Naval victory. Russian Military Glory Day in honor of the victory over the Swedes at Cape Gangut

Battle of Gangut
The Battle of Gangut is a naval battle of the Great Northern War of 1700-1721, which took place on July 27 (August 7), 1714 at Cape Gangut (Hanko Peninsula, Finland) in the Baltic Sea between the Russian and Swedish fleets, the first naval victory of the Russian fleet in the history of Russia.
By the spring of 1714, the southern and almost entire central parts of Finland were occupied by Russian troops. In order to finally resolve the issue of Russia's access to the Baltic Sea, which was controlled by the Swedes, it was necessary to defeat the Swedish fleet.
At the end of June 1714, the Russian rowing fleet (99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary ships with a 15,000-strong landing party) under the command of Admiral General Count Fyodor Matveyevich Apraksin concentrated off the eastern coast of Gangut (in Tverminne Bay) with the goal of landing troops to strengthen the Russian garrison in Abo (100 km northwest of Cape Gangut). The path to the Russian fleet was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys) under the command of G. Vatrang. Peter I (Schautbenacht Peter Mikhailov) used a tactical maneuver. He decided to transfer part of his galleys to the area north of Gangut across the isthmus of this peninsula, 2.5 kilometers long. To fulfill his plan, he ordered the construction of a perevolok (wooden flooring). Having learned about this, Vatrang sent a detachment of ships (1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerries) to the northern coast of the peninsula. The detachment was headed by Rear Admiral Ehrenskiold. He decided to use another detachment (8 battleships and 2 bombardment ships) under the command of Vice Admiral Lillier to strike the main forces of the Russian fleet.
Peter expected such a decision. He decided to take advantage of the division of enemy forces. The weather was also favorable to him. On the morning of July 26 (August 6), there was no wind, which is why the Swedish sailing ships lost their maneuverability. The vanguard of the Russian fleet (20 ships) under the command of Commander Matvey Khristoforovich Zmaevich began a breakthrough, bypassing the Swedish ships and remaining out of range of their fire. Following him, another detachment (15 ships) made a breakthrough. Thus, there was no need for relocation. Zmaevich's detachment blocked Ehrenskiöld's detachment near Lakkisser Island.

Believing that other detachments of Russian ships would continue to break through in the same way, Vatrang recalled Lilje’s detachment, thus freeing the coastal fairway. Taking advantage of this, Apraksin with the main forces of the rowing fleet broke through the coastal fairway to his vanguard. At 14:00 on July 27 (August 7), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 ships, attacked Ehrenskiöld’s detachment, which built its ships along a concave line, both flanks of which rested on the islands. The Swedes managed to repulse the first two attacks with fire from naval guns. The third attack was launched against the flanking ships of the Swedish detachment, which did not allow the enemy to take advantage of their artillery advantage. They were soon boarded and captured. Peter I personally participated in the boarding attack, showing the sailors an example of courage and heroism. After a stubborn battle, the Swedish flagship, the frigate Elephant, surrendered. All 10 ships of Ehrenskiöld's detachment were captured. Part of the forces of the Swedish fleet managed to escape to the Åland Islands.

The victory off the Gangut Peninsula was the first major victory of the Russian regular fleet. She provided him with freedom of action in the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and effective support for Russian troops in Finland. In the Battle of Gangut, the Russian command boldly used the advantage of the rowing fleet in the fight against the linear sailing fleet of the Swedes, skillfully organized the interaction of the forces of the fleet and ground forces, reacted flexibly to changes in the tactical situation and weather conditions, managed to unravel the enemy’s maneuver and impose its tactics on him.

Strengths of the parties:
Russia - 99 galleys, scamps and auxiliary ships, 15 thousandth landing force
Sweden - 14 battleships, 1 provision ship, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys

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

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

After the Battle of Gangut, England, concerned about the growing power of the Russian army, formed a military alliance with Sweden. However, the demonstrative approach of the joint Anglo-Swedish squadron to Revel did not force Peter I to seek peace, and the squadron retreated to the shores of Sweden. Peter I, having learned about this, ordered the Russian fleet to be moved from the Åland Islands to Helsingfors, and several boats to be left near the squadron for patrolling. Soon one of these boats, which ran aground, was captured by the Swedes, as a result of which Peter ordered the fleet to be returned back to the Åland Islands.
On July 26 (August 6), the Russian fleet under the command of M. Golitsyn, consisting of 61 galleys and 29 boats, approached the Åland Islands. Russian reconnaissance boats spotted the Swedish squadron between the islands of Lameland and Fritsberg. Due to the strong wind, it was impossible to attack her, and Golitsyn decided to go to Grengam Island in order to prepare a good position among the skerries.

When on July 27 (August 7) the Russian ships approached Grengam, the Swedish fleet under the command of K.G. Shoblada, having 156 guns, unexpectedly weighed anchor and approached, subjecting the Russians to massive shelling. The Russian fleet began to hastily retreat into shallow waters, where the pursuing Swedish ships ended up. In shallow water, the more maneuverable Russian galleys and boats went on the attack and managed to board 4 frigates (34-gun Stor-Phoenix, 30-gun Venker, 22-gun Kiskin and 18-gun Dansk-Ern) ), after which the rest of the Swedish fleet retreated.
The result of the Battle of Grengam was the end of undivided Swedish influence in the Baltic Sea and the establishment of Russia on it. The battle brought the conclusion of the Nystadt Peace closer.

Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 61 galleys and 29 boats
Sweden - 1 battleship, 4 frigates, 3 galleys, 3 skerry boats, shnyava, galliot and brigantine

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

Battle of Chesma

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

After the outbreak of the Russo-Turkish War in 1768, Russia sent several squadrons from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to divert the attention of the Turks from the Black Sea Fleet - the so-called First Archipelago Expedition. Two Russian squadrons (under the command of Admiral Grigory Spiridov and the English adviser Rear Admiral John Elphinstone), united under the overall command of Count Alexei Orlov, discovered the Turkish fleet in the roadstead of Chesme Bay (west coast of Turkey).

