured, after which the garrison realized that further resistance would lead to nothing good. On the admiral's ship "St. Paul" negotiations for surrender were begun.

Diplomatic career
For this operation, Ushakov was promoted to full admiral. Even the Turks presented their former enemy with many valuable gifts, recognizing his military talent. After these events, the Russian squadron actively helped ground forces Suvorov, who at that time were involved in Northern Italy. Actively operating in the Mediterranean Sea, the Russian admiral completely fettered the enemy's trade routes, simultaneously blocking the ports in Genoa and Ancona. The landing of his ships proved to be excellent during the assault and liberation from French troops Naples and Rome. At this time, the old sailor amazed everyone with his talent as a subtle and skillful diplomat, who knew how to put out problems and negotiate with opponents in the bud. It was he who contributed to the formation of the Republic of the Seven Islands in Greece, together with other diplomats created the Greek Senate. The introduction of new orders was enthusiastically accepted by almost all the islanders. These innovations glorified Ushakov in those parts, but caused extreme dissatisfaction with Alexander I.

End of career
All those six months that the admiral spent in the Ionian Islands were an ongoing triumph. locals treated the naval commander as their liberator from the French occupation. The squadron returned to its homeland on September 26, 1800, having moored in Sevastopol. The emperor was extremely dissatisfied with Ushakov's republican views, but could not do anything with him, fearing the reaction of the army and navy. In 1802, he was removed from really important areas, having been appointed head of the rowing fleet in the Baltic and preparatory camps for sailors. However, Ushakov himself was glad of this: many years of swimming did not contribute to improving his health, and therefore already in 1807 he retired. During the French attack in 1812, he led the Tambov militia, but due to poor physical health, he personally no longer participated in the battles. The famous naval commander died in 1817 and was solemnly buried in the Sanaskar Monastery.

Interesting Facts about life
Ushakov entered the history of the seafaring business of the whole world not only as an admiral unsurpassed by anyone in terms of performance, but also as the author of a completely new battle tactics. sailing fleet. He paid great attention to the training of the crews of each ship of his squadron, which was very different from the commanders of those years. The admiral was loved by his subordinates: he was tough and demanding, but not cruel. What else is Ushakov known for? Interesting facts about him are amazing: when the order and medal of his name was established in the USSR, it turned out ... that no one knows what the great naval commander looked like in reality. His only portrait was dated 1912, when the admiral had been dead for a hundred years. The famous anthropologist Gerasimov proposed a solution to the problem: the admiral's crypt was opened (and it turned out that some vandals had already managed to steal all personal belongings and a golden sword), the scientist took measurements from the skull, on the basis of which a reconstruction of the appearance was created. It happened in 1944.

But that's not all. In our time this outstanding person was canonized Orthodox Church. Now the holy admiral Ushakov patronizes all travelers and those people who are just about to embark on a long journey.

And one more fact. In the Sanaksar Monastery there are graves of ... two Fedor Ushakovs. One of them is the admiral himself. The other belongs to his uncle, who during his lifetime was the abbot of this monastery. Studying the archives, scientists found out that the famous sailor liked to visit these walls, resting from the bustle of the world. That is why he wrote a will, according to which he was to be buried next to his uncle.

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov (born June 23 (July 5), 1802 - death June 30 (July 12), 1855) - Russian admiral, hero of the defense of Sevastopol 1854-1855, among the remarkable Russian naval commanders, he occupies an exceptional place as one of the brightest representatives of the school of Russian military art.

Origin. Studies. Service start

Pavel was born in 1802 in the village of Volochek, Vyazemsky district, Smolensk province (now the village of Nakhimovskoye Andreevsky district of Smolensk region) Was the seventh child of 11 children of a poor landowner, second major Stepan Mikhailovich Nakhimov and Feodosia Ivanovna Nakhimova.

At the end of the Naval Cadet Corps on January 20, 1818, midshipman Pavel Nakhimov, among others, successfully passed the exams, becoming 6th in the list of 15 best pupils. On February 9, he was promoted to midshipman. In 1818 - 1819. Nakhimov remained on the shore with the crew. 1820 - from May 23 to October 15, the midshipman on the Janus tender was sailing to Krasnaya Gorka. The following year he was assigned to the 23rd naval crew and sent overland to Arkhangelsk. 1822 - the sailor returned to the capital by the shore and was assigned to circumnavigate the world on the frigate "Cruiser" under the command of Captain 2nd Rank MP Lazarev. On the pacific ocean Pavel Stepanovich distinguished himself while trying to save a sailor who had fallen overboard. 1823, March 22 - he was promoted to lieutenant. For this voyage, on September 1, 1825, the sailor was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, and a double salary.

