Admiral Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov

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Russian Saint Fedor Ushakov - the patron saint of military sailors

Ushakov medal

Order of Ushakov two degrees

F.F. Ushakov - the pride of the Fatherland

Of the 43 naval battles, he did not lose a single one ...

Under his command, not a single Russian ship was lost, not a single sailor was captured by the enemy.

Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov was one of the creators of the Black Sea Fleet, and since 1790 - its commander. Thanks to a series of major victories over the Turkish fleet, Russia was able to establish a lasting peace in the Crimea. Ushakov successfully conducted the Mediterranean campaign of Russian ships during the war against France, which aroused the admiration and envy of the famous English admiral Nelson. But Ushakov received his first award (the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree) in 1793 not for military operations, but for his work during the fight against the plague epidemic and for taking care of the sailors.

In August 2001, Admiral Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov was canonized as a righteous saint and became the heavenly patron of military sailors.

“The strength of his Christian spirit manifested itself not only in glorious victories in the battles for the Fatherland, but also in great mercy, which amazed even the enemy he defeated ... the mercy of Admiral Theodore Ushakov covered everyone; he was truly a mourner of people's needs: subordinate sailors and officers, all the suffering and destitute who turned to him, and all the peoples liberated by him outside of Russia. And he did good to everyone, as much as he could, and the people repaid him a hundredfold with reciprocal love. At the same time, he was an ascetic of great virtues, an intercessor and intercessor for the Russian army ”(From the Acts of Canonization).

The life path of F.F. Ushakov

The beginning of the biography

Fedor Ushakov was born on February 13 (24), 1745 in the village of Burnakovo (now it is the Rybinsk district of the Yaroslavl region). His father, Fedor Ignatievich Ushakov, was a retired sergeant in the Life Guards of the Preobrazhensky Regiment. There was a special person in their family, whose spiritual path left a deep mark in the soul of the future commander - this is his uncle, later the elder Theodore of Sanaksar. He was a monk, abbot of the Sanaksar monastery, where F.F. Ushakov. Theodore of Sanaksar was glorified in 1999 as a locally venerated saint of the Saransk diocese.

F. Ushakov dreamed of the sea since childhood. It would seem, where could the attraction to the sea, which he had never seen and from which he lived very far, come from in the soul of a boy? But there is an explanation for this: the craving for the sea was born in his soul under the influence of the stories of an old fellow villager who served as a gunner in the Peter's fleet. Parents did not dismiss their son's childhood dream and sent a 16-year-old boy to St. Petersburg to study at the Naval Corps.

After graduating from the Naval Cadet Corps in 1766, Ushakov served in the Baltic Fleet. But while still within the walls of the corps, already a midshipman, he made his first training voyage on the ship St. Eustathius.

Russian-Turkish war 1768-1774

From 1769, F. Ushakov served in the Don (Azov) flotilla, in the same year he received the rank of lieutenant. At the end of 1772, under his command, in cruising in the Black Sea along the southern coast of the Crimea, there was a tram "Courier".

Pram- This is a flat-bottomed artillery sailing vessel of the 18th century. Armament from 18 to 38 guns was used for actions in shallow water, along the coast and in rivers against fortresses and coastal fortifications.

In 1773, Ushakov commanded the 16-gun ship "Modon", participating in the reflection of the Turks who landed in Balaklava.

The results of this war were very important for Russia: the Crimea was declared independent from Turkey. Russia received Greater and Lesser Kabarda, Azov, Kerch, Yenikale and Kinburn, with the adjacent steppe between the Dnieper and the Bug. Russian ships were free to navigate Turkish waters; Russian subjects received the right to enjoy all the benefits that were enjoyed within Turkey by the peoples allied to the Turks; The Porte recognized the title of Russian emperors and undertook to call them padishahs, granted amnesty and freedom of religion to Balkan Christians, and allowed Russian representatives to assume the role of defenders of the Slavs and intercede for them. The Port also undertook to extend the amnesty to Georgia and Mingrelia and not to take more taxes from them by the youths and maidens. Russian subjects received the right to visit Jerusalem and other sacred places without any payment. Turkey pledged to pay Russia 4.5 million rubles for military expenses. On January 13, 1775, the Kuchuk-Kainarji peace was signed.

But this treaty, which was very unfavorable for Turkey, was the main reason for the new Russian-Turkish war.

F. Ushakov's service in the navy continued.

From 1775 he commanded a frigate, and in 1776-1779. participated in a campaign to the Mediterranean Sea with the aim of escorting frigates to the Black Sea. Performed other tasks as well. For two years (1780-1782) he commanded the battleship Viktor. In subsequent years, Ushakov participated in the construction of a fleet base in Sevastopol, the vanguard of the Black Sea Fleet.

During the construction of ships in Kherson, he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir IV degree (1785) for the successful fight against the plague in the city.