July 5, battle in the Chios Strait
After agreeing on a plan of action, the Russian fleet, under full sail, approached the southern edge of the Turkish line, and then, turning around, began to take positions against the Turkish ships. The Turkish fleet opened fire at 11:30-11:45, the Russian - at 12:00. The maneuver failed for three Russian ships: “Europe” overshot its place and was forced to turn around and stand behind “Rostislav”, “Three Saints” went around the second Turkish ship from the rear before it could get into formation and was mistakenly attacked by the ship “Three Hierarch" and "St. Januarius was forced to turn around before getting into formation.
"St. Eustathius, under the command of Spiridov, began a duel with the flagship of the Turkish squadron, Real Mustafa, under the command of Hassan Pasha, and then tried to board it. After the burning mainmast of the Real Mustafa fell on the St. Eustathius,” he exploded. After 10-15 minutes, Real Mustafa also exploded. Admiral Spiridov and the commander's brother Fyodor Orlov left the ship before the explosion. The captain of “St. Eustathia" Cruz. Spiridov continued command from the ship "Three Saints".
By 14:00 the Turks cut off the anchor ropes and retreated to Chesme Bay under the cover of coastal batteries.

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

At 17:00 on July 6, the bombardment ship "Grom" anchored in front of the entrance to Chesme Bay and began shelling Turkish ships. At 0:30 he was joined by the battleship "Europe", and at 1:00 - by "Rostislav", in the wake of which the fire ships arrived.

"Europe", "Rostislav" and the approaching "Don't touch me" formed a line from north to south, engaging in battle with Turkish ships, "Saratov" stood in reserve, and "Thunder" and the frigate "Africa" attacked the batteries on the western shore of the bay . At 1:30 or a little earlier (midnight, according to Elphinstone), as a result of the fire of the Thunder and/or Touch Me Not, one of the Turkish battleships exploded due to the transfer of flames from the burning sails to the hull. Burning debris from this explosion scattered other ships in the bay.

After the explosion of the second Turkish ship at 2:00, the Russian ships ceased fire, and fire ships entered the bay. The Turks managed to shoot two of them, under the command of captains Gagarin and Dugdale (according to Elphinstone, only Captain Dugdale’s fireship was shot, and Captain Gagarin’s fireship refused to go into battle), one under the command of Mackenzie grappled with an already burning ship, and one under the command of Lieutenant D. Ilyina grappled with an 84-gun battleship. Ilyin set fire to the fireship, and he and his crew left it on a boat. The ship exploded and set fire to most of the remaining Turkish ships. By 2:30, 3 more battleships exploded.

At about 4:00, Russian ships sent boats to save two large ships that were not yet burning, but only one of them, the 60-gun Rhodes, was taken out. From 4:00 to 5:30, 6 more battleships exploded, and in the 7th hour, 4 exploded simultaneously. By 8:00, the battle in Chesme Bay was over.
After the Battle of Chesme, the Russian fleet managed to seriously disrupt the communications of the Turks in the Aegean Sea and establish a blockade of the Dardanelles. All this played an important role in the conclusion of the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace Treaty.

Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 9 battleships, 3 frigates, 1 bombardment ship,
17-19 small craft, approx. 6500 people
Ottoman Empire - 16 battleships, 6 frigates, 6 shebeks, 13 galleys, 32 small vessels,
OK. 15,000 people

Losses:
Russian Empire - 1 battleship, 4 fire ships, 661 people, of which 636 were killed in the explosion of the ship St. Eustathius, 40 wounded
Ottoman Empire - 15 battleships, 6 frigates, a large number of small ships, approx. 11,000 people. Captured: 1 battleship, 5 galleys

Battles of Rochensalm

The first Battle of Rochensalm was a naval battle between Russia and Sweden, which took place on August 13 (24), 1789, in the roadstead of the Swedish city of Rochensalm and ended in the victory of the Russian fleet.
On August 22, 1789, the Swedish fleet with a total of 49 ships under the command of Admiral K. A. Ehrensvärd took refuge in the Rochensalm roadstead among the islands near the modern Finnish city of Kotka. The Swedes blocked the only Rochensalm Strait accessible to large ships, sinking three ships there. On August 24, 86 Russian ships under the command of Vice Admiral K. G. Nassau-Siegen launched an attack from two sides. The southern detachment under the command of Major General I.P. Balle distracted the main forces of the Swedes for several hours, while the main forces of the Russian fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Yu.P. Litta made their way from the north. The ships fired, and special teams of sailors and officers cut a passage. Five hours later Rochensalm was cleared and the Russians broke into the roadstead. The Swedes were defeated, losing 39 ships (including the admiral's, which was captured). Russian losses amounted to 2 ships. The commander of the right wing of the Russian vanguard, Antonio Coronelli, distinguished himself in the battle.

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

Military losses:
Russia -2 ships
Sweden - 39 ships

The Second Battle of Rochensalm was a naval battle between Russia and Sweden, which took place on July 9-10, 1790 in the roadstead of the Swedish city of Rochensalm. The Swedish naval forces inflicted a crushing defeat on the Russian fleet, which led to the end of the Russian-Swedish war, which Russia had almost already won, on conditions unfavorable for the Russian side.

The attempt to storm Vyborg, undertaken by the Swedes in June 1790, was unsuccessful: on July 4, 1790, the Swedish fleet, blocked by Russian ships in the Vyborg Bay, escaped from encirclement at the cost of significant losses. Having taken the galley fleet to Rochensalm (the main composition of the sailing warships that survived the breakthrough of the Vyborg blockade went to Sveaborg for repairs), Gustav III and the flag captain, Lieutenant Colonel Karl Olof Kronstedt, began preparations for the expected Russian attack. On July 6, final orders for the organization of defense were made. At dawn on July 9, 1790, in view of the approaching Russian ships, the order was given to begin the battle.
Unlike the first Battle of Rochensalm, the Russians decided to break through to the Swedish raid from one side of the Rochensalm Strait. The head of the Russian rowing fleet in the Gulf of Finland, Vice Admiral Karl Nassau-Siegen, approached Rochensalm at 2 a.m. and at 9 a.m., without preliminary reconnaissance, began the battle - probably wanting to give a gift to Empress Catherine II on the day of her accession to the throne. From the very beginning of the battle, its course turned out to be favorable for the Swedish fleet, which was entrenched in the Rochensalm roadstead with a powerful L-shaped anchor formation - despite the significant superiority of the Russians in personnel and naval artillery. On the first day of the battle, Russian ships attacked the southern flank of the Swedes, but were driven back by hurricane winds and fired from the shore by Swedish coastal batteries, as well as Swedish galleys and gunboats at anchor.