On the ship "Azov"

Upon his return, the candidacy of the lieutenant was planned for Guards crew. However, Nakhimov sought to serve at sea. At the request of Lazarev, he was assigned to the Azov ship. The future admiral took part in the completion of the ship and moved on it from Arkhangelsk to Kronstadt, where the crew continued to work and made the Azov an exemplary ship.

1827, summer - he went to the Mediterranean Sea and took part in Navarino battle. "Azov" acted in the thick of the battle. The lieutenant commanded the battery on the forecastle. Of his 34 subordinates, 6 were killed and 17 wounded. Pavel Stepanovich, by a lucky chance, was not injured. For participation in the battle on December 14, Nakhimov was promoted to lieutenant commander, and on December 16 he was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree.

Commander of the corvette "Navarin"

1828, August 15 - he took the captured corvette, renamed the Navarin, and also made it exemplary. On it, the sailor took part in the blockade of the Dardanelles and on March 13, 1829, with the squadron of M.P. Lazarev returned to Kronstadt, was awarded the Order of St. Anna, 2nd degree. 1830, May - when the squadron returned to Kronstadt, Rear Admiral Lazarev wrote in the attestation of the Navarin commander: "An excellent and completely knowledgeable sea captain."

On the frigate "Pallada"

December 31, 1831 - Nakhimov was appointed commander of the frigate Pallada. He oversaw the building, making improvements until the frigate, commissioned in May 1833, became a showpiece. On August 17, in poor visibility, the sailor noticed the Dagerort lighthouse, gave a signal that the squadron was in danger, and saved most of the ships from destruction.

in the Black Sea Fleet. Commander of the Silistria

1834 - Admiral Lazarev became the Chief Commander of the Black Sea Fleet and ports. To himself, he called those sailors with whom he was in voyages and battles. Pavel Nakhimov also became a member of Chernomorsk. 1834, January 24 - the future admiral was appointed commander of the Silistria battleship under construction and transferred to the 41st crew of the Black Sea Fleet; On August 30, the captain-lieutenant was promoted to captain of the 2nd rank for distinction in the service. 1834–1836 - he was engaged in the construction of "Silistria". Soon the ship became an example for others. 1837, December 6 - the commander of the ship "Silistria" was promoted to captain of the 1st rank. On September 22, for excellent diligence and zealous service, he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree, adorned with the imperial crown.

Diligent service affected health, March 23, 1838 P.S. Nakhimov was sent on vacation abroad for treatment. He spent several months in Germany, but the doctors did not help. 1839, summer - on the advice of Lazarev, he returned to Sevastopol and felt worse than before his departure. Nevertheless, Nakhimov continued to serve at sea. He took part in the landings at Tuapse and Psezuap, in 1840-1841. cruised at sea and supervised the setting of dead anchors in the Tsemess Bay. 1842, April 18 - for the excellent and diligent service of P.S. Nakhimov was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd class.

rear admiral

1845, September 13 - for distinction in service, Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov was awarded the rank of rear admiral and appointed commander of the 1st brigade of the 4th naval division. One year he was at the head of a detachment of ships cruising off the coast of the Caucasus, the other - he acted first as a junior, and then as a senior flagship of a practical squadron that went to sea to train teams. An experienced sailor sought to increase the sea skills of the crews and encouraged the initiative. 1849–1852 - he made his comments on the "Rules adopted on the exemplary artillery ship Excelent" for training lower ranks artillery”, to the code of naval signals published in 1849 and to the new “Naval Charter”.

Vice Admiral

March 30, 1852 - P. S. Nakhimov was appointed commander of the 5th Naval Division. On April 25, he was appointed to command a practical squadron. During the campaign, the squadron made several flights to transport troops. On October 2, he was promoted to vice admiral with the approval of the head of the division.

In September, in order to eliminate the threat from the south, where Turkish troops, Nakhimov transported the 13th Infantry Division from the Crimea to the Caucasus, after which he was sent to cruising off the coast of Anatolia. Here he met the beginning of the war, and on November 18 he defeated the Turkish squadron.

On November 11, having discovered 7 frigates, 2 corvettes, a sloop and 2 ships in Sinop Bay under the cover of six coastal batteries, Nakhimov blocked it with his three ships and sent it to Sevastopol for help. When reinforcements arrived, the vice admiral decided to attack with 6 ships of the line and 2 frigates, without waiting for the steamers.