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

The next morning, the Swedes consolidated their position with a new successful attack. The remnants of the Russian fleet were finally driven away from Rochensalm.
The Second Battle of Rochensalm cost the Russian side about 40% of the Baltic coastal defense fleet. The battle is considered one of the largest naval operations (in terms of the number of vessels involved) in all of naval history; a larger number of warships - if we do not take into account the data from ancient sources about the battles of Salamis Island and Cape Eknom - took part only in the battle in Leyte Gulf on October 23-26, 1944.

Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 20 battleships, 23 galleys and xebeks, 77 sloops of war, ≈1,400 guns, 18,500 people
Sweden - 6 battleships, 16 galleys, 154 sloops of war and gunboats, ≈1000 guns, 12,500 men

Military losses:
Russian Empire - more than 800 killed and wounded, more than 6,000 prisoners, 53-64 ships (mostly galleys and gunboats)
Sweden - 300 killed and wounded, 1 galley, 4 small ships

Battle of Cape Tendra (Battle of Hajibey)

The Battle of Cape Tendra (Battle of Hajibey) is a naval battle on the Black Sea during the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791 between the Russian squadron under the command of F. F. Ushakov and the Turkish squadron under the command of Hasan Pasha. Happened on August 28-29 (September 8-9), 1790 near the Tendra Spit.

After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, a new Russian-Turkish war began. Russian troops launched an offensive in the Danube region. A galley flotilla was formed to help them. However, she could not make the transition from Kherson to the combat area due to the presence of a Turkish squadron in the western Black Sea. The squadron of Rear Admiral F.F. Ushakov came to the aid of the flotilla. Having under his command 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 17 cruising ships, a bombardier ship, a rehearsal ship and 2 fire ships, on August 25 he left Sevastopol and headed to Ochakov to connect with the rowing fleet and give battle to the enemy.

The commander of the Turkish fleet, Hasan Pasha, having gathered all his forces between Hajibey (now Odessa) and Cape Tendra, longed for revenge for the defeat in the battle of the Kerch Strait on July 8 (19), 1790. With his determination to fight the enemy, he managed to convince the Sultan of the imminent defeat of Russian naval forces on the Black Sea and thus earned his favor. To be faithful, Selim III gave the experienced admiral Said Bey to help his friend and relative (Hasan Pasha was married to the Sultan’s sister), intending to turn the tide of events at sea in favor of Turkey.
On the morning of August 28, the Turkish fleet, consisting of 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 other ships, continued to anchor between Cape Tendra and Hajibey. And suddenly, from the direction of Sevastopol, Hasan discovered Russian ships sailing under full sail in a marching order of three columns. The appearance of the Russians threw the Turks into confusion. Despite their superiority in strength, they hastily began to cut the ropes and retreat to the Danube in disarray. Ushakov ordered all sails to be carried and, remaining in marching order, began to descend on the enemy. The advanced Turkish ships, having filled their sails, moved away to a considerable distance. But, noticing the danger looming over the rearguard, Hasan Pasha began to unite with him and build a battle line. Ushakov, continuing to approach the enemy, also gave the order to rebuild into a battle line. As a result, the Russian ships “very quickly” lined up in battle formation in the wind of the Turks.

Using the change in the battle order that had justified itself in the Battle of Kerch, Fyodor Fedorovich withdrew three frigates from the line - “John the Warrior”, “Jerome” and “Protection of the Virgin” to provide a maneuverable reserve in case of a change in the wind and a possible enemy attack from two sides. At 15 o'clock, having approached the enemy within range of a grape shot, F.F. Ushakov forced him to fight. And soon, under powerful fire from the Russian line, the enemy began to duck into the wind and become upset. Approaching closer, the Russians attacked the leading part of the Turkish fleet with all their might. Ushakov's flagship ship "Rozhdestvo Khristovo" fought with three enemy ships, forcing them to leave the line.

By 5 p.m. the entire Turkish line was completely defeated. Pressed by the Russians, the advanced enemy ships turned their stern towards them in order to get out of the battle. Their example was followed by the rest of the ships, which became advanced as a result of this maneuver. During the turn, a series of powerful volleys were fired at them, causing them great destruction. Two Turkish flagship ships, located opposite the Nativity of Christ and the Transfiguration of the Lord, were especially damaged. On the Turkish flagship, the main topsail was shot down, the yards and topmasts were broken, and the stern section was destroyed. The fight continued. Three Turkish ships were cut off from the main forces, and the stern of the Hasan-Pasha ship was blown to pieces by Russian cannonballs. The enemy fled towards the Danube. Ushakov pursued him until darkness and increased wind forced him to stop the pursuit and anchor.
At dawn the next day, it turned out that the Turkish ships were in close proximity to the Russians, whose frigate Ambrose of Milan ended up among the enemy fleet. But since the flags had not yet been raised, the Turks took him for one of their own. The resourcefulness of the commander - Captain M.N. Neledinsky - helped him get out of such a difficult situation. Having weighed anchor with other Turkish ships, he continued to follow them without raising his flag. Little by little falling behind, Neledinsky waited until the danger had passed, raised St. Andrew's flag and went to his fleet. Ushakov gave the command to raise the anchors and set sail to pursue the enemy, who, having a windward position, began to scatter in different directions. However, the heavily damaged 74-gun ship "Kapudania", which was Said Bey's flagship, and the 66-gun "Meleki Bahri" lagged behind the Turkish fleet. The latter, having lost his commander Kara-Ali, killed by a cannonball, surrendered without a fight, and “Kapudania”, trying to break away from the pursuit, headed towards the shallow water that separated the fairway between Kinburn and Gadzhibey. The vanguard commander, captain of brigadier rank G.K., was sent in pursuit. Golenkin with two ships and two frigates. The ship "St. Andrey" was the first to overtake "Kapudania" and opened fire. Soon “St. George”, and after him - “The Transfiguration of the Lord” and several more courts. Approaching from the wind and firing a volley, they replaced each other.