For Sinop, the vice-admiral was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree. Other participants in the battle received awards, the victory was widely celebrated by all of Russia. But Nakhimov was not pleased with the reward: he experienced the fact that he was becoming the culprit of the coming war. And his concerns were well founded. Having received a pretext for intervention and the support of excited public opinion, the governments of England and France gave orders, and on December 23 the Anglo-French squadron entered the Black Sea.

From December 1853, the admiral commanded ships on the roads and in the bays of Sevastopol. Expecting an attack, he almost did not go ashore. Meanwhile, Britain and France concluded a military treaty with Turkey on March 12 and declared war on Russia on March 15.

P.S. Nakhimov during the Battle of Sinop

Defense of Sevastopol

The landing of the allies, the battle on the Alma and the departure of the army created a critical situation in Sevastopol. Only a delay in the movement of enemy troops made it possible to defend the city from land with guns and sailors who occupied hastily built fortifications. To block the enemy's path to the bay, on September 11, five old ships and two frigates were sunk between the Konstantinovskaya and Aleksandrovskaya batteries. On the same day, Menshikov instructed Vice Admiral Kornilov to defend the North, and Nakhimov - the South. began heroic defense Sevastopol, in which the vice-admiral first commanded the squadron, and then became the soul of the defense, its actual leader after the death of V.A. Kornilov. He took measures to strengthen the land bastions, but he did not forget about the fleet, in every possible way seeking active skillful actions from the commanders of the steamers, who became the only combat-ready force of the fleet.

Only on February 25, 1855, Nakhimov was officially appointed commander of the Sevastopol port and military governor of Sevastopol. On March 27, he was promoted to admiral for distinction in the defense of Sevastopol. Having received permission to surrender the squadron, he focused on land defense.

Death of Admiral Nakhimov

Wound. Death

The flagship took care of the people, sought, as soon as possible in those conditions, to save the army from unnecessary losses. Pavel Stepanovich himself continued to appear in a frock coat with well-marked epaulettes in the most dangerous places. On June 28, as always, in the morning Nakhimov toured the positions. When the admiral from Malakhov Kurgan was watching the enemy, leaning out from behind the shelter, he was mortally wounded in the head by a bullet. 1855, June 30 - Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov died. The naval commander was buried in the Vladimir Cathedral with other prominent admirals.

The death of the admiral put the last point in the defense of Sevastopol. When the allies, as a result of another assault, managed to break into Malakhov Kurgan, the Russian regiments left the South side, blowing up warehouses, fortifications and destroying the last ships.

During the years of the Great Patriotic War In 1941-1945, when life forced us to turn to the military traditions of the past, the Order and Medal of Nakhimov were established to reward worthy sailors.

An outstanding Russian naval commander, a hero, an executive officer and a talented leader - all this is about Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov. He repeatedly showed his courage and courage in military battles, was too fearless, which killed him. He played a huge role in the Sevastopol defense of 1854-1855, defeated Turkish ships during the Admiral PS Nakhimov was deeply respected and loved by his subordinates. He remained forever in the history of Russia. To date, there is even an order named after Nakhimov.

Biography of Admiral Nakhimov

Nakhimov Pavel Stepanovich was from a poor family of Smolensk nobles. His father held the rank of officer and retired as a second major. In his youth, Pavel Nakhimov entered the Naval Cadet Corps. Even during his studies, his natural gift as a leader made itself felt: he was executive to the point of impeccability, showed utmost accuracy, was always hardworking and did everything to achieve his goals.

He showed excellent results in training and at the age of 15 he became a midshipman. At the same age, he was assigned to the Phoenix brig, which was supposed to sail in the Baltic Sea. At this time, many pay attention to the 15-year-old midshipman, who shows everyone that the naval service is his life's work. His favorite places in the world were a warship and a port. He did not have time to organize his personal life, and he did not want to. Pavel Stepanovich never fell in love and never married. He always showed diligence and zeal in service. The biography of Admiral Nakhimov testifies that the sea craft was not just his hobby, he lived and breathed it. He gladly agreed to Lazarev's proposal to serve on the frigate "Cruiser". This naval commander played a big role in the life of Nakhimov: he took an example from him and tried to imitate him. Lazarev became for him a "second father", teacher and friend. Nakhimov saw and respected in his mentor such qualities as honesty, disinterestedness, devotion to naval service.

Ship "Azov"

Nakhimov devoted three years to serving on the Cruiser, during which time he managed to "grow" from midshipman to lieutenant and become Lazarev's favorite student. The biography of Admiral Nakhimov says that in 1826 Pavel Stepanovich was transferred to Azov and again served under the same commander. This ship was destined to take part in the naval battle of Navarino. In 1827, a battle took place against the Turkish fleet, where the combined Russian, French and English squadron took part. "Azov" distinguished himself in this battle, coming closest to the enemy ships and inflicting big damage. Results of the battle: Nakhimov was wounded, many were killed.