Said Bey's ship was practically surrounded, but continued to bravely defend itself. Ushakov, seeing the enemy’s useless stubbornness, at 14 o’clock approached him at a distance of 30 fathoms, knocked down all the masts from him and gave way to the “St. George." Soon the “Rozhdestvo Khristovo” again stood broadside against the bow of the Turkish flagship, preparing for the next salvo. But then, seeing his hopelessness, the Turkish flagship lowered the flag. Russian sailors boarded the enemy ship, already engulfed in flames, first of all trying to select officers to board the boats. With heavy winds and thick smoke, the last boat, at great risk, again approached the side and removed Said Bey, after which the ship took off along with the remaining crew and the treasury of the Turkish fleet. The explosion of the large admiral's ship in front of the entire Turkish fleet made a strong impression on the Turks and completed the moral victory achieved by Ushakov at Tendra. The increasing wind and damage to the spar and rigging did not allow Ushakov to continue pursuing the enemy. The Russian commander gave the order to stop the pursuit and link up with the Liman squadron.

In a two-day naval battle, the enemy suffered a crushing defeat, losing two battleships, a brigantine, a lanson and a floating battery.

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

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

Battle of Kaliakria

The Battle of Kaliakra is the last naval battle of the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791 between the fleets of Russia and the Ottoman Empire, which took place on July 31 (August 11), 1791 in the Black Sea near Cape Kaliakra (northern Bulgaria).

The Russian fleet under the command of Admiral Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov, consisting of 15 battleships, 2 frigates and 19 smaller ships (990 guns), left Sevastopol on August 8, 1791, and at noon on August 11 discovered the Turkish-Algerian fleet under the command of Hussein Pasha, consisting of 18 ships of the line, 17 frigates (1,500-1,600 guns) and a large number of smaller ships anchored near Cape Kaliakra in northern Bulgaria. Ushakov built his ships in three columns, from the northeast, between the Ottoman fleet and the cape, despite the fact that there were Turkish batteries on the cape. Seit Ali, commander of the Algerian fleet, weighed anchor and headed east, followed by Hussein Pasha with 18 ships of the line.
The Russian fleet turned south, forming one column and then attacked the retreating enemy fleet. The Turkish ships were damaged and fled from the battlefield in disarray. Seit-Ali was seriously wounded in the head. Losses of the Russian fleet: 17 people were killed, 28 were wounded and only one ship was seriously damaged.

The battle brought the end of the Russo-Turkish War closer, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Iasi.

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

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

Battle of Sinop

The Battle of Sinop is the defeat of the Turkish squadron by the Russian Black Sea Fleet on November 18 (30), 1853, under the command of Admiral Nakhimov. Some historians view it as the “swan song” of the sailing fleet and the first battle of the Crimean War. The Turkish fleet was destroyed within a few hours. This attack served as a pretext for Britain and France to declare war on Russia.

Vice Admiral Nakhimov (84-gun battleships "Empress Maria", "Chesma" and "Rostislav") was sent by Prince Menshikov to cruise to the shores of Anatolia. There was information that the Turks in Sinop were preparing forces for a landing at Sukhum and Poti. Approaching Sinop, Nakhimov saw a detachment of Turkish ships in the bay under the protection of 6 coastal batteries and decided to closely blockade the port in order to attack the enemy with the arrival of reinforcements from Sevastopol.
On November 16 (28), 1853, Nakhimov’s detachment was joined by the squadron of Rear Admiral F. M. Novosilsky (120-gun battleships “Paris”, “Grand Duke Konstantin” and “Three Saints”, frigates “Kahul” and “Kulevchi”). The Turks could be reinforced by the allied Anglo-French fleet located in Beshik-Kertez Bay (Dardanelles Strait). It was decided to attack in 2 columns: in the 1st, closest to the enemy, the ships of Nakhimov’s detachment, in the 2nd - Novosilsky, the frigates were supposed to watch the enemy steamers under sail; It was decided to spare the consular houses and the city in general if possible, hitting only ships and batteries. For the first time it was planned to use 68-pound bomb guns.

On the morning of November 18 (November 30), it was raining with gusty winds from OSO, the most unfavorable for the capture of Turkish ships (they could easily run ashore).
At 9.30 in the morning, keeping the rowing vessels at the sides of the ships, the squadron headed for the roadstead. In the depths of the bay, 7 Turkish frigates and 3 corvettes were located moon-shaped under the cover of 4 batteries (one with 8 guns, 3 with 6 guns each); Behind the battle line there were 2 steamships and 2 transport ships.
At 12.30 p.m., on the first shot from the 44-gun frigate "Aunni-Allah", fire was opened from all Turkish ships and batteries.
The battleship "Empress Maria" was bombarded with shells, most of its spars and standing rigging were broken, and only one shroud of the mainmast remained intact. However, the ship moved forward non-stop and, operating with battle fire at enemy ships, dropped anchor against the frigate "Aunni-Allah"; the latter, unable to withstand half an hour of shelling, jumped ashore. Then the Russian flagship turned its fire exclusively on the 44-gun frigate Fazli-Allah, which soon caught fire and also washed ashore. After this, the actions of the Empress Maria focused on battery No. 5.

The battleship "Grand Duke Konstantin", having anchored, opened heavy fire on battery No. 4 and the 60-gun frigates "Navek-Bakhri" and "Nesimi-Zefer"; the first was blown up 20 minutes after opening fire, showering debris and the bodies of sailors on battery No. 4, which then almost ceased to operate; the second was thrown ashore by the wind when its anchor chain was broken.
The battleship "Chesma" destroyed batteries No. 4 and No. 3 with its shots.

The battleship Paris, while at anchor, opened battle fire on battery No. 5, the corvette Guli-Sefid (22 guns) and the frigate Damiad (56 guns); then, having blown up the corvette and thrown the frigate ashore, he began to hit the frigate Nizamiye (64 guns), whose foremast and mizzen masts were shot down, and the ship itself drifted to the shore, where it soon caught fire. Then "Paris" again began to fire at battery No. 5.