Commander Nakhimov

At the age of 29, Pavel Nakhimov became the commander of the Pallada. This frigate did not yet know navigation and was only built in 1832. Then, the Silistria, which plied the expanses of the Black Sea, came under his command. Here Nakhimov becomes 9 years old under the leadership of Pavel Stepanovich "Silistria" carried out the most difficult and rather responsible assignments.

Defense of Sevastopol

In 1854-1855, Nakhimov was transferred to the Crimea and, together with Istomin and Kornilov, heroically led him. He led the formation of naval battalions, the construction of a battery, and the preparation of reserves. He constantly monitored the interaction of the fleet and the army, the construction of fortifications, and the supply of the defenders of Sevastopol. The story of Admiral Nakhimov shows that his keen eye has always seen how to use artillery and carry out other military operations more effectively. Often, Nakhimov himself went to the front line and led the fighting. During the first bombardment of the city in 1854, he was wounded in the head, and the following year he was shell-shocked. In 1855, on June 6, when the city was stormed, he became the head of the defense of the Ship side. At the peak moment, Nakhimov led a bayonet counterattack by infantry and sailors.

Doom

June 28, 1855 should not have been any different from everyday life military service. A routine detour was made, the Sevastopol fortifications were checked. At 5 pm Nakhimov drove up to the third bastion. After examining the enemy positions, he headed towards the Malakhov Kurgan to observe the enemy. The sailors and Nakhimov's entourage very clearly remembered the day of his death. The biography of Admiral Nakhimov is evidence that he was very brave, to the point of recklessness. When a French bullet hit him, piercing through the skull, he stood and looked straight at the enemy. Not hiding and not stepping aside, despite the exhortations of his subordinates, who tried to stop him and keep him away from the banquet. He did not die immediately, although without a single groan. The best doctors gathered at his bedside. He opened his eyes several times, but remained silent. Admiral Nakhimov died the next day after being seriously wounded. The funeral took place in the Sevastopol Vladimir Cathedral, the remains of his teacher Lazarev and military colleagues, Admirals Istomin and Kornilov, are also buried here.

Order of Nakhimov

Later, an order was established in honor of Admiral Nakhimov. They are awarded to outstanding officers for excellent conduct of naval operations, bold decisions, and good organization. The order has several degrees.

Pavel Stepanovich did not have such qualities for which it would be impossible to reward. Now this order, as a memory of Admiral Nakhimov, a valiant officer and commander, is awarded to those who show the highest desire to achieve success and excellent results doing your duty.

History of domestic navy knows many glorious traditions, one of which is to perpetuate the memory of the famous naval commanders of the past in the names of the ships that are on combat duty today. Among them is the warship "Admiral Nakhimov", bearing the name of the glorious Russian sailor, who fanned himself with glory in many battles. Let's take a closer look at the life of this remarkable man.

The early years of the future naval commander

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov - admiral of the Russian fleet and hero of the defense of Sevastopol - was born on July 5, 1802 in the small village of Gorodok, located in the Smolensk province. He was the seventh of eleven children of retired Second Major Stepan Mikhailovich Nakhimov. Besides him, in large family four more sons grew up, who also eventually became sailors.

Despite the fact that the future Admiral Nakhimov with early childhood dreamed of ships and long-distance voyages, difficulties arose when entering the Naval Cadet Corps - there were too many applicants, and due to lack of places he had to wait two years.

While studying at this illustrious St. Petersburg educational institution, fate brought him together with such subsequently famous military and statesmen, as A.P. Rykachev, P.M. Novoseltsev, as well as the creator of the famous explanatory dictionary V. I. Dal. Together with them in the summer of 1817 he went on his first voyage. On the brig "Phoenix" a team of young midshipmen visited the ports of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Karlskrow.

The first officer epaulettes

In 1818, upon graduation, Pavel Nakhimov was promoted to midshipman and sent to serve on the frigate "Cruiser", where his commander was another famous Russian naval commander M.P. Lazarev, who later acquired the glory of the discoverer of Antarctica. Very soon, they became so close that for a young and still inexperienced officer, he became not only a boss, but also a close person, in many ways replacing his father.

After circumnavigating the world on the "Cruiser" (1822-1825), Nakhimov's uniform was decorated with lieutenant shoulder straps, and two years later, for the difference shown during the Navarino naval battle with the Turkish fleet, he was promoted to lieutenant commander. It was kind of baptism of fire, which Nakhimov passed with honor. Admiral L.P. Heiden, who commanded the Russian squadron, personally awarded him the Order of St. George IV degree.

The path from lieutenant commander to vice admiral

In 1828, a twenty-six-year-old officer first climbed onto the captain's bridge. He was entrusted with the command of the captured Turkish corvette Navarin. During the period that began shortly Russian-Turkish war, his ship as part of the Russian squadron took part in the blockade of the Dardanelles, and at the end of hostilities became part of Baltic Fleet. Over the next five years, Nakhimov commanded the frigate Pallada, and then, having received a transfer to the Black Sea, with the rank of captain of the 1st rank - battleship"Silistria".

A lot of documentary evidence has been preserved of how the crew of the ship entrusted to him honorably performed the difficult and responsible tasks of the command. For high professionalism, diligence in service and personal courage in 1845, by decree of Tsar Nicholas I, Nakhimov was promoted to rear admiral, and seven years later to vice admiral of the Russian fleet. In this rank, he assumed the position of head of the naval division.

Commander of the Black Sea squadron

Since the beginning Crimean War 1853-1856 The main burden of the fighting fell on the squadron of the Black Sea Fleet, which by that time was commanded by Nakhimov. In such a difficult period, the admiral managed to mobilize all the reserves at his disposal to confront a powerful and well-armed enemy.

Most of the most important operations he led personally. Enough to remember Sinop battle, in which on November 30, 1853 he destroyed the main forces of the Turkish fleet, discovered, despite the stormy weather, and blocked in the harbor of the city of Sinop. The emperor personally congratulated Nakhimov on such a glorious victory. Having sent Pavel Stepanovich the Highest letter, he called in it the defeat of the Turkish squadron an adornment of the annals of the history of the Russian fleet.

At the head of the besieged city

In March 1855, when enemy ships blocked Sevastopol from the sea, there was an acute need for an energetic and experienced leader who could lead its defense. PS Nakhimov became such a person. The admiral was appointed to two key positions at once - the governor of the city and the commander of the Sevastopol port. This gave him broad powers, but also placed great responsibility.

In carrying out the defense of the city, he was helped in many ways by the unquestioned authority that he enjoyed among the soldiers and sailors, and thanks to which he had the greatest influence on them. moral influence. It is reliably known that among the lower ranks he was called the "father-benefactor."

Fearless Commander

Valuing the lives of soldiers and officers subordinate to him, Nakhimov nevertheless got used to risking his own head without hesitation. Often, with a soldier's rifle in his hands, he rushed ahead of everyone into a bayonet attack or defiantly appeared over the trench parapet in full view of the enemy. This audacity did not always get away with it. During one of the shelling of the city in 1854, he was seriously wounded in the head, and a few months later received a shell shock.

But in spite of everything, his fearlessness raised the spirits of the soldiers and officers, who saw that under any circumstances their Admiral Nakhimov was next to them. The photos presented in the article were taken from paintings and drawings depicting the famous naval commander in different periods his life, but on each of them his appearance breathes with indomitable courage and courage. This is how he will forever remain in our history.

Admiral's death

The defense of Sevastopol cost the lives of a huge number of people drawn by the will of fate into this bloody massacre, which lasted almost eleven months. Among them was Admiral Nakhimov. The biography of this outstanding military leader ended at the peak of his career, in an atmosphere of universal love and recognition of merit. Everyone respectfully pronounced his name - from an ordinary soldier to an emperor.

The reason for the unexpected and tragic death was a head wound received by Pavel Stepanovich on June 28, 1855, during a detour by him of advanced defensive structures erected in the Malakhov Kurgan area. On that day, as before, he defiantly ignored the bullets whistling around him, one of which proved fatal to him. Delivered to field hospital, Nakhimov spent two days in severe torment and passed away on June 30, 1955. His ashes found eternal rest in the crypt of the Vladimir Cathedral in Sevastopol.

Memory preserved by descendants

Paying tribute to the memory of the famous admiral, several naval schools named after him, as well as the Order and Medal of Nakhimov. In many cities of Russia, monuments were erected in his honor, the most famous of which rises in Sevastopol, in the area of ​​the Grafskaya pier. Streets and avenues are named after the hero.

One of the monuments to the famous naval commander was the cruiser Admiral Nakhimov, launched in 1986. Since then, he has been on combat watch as part of the Russian Northern Fleet. Its crews sacredly keep the traditions of the Russian fleet. Today, they have state-of-the-art weapons in their arsenal, including missile launchers capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Since the "Admiral Nakhimov" is a nuclear cruiser, it has the ability to be in autonomous navigation for many months and perform the tasks assigned to its team anywhere in the oceans.