The battleship "Three Saints" entered into battle with the frigates "Kaidi-Zefer" (54 guns) and "Nizamiye"; the first enemy shots broke his spring, and the ship, turning to the wind, was subjected to well-aimed longitudinal fire from battery No. 6, and its mast was badly damaged. Turning the stern again, he very successfully began to act on the Kaidi-Zefer and other ships and forced them to rush to the shore.
The battleship "Rostislav", covering the "Three Saints", concentrated fire on battery No. 6 and on the corvette "Feize-Meabud" (24 guns), and threw the corvette ashore.

At 1 ½ o'clock in the afternoon, the Russian steam frigate "Odessa" appeared from behind the cape under the flag of Adjutant General Vice Admiral V. A. Kornilov, accompanied by the steam frigates "Crimea" and "Khersones". These ships immediately took part in the battle, which, however, was already nearing its end; The Turkish forces were greatly weakened. Batteries No. 5 and No. 6 continued to harass the Russian ships until 4 o'clock, but the Paris and Rostislav soon destroyed them. Meanwhile, the rest of the Turkish ships, apparently set on fire by their crews, took off one after another; This caused a fire to spread throughout the city, and there was no one to put it out.

About 2 o'clock the Turkish 22-gun steam frigate "Taif", armament 2-10 dm bomb, 4-42 lb., 16-24 lb. guns, under the command of Yahya Bey, broke out of the line of Turkish ships, which were suffering a severe defeat, and fled. Taking advantage of the speed advantage of the Taif, Yahya Bey managed to escape from the Russian ships pursuing him (the frigates Cahul and Kulevchi, then the steam frigates of Kornilov’s detachment) and report to Istanbul about the complete destruction of the Turkish squadron. Captain Yahya Bey, who was expecting a reward for saving the ship, was dismissed from service and stripped of his rank for “inappropriate behavior.”

Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 6 battleships, 2 frigates, 3 steamships, 720 naval guns
Ottoman Empire - 7 frigates, 5 corvettes, 476 naval guns and 44 on shore batteries

Losses:
Russian Empire - 37 killed, 233 wounded, 13 guns
Ottoman Empire - 7 frigates, 4 corvettes, >3000 killed and wounded, 200 prisoners, including Admiral Osman Pasha

Battle of Tsushima

The Tsushima naval battle is a naval battle on May 14 (27), 1905 - May 15 (28), 1905 in the area of Tsushima Island (Tsushima Strait), in which the Russian 2nd squadron of the Pacific Fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Zinoviy Petrovich Rozhdestvensky suffered a crushing defeat defeated by the Imperial Japanese Navy under the command of Admiral Heihachiro Togo. The last, decisive naval battle of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, during which the Russian squadron was completely defeated. Most of the ships were sunk or scuttled by the crews of their ships, some capitulated, some were interned in neutral ports, and only four managed to reach Russian ports. The battle was preceded by a grueling 18,000-mile (33,000-kilometer) passage of a large, diverse Russian squadron from the Baltic Sea to the Far East, unprecedented in the history of steam fleets.

The Second Russian Pacific Squadron, under the command of Vice Admiral Z. P. Rozhdestvensky, was formed in the Baltic and was intended to reinforce the First Pacific Squadron, which was based in Port Arthur on the Yellow Sea. Having started its journey in Libau, Rozhdestvensky’s squadron reached the shores of Korea by mid-May 1905. By that time, the First Pacific Squadron had already been practically destroyed. Only one full-fledged naval port remained in the hands of the Russians in the Pacific Ocean - Vladivostok, and the approaches to it were covered by a strong Japanese fleet. Rozhestvensky's squadron included 8 squadron battleships, 3 coastal defense battleships, one armored cruiser, 8 cruisers, one auxiliary cruiser, 9 destroyers, 6 transports and two hospital ships. The artillery armament of the Russian squadron consisted of 228 guns, 54 of them with calibers ranging from 203 to 305 mm.

On May 14 (27), the Second Pacific Squadron entered the Korean Strait with the goal of breaking through to Vladivostok, and was discovered by the Japanese patrol cruiser Izumi. The commander of the Japanese fleet, Admiral H. Togo, by this time had 4 squadron battleships, 8 armored cruisers, 16 cruisers, 6 gunboats and coastal defense ships, 24 auxiliary cruisers, 21 destroyers and 42 destroyers, armed with a total of 910 guns, of which 60 had a caliber from 203 to 305 mm. The Japanese fleet was divided into seven combat detachments. Togo immediately began deploying his forces with the goal of imposing battle on the Russian squadron and destroying it.

The Russian squadron sailed along the Eastern Passage of the Korea Strait (Tsushima Strait), leaving Tsushima Island on the left side. She was pursued by Japanese cruisers, following in the fog parallel to the course of the Russian squadron. The Russians discovered the Japanese cruisers at about 7 am. Rozhestvensky, without starting the battle, rebuilt the squadron into two wake columns, leaving transports and the cruisers covering them in the rearguard.

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

The Japanese ships returned fire three minutes later, concentrating it on the lead Russian ships. Taking advantage of the superiority in squadron speed (16-18 knots versus 12-15 for the Russians), the Japanese fleet stayed ahead of the Russian column, crossing its course and trying to cover its head. By 14:00 the distance had decreased to 28 cables (5.2 km). Japanese artillery had a higher rate of fire (360 rounds per minute versus 134 for the Russian), Japanese shells were 10-15 times more explosive than Russian shells, and the armor of Russian ships was weaker (40% of the area versus 61% for the Japanese). This superiority predetermined the outcome of the battle.

At 2:25 p.m., the flagship battleship “Prince Suvorov” broke down and Rozhdestvensky was wounded. Another 15 minutes later, the squadron battleship Oslyabya died. The Russian squadron, having lost its leadership, continued to move in a column to the north, changing course twice to increase the distance between itself and the enemy. During the battle, the Japanese ships consistently concentrated fire on the lead ships, trying to disable them.

After 18 hours, command was transferred to Rear Admiral N.I. Nebogatov. By this time, four squadron battleships had already been lost, and all the ships of the Russian squadron were damaged. Japanese ships were also damaged, but none were sunk. The Russian cruisers, traveling in a separate column, repelled the attacks of the Japanese cruisers; one auxiliary cruiser "Ural" and one transport were lost in the battle.

On the night of May 15, Japanese destroyers repeatedly attacked Russian ships, firing 75 torpedoes. As a result, the battleship Navarin sank, and the crews of three armored cruisers that lost control were forced to scuttle their ships. The Japanese lost three destroyers in the night battle. In the darkness, the Russian ships lost contact with each other and then acted independently. Under the command of Nebogatov, only two squadron battleships, two coastal defense battleships and one cruiser remained.
Some of the ships and Nebogatov’s detachment still tried to break through to Vladivostok. Three cruisers, including the Aurora, sailed south and reached Manila, where they were interned. Nebogatov's detachment was surrounded by Japanese ships and surrendered to the enemy, but the cruiser Izumrud managed to break through the encirclement and escape to Vladivostok. In the Gulf of St. Vladimir, he ran aground and was blown up by the crew. The destroyer Bedovy with the wounded Rozhdestvensky also surrendered to the Japanese.

On May 15 (28), one battleship, one coastal defense battleship, three cruisers and one destroyer, who fought independently, were killed in battle. Three destroyers were sunk by their crews, and one destroyer went to Shanghai, where it was interned. Only the cruiser Almaz and two destroyers broke through to Vladivostok. In general, the Russian fleet lost 8 squadron battleships, one armored cruiser, one coastal defense battleship, 4 cruisers, one auxiliary cruiser, 5 destroyers and several transports in the Battle of Tsushima. Two squadron battleships, two coastal defense battleships and one destroyer surrendered to the Japanese.

Strengths of the parties:
Russian Empire - 8 squadron battleships, 3 coastal defense battleships, 3 armored cruisers (2 obsolete), 6 cruisers, 1 auxiliary cruiser, 9 destroyers, 2 hospital ships, 6 auxiliary ships
Empire of Japan - 4 1st class battleships, 2 2nd class battleships (obsolete), 9 armored cruisers (1 obsolete), 15 cruisers, 21 destroyers, 44 destroyers, 21 auxiliary cruisers, 4 gunboats, 3 advice notes, 2 hospital ships

Losses:
Russian Empire - 21 ships sunk (7 battleships), 7 ships and vessels captured, 6 ships interned, 5045 people killed, 803 wounded, 6016 captured
Empire of Japan - 3 destroyers sunk, 117 killed, 538 wounded

On August 9, Russia celebrates the Day of Military Glory, dedicated to the first naval victory in Russian history of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes at Cape Gangut during the Northern War (1714). Established in accordance with the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 “On the Days of Military Glory (Victory Days) of Russia”.

The Northern War between Russia and Sweden lasted from 1700 to 1721. In this war, Russia fought for the return of Russian lands captured by the Swedes in the 16th-17th centuries and access to the Baltic Sea.

One of the most important stages in the struggle for access to the Baltic Sea was the Battle of Gangut, which took place between the Russian and Swedish fleets on August 6-7 (July 26-27 old style) 1714 north of the Gangut Peninsula (Hanko Peninsula, Finland) on the Baltic Sea.

By the spring of 1714, southern and almost all of central Finland was occupied by Russian troops. The Russian command planned to transfer military operations to Swedish territory, in which the Russian fleet was to play the main role.

At the end of June 1714, the Russian rowing fleet, consisting of 99 galleys and scampaways (small galleys), with a 15,000-strong army under the command of Admiral General Fyodor Apraksin, concentrated off the eastern coast of the Gangut Peninsula (in Tverminne Bay) with the goal of breaking through to the Abo-Aland skerries and land troops to reinforce the Russian garrison in the city of Abo (100 kilometers northwest of Cape Gangut, the current Finnish name of Turku). The path to the Russian fleet was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, three frigates and a detachment of rowing ships under the command of Vice Admiral Gustav Vatrang), which took a position at the southern tip of Gangut.

The balance of forces did not allow fighting on the open sea. By decision of Peter the Great, who arrived at Gangut, construction began in the narrow part of the isthmus (2.5 kilometers) of a portage (wooden flooring) for transporting scampaways bypassing the Swedes. Having received information about this, the Swedish Vice-Admiral Watrang sent a detachment of Rear Admiral Nils Ehrenskiöld, consisting of a frigate, six galleys, three skerries (a vessel for sailing between skerries), and another detachment of eight battleships and a bombardier at the head of with Vice Admiral Lillier - to strike the main forces of the Russian fleet.

Peter the Great took advantage of the division of enemy forces. On the morning of August 6 (July 26, old style) 1714, when, due to the lack of wind, the Swedish sailing ships lost maneuverability, the vanguard of the Russian fleet, consisting of 35 scamps, made a swift maneuver, bypassing the Swedes from the sea beyond the range of naval artillery, and blocked Ehrenskiöld's ships near Lakkiser Islands. There was no longer any need for relocation. Believing that other detachments of Russian ships would continue to break through in the same way, Vatrang recalled Lilje’s detachment, freeing the coastal fairway. Taking advantage of this, Apraksin with the main forces of the rowing fleet broke through the coastal fairway to his vanguard.

The Swedes refused the offer to surrender, and on the afternoon of August 7 (July 27, old style), the Russian vanguard, consisting of 23 scampavees under the command of Peter the Great, attacked Ehrenskiöld’s detachment, which built ships along a concave line, both flanks of which rested on the islands. The Swedes repulsed the first two attacks with fire from naval guns. The third attack was launched against the detachment's flanking ships, which prevented the Swedes from taking advantage of their artillery advantage.

After a fierce battle, all enemy ships were captured. In the Battle of Gangut, the Swedes lost 10 ships with 116 guns, 361 people killed, 350 wounded and 237, led by Ehrenskiöld, captured. Russian losses amounted to 127 killed and 342 wounded.

The main forces of the Swedish fleet on August 8 (July 28, old style) 1714 left for the Åland Islands.

The captured Swedish ships were delivered to St. Petersburg, where on September 20 (September 9, old style), 1714, a solemn meeting of the victors took place.

The victory at Gangut (the first major victory of the Russian regular fleet) provided the Russian fleet with freedom of action in the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia, effective support for Russian troops in Finland, and created conditions for the transfer of military operations to Swedish territory.

For participation in the Battle of Gangut, 130 Russian officers were awarded gold medals, and 3,284 lower ranks were awarded silver medals.

The material was prepared based on information from open sources

(Additional

The Battle of Gangut is the first naval victory of Russia bolivar_s wrote in August 8th, 2015

Quote from Maya_Peshkova's message The Battle of Gangut is the first naval victory of Russia

On August 9, 1714, at Cape Gangut during the Northern War, the Russian fleet under the command of Peter I won the first major naval victory in Russian history over the Swedes.

The Battle of Gangut is a naval battle of the Great Northern War of 1700-1721, which took place on July 27 (August 7), 1714 at Cape Gangut (Hanko Peninsula, Finland) in the Baltic Sea between the Russian and Swedish fleets, the first naval victory of the Russian fleet in the history of Russia.

By the spring of 1714, the southern and almost entire central parts of Finland were occupied by Russian troops. In order to finally resolve the issue of Russia's access to the Baltic Sea, which was controlled by the Swedes, it was necessary to defeat the Swedish fleet.

Count (from 1709) Fyodor Matveevich Apraksin - one of the founders of the Russian navy, associate of Peter I, admiral general (1708), first president of the State Admiralty Board. He commanded the Russian fleet in the Northern War and the Persian Campaign (1722).

At the end of June 1714, the Russian rowing fleet (99 galleys, scampaways and auxiliary ships with a 15,000-strong landing party) under the command of Admiral General Count Fyodor Matveyevich Apraksin concentrated off the eastern coast of Gangut (in Tverminne Bay) with the goal of landing troops to strengthen the Russian garrison in Abo (100 km northwest of Cape Gangut). The path to the Russian fleet was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates, 2 bombardment ships and 9 galleys) under the command of Gustav Vatrang.

Peter I (Schautbenacht Pyotr Mikhailov) used a tactical maneuver. He decided to transfer part of his galleys to the area north of Gangut across the isthmus of this peninsula, 2.5 kilometers long. To fulfill his plan, he ordered the construction of a perevolok (wooden flooring). Having learned about this, Vatrang sent a detachment of ships (1 ship, 6 galleys, 3 skerry boats) to the northern coast of the peninsula. The detachment was headed by Rear Admiral Ehrenskiold. He decided to use another detachment (8 battleships and 2 bombardment ships) under the command of Vice Admiral Lillier to strike the main forces of the Russian fleet.

Painting by Alexey Bogolyubov

Peter expected such a decision. He decided to take advantage of the division of enemy forces. The weather was favorable to him. On the morning of July 26 (August 6), there was no wind, which is why the Swedish sailing ships lost their maneuverability. The vanguard of the Russian fleet (20 ships) under the command of Commander Matvey Khristoforovich Zmaevich began a breakthrough, bypassing the Swedish ships and remaining out of range of their fire. Following him, another detachment (15 ships) made a breakthrough. Thus, there was no need for relocation. Zmaevich's detachment blocked Ehrenskiöld's detachment near Lakkisser Island.

battle on Gangout. Engraving by A. Zubov. Ink on paper, 1715.

The Swedes managed to repulse the first two attacks with fire from naval guns. The third attack was launched against the flanking ships of the Swedish detachment, which did not allow the enemy to take advantage of their artillery advantage. They were soon boarded and captured. Peter I personally participated in the boarding attack, showing the sailors an example of courage and heroism. After a stubborn battle, the Swedish flagship, the Elefant, surrendered. All 10 ships of Ehrenskiöld's detachment were captured. Part of the forces of the Swedish fleet managed to escape to the Åland Islands.

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

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

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

Russian combat scampaveya Fuseler of the naval regiment

Classic frigate of the Peter the Great period. Built according to the type of the famous frigate "Standart", layout

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

NEPTUNUUS.70 fluff. Battleship, Russia, 1714, layout

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

Pram "Elephant" no longer took part in hostilities, but stood with other captured ships in the Kronverk channel, which goes around Hare Island from the north (between the modern Artillery Museum and the Peter and Paul Fortress). In 1719, the Tsar ordered the Elefant to be repaired, and in 1724, to be pulled ashore near Kronverk harbor and stored forever as a battle trophy. But by 1737 the frame had rotted and was dismantled for firewood.

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

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

The Russians lost 124 people killed, of which 8 staff and chief officers, 101 constables and privates, 1 non-employee, and 14 lower ranks of sailors. There were 342 people wounded.

Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Church of St. Great Martyr Panteleimon on the street. Pestel.

In memory of the victories at Gangut and at Grengam (won in different years on the same day - the day of remembrance of St. Panteleimon), the Panteleimon Church was built in St. Petersburg. The current building was built in 1735-1739, on the site of an older one built under Peter I. In 1914, on the initiative of the Imperial Russian Military Historical Society, marble memorial plaques with a list of regiments that fought at Gangut and Grengam were installed on the façade of the Panteleimon Church. (Opposite the church, at the end of house No. 11 on Pestel Street, there is also a memorial plaque in honor of the defenders of Hanko (the modern name of Gangut) during the Great Patriotic War). In the building of the Panteleimon Church there is an exhibition telling about the battles of Peter the Great's galley and sailing fleet in the Baltic , about the courage of Russian soldiers in the Northern War and the heroism of sailors in the defense of the Hanko Peninsula at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

Yesterday I had a history lesson. A lesson in in-depth study of the first victory of the Russian fleet. And I, “stepping into the past”, having behind me life experience, knowledge, assessments, my attitude to what I saw and experienced, once again brought for myself a lot of confirmation of how strong our naval and military traditions are, where are the origins, the beginning of many of them , including the most important thing: to honor the merits of Russian, Russian, Soviet sailors - heroes.

In the calendar of bright dates, August 9 is listed as the Day of Military Glory of Russia - the Day of Victory of the Russian fleet under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes at Cape Gangut (1714).
THIS -
- the first great page in the book of the brightest victories of Russian naval weapons;
- the first victory of the Russian regular fleet, the significance of which Peter the Great himself ordered to be equated with the Battle of Poltava;
-a battle that is included in all textbooks of naval warfare;
- the first recognition of Russia as a major maritime power.

The battle with the Swedes at Cape Gangut is written in detail and colorfully. With details and time.
It’s still interesting to read how it happened today. I will give here only the main points. Here, for example, is the very essence of the battle, like a military report.

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

Here with many details:
“About 4 o’clock the third attack began. The new formation reduced the effectiveness of Swedish artillery fire. Skillfully maneuvering, the Russian ships approached the enemy. At the beginning of 5 o'clock several Russian galleys came close to the left flank of the enemy line. The Tranan galley was boarded. As they approached, the first daredevils rushed onto the deck of the Swedish galley, followed by the rest. The onslaught was swift, the crew of the Swedish galley could not withstand hand-to-hand combat and laid down their arms. The first galley was followed by the others - "Ern", "Gripen", "Laxen", "Geden" and "Walfisch". Both sailors of the galleys and soldiers of the landing force - Semenovsky, Nizhny Novgorod, Galician, Velikolutsky, Grenadier and other regiments - took part in the boarding. The enemy's flanking ships were captured.
However, the Swedes continued to resist. Some of the Swedish crew escaped on the frigate, strengthening its defenses. The fire of the entire detachment was concentrated on the frigate "Elephant". Fires started on the ship and no matter how hard the Swedes tried to contain the attack, they failed. The assault on the flagship began. The frigate was surrounded on all sides, the Russians climbed onto it, and furious hand-to-hand combat began. Step by step the Swedes were pressed back. Soon the frigate was captured."

And this is with the analysis of military art:

“The victory of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Gangut was due to the correct choice of the direction of the main attack. Skillful use of the skerry fairway to guide the rowing fleet into the Gulf of Bothnia. Well-organized reconnaissance and interaction of the sailing and rowing fleets during the deployment of forces. Skillful use of the meteorological conditions of the theater of operations to organize a breakthrough of the rowing fleet in calm weather. The use of military stratagem (demonstratively dragging rowing ships across the isthmus to the rear of the enemy). A variety of methods of striking in battle (strike from the front, grasping the flanks). Determination of actions and high moral and combat qualities of Russian soldiers, sailors and officers.
As a result of the Gangut victory, the Russian fleet established complete dominance in the Gulf of Finland.”

First victory! There was also a second one. Major and determining the outcome of the Northern War. And what’s remarkable is also July 27, but already in 1720. They captured her near the island of Grengam.
“By this time, Russia had become a major maritime power with a powerful and invincible fleet. And even before the end of the Northern War in 1716, maneuvers took place in the Baltic Sea, in which 84 ships from the Baltic countries took part. 21 ships belonged to Russia. But the most important thing is that Peter I was recognized by the Baltic powers as a major military sailor, and the right to command a combined squadron of English, Dutch, Danish and Russian ships was entrusted to him. The battle at Cape Gangut and Grengam Island brought world glory to Russia and recognition by its neighbors as a major maritime power.”

“The RUSSIAN EAGLE DOESN’T CATCH FLIES”

And now about those facts that are like a “bridge” from those days to ours today.
I personally still have vivid impressions from the main parade in honor of Navy Day, which took place in St. Petersburg, Kronstadt and other cities of Russia.

With what great pleasure I read about how colorfully and magnificently this event was celebrated on September 9, 1714. Note, also in St. Petersburg.

“There were two ceremonies. The first took place on the streets of the capital to the joyful cries of the townspeople. First, a caravan consisting of captured Swedish ships, led by three Russian galleys, entered the Neva. The command galley of Schoutbeinakht Peter Mikhailov (pseudonym of Peter I) followed the captured ships, two galleys with soldiers brought up the rear of the caravan. After coming ashore, the banners and the prisoners, among them Ehrenschildt, were carried and led through the city. The procession headed towards the Arc de Triomphe. And above it towered an image in which an eagle clung to the back of an elephant. The inscription read: “The Russian eagle does not catch flies.” The elephant meant the flagship ship "Elephant". The costume action continued in the Senate, where, in a magnificent setting, Prince “Caesar” Romodanovsky greeted Schoutbeinakht Peter Mikhailov with the words: “Hello, Vice Admiral!” So Peter the Great was awarded this title”...

“After coming ashore, the banners and prisoners were carried and led through the city”... What does this detail remind us of?! Much!

And these are facts about how they know how to honor courage, honor and loyalty to duty in Russia.

Assessing the victory at Gangut, Peter the Great awarded the participants in this battle with specially minted commemorative medals: 130 officers were awarded gold medals, 3284 lower ranks - silver. On the front side of the medals there was a portrait image of Peter 1 and his title. The inscriptions on the medals read: “Diligence and loyalty greatly exceed,” “The first fruits of the Russian fleet. Naval victory at Aland on July 27, 1714.”

And this is evidence that no one dares to accuse us Russians of unconsciousness. Our memory has no expiration date, just as gratitude for faithful service to the Fatherland has no expiration date.

Remembering the feat of the heroes of the naval battle at Cape Gangut, the first major victory in the history of the Russian regular fleet, in 1735-1739. The Church of St. Panteleimon was built in St. Petersburg. The church also served as a monument to the heroes of the Battle of Grengam Island,
200 years later, in honor of the anniversary of the victory, according to the initiative of the Imperial Russian Military Historical Society, the facade of the building was decorated with marble memorial slabs, where grateful descendants immortalized in stone the names of all participants in the battles of Cape Gangut and Grengam Island.

Under the auspices of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the victory at Cape Gangut, the Imperial Mint minted a commemorative medal “In memory of the 200th anniversary of the naval battle of Gangut.” Monument, commemorative medals, postal blocks, paintings painted by artists….
There is something to be proud of! Remember! Honor!

But I want to say about one more phrase written in military language: “skillful use of meteorological conditions.”

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

We won't argue. And in this battle the weather was our ally. The day was calm. It is historical truth that “by skillfully using the advantages of rowing ships over the enemy’s linear sailing ships, in the conditions of a skerry area and no wind, they defeated the enemy.”
But we know what the Russian fleet was superior to in that battle: military art, audacity, courage... You read: “they came close”, “they boarded”, “a furious hand-to-hand battle began”…. And goosebumps.

And this is the already misunderstood Russian soul. Russian spirit. Character. What our enemies don't know.