Russian-Turkish war 1787-1791

At the beginning of the war, Ushakov commanded the battleship St. Paul. F.F. Ushakov was already an experienced commander, he made a serious contribution to the development of the tactics of the sailing fleet. Using the accumulated tactical experience, he boldly reorganized the fleet into battle formation, put his ship in the forefront and, at the same time, occupied dangerous positions, encouraging his commanders with his own courage. He could quickly assess the combat situation, carry out a decisive attack. Admiral F.F. Ushakov is rightfully considered founder of the Russian tactical school in naval affairs. In battles, he won brilliant victories, while maintaining the crew of the ship and the ship itself.

Battle of Fidonisi

The battle at Fidonisi on July 14, 1788 was the first naval battle of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1792. between the fleets of Russia and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the baptism of fire of the Sevastopol squadron. And although the battle at Fidonisi did not have a significant impact on the course of the campaign, the first victory of the fleet over the vastly superior enemy forces was of great psychological importance.

The Turkish fleet consisted of 15 battleships (of which five were 80-gun), eight frigates, three bombardment ships and 21 small ships.

The fleets met on the morning of July 14, 1788 near Fidonisi (Snake) Island. The balance of forces of the parties was unfavorable for the Russian fleet. The Turkish squadron had 1120 guns against 550 for the Russian. The Turkish ships were armed with cast-iron or copper guns, mostly of 22-pounder (156 mm) caliber. The Russian squadron consisted of 2 ships of 66-gun rank, 10 frigates (from 40 to 50 guns) and 24 small ships.

The Turkish fleet lined up in two wake columns and began to descend to the Russian line, attacking the Russian vanguard under the command of Brigadier F.F. Ushakov. Soon, two Turkish battleships were forced to withdraw from the battle. "St. Pavel "under the command of Ushakov went to the aid of the frigates.

The ship of Kapudan Pasha was under fire from frigates from one side, and from the other by Ushakov's ship. All attempts by Turkish ships to remedy the situation were immediately thwarted by Russian frigates. A successful salvo from the frigate damaged the stern and mizzen mast of the flagship, and Gassan Pasha began to rapidly leave the battlefield. The entire Turkish fleet followed him.

The success was very impressive. The Turkish fleet no longer had dominance over the sea, and the Crimea was not in danger of landing. The Turkish fleet went to the Rumelian shores, and Voinovich's squadron went to Sevastopol for repairs. Potemkin appreciated the martial art of Ushakov, awarding him the Order of St. George IV degree, promoted him to rear admiral and appointed him commander of the entire ship fleet in Sevastopol.

Kerch naval battle

On July 8, 1790, the Kerch naval battle took place. The Turkish squadron with 10 battleships, 8 frigates, 36 auxiliary ships left Turkey for landing in the Crimea. She was met by a Russian squadron (10 battleships, 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship, 16 auxiliary ships) under the command of Ushakov.

The Turkish fleet attacked the Russian on the move, directing its main attack on the vanguard of the fleet brigadier G.K. Golenkin. However, he withstood the attack of the enemy and with accurate return fire brought down his offensive impulse. Kapudan Pasha continued his onslaught. Then Ushakov, separating the weakest frigates, closed the ships tighter and hurried to the aid of the vanguard. With this maneuver, Ushakov wanted to divert the enemy to weak ships, but Hussein Pasha increased pressure on the vanguard.

It turned out that the nuclei from Russian frigates do not reach the enemy. Then Ushakov gave them a signal to leave the line for possible assistance to the vanguard, and the rest of the ships to close the distance formed between them. Unaware of the true intentions of the Russian flagship, the Turks were very happy, but in vain. Ushakov, instantly assessing the situation, gave a signal to the reserve frigates to protect their forward ships. The frigates arrived in time and forced the Turkish Vice Admiral to pass between the lines under the crushing fire of the Russian ships. Meanwhile, Ushakov began to approach the enemy at a distance of a canister shot and fired a volley of all artillery. The enemy was bombarded with buckshot. The Turks were confused. They began to turn the whole column, substituting themselves under the powerful volley of Ushakov's flagship 80-gun ship "Christmas of Christ" and the 66-gun "Transfiguration of the Lord", having received great destruction and losses in manpower, because. on board the Turkish ships there was a landing force intended for landing in the Crimea. Ushakov, leaving the line, threatened with boarding (a method of conducting naval combat in the days of rowing and sailing fleets, as well as a method of coupling ships to transfer (receive) cargo or people).

The Turks trembled and fled, only the lightness of the Turkish ships saved them from complete defeat.

Ushakov proved to be a skilled commander, able to think creatively and make extraordinary tactical decisions. In the battle, the advantage of Russian sailors in naval training and fire training was clearly manifested. The victory of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Kerch thwarted the plans of the Turkish command to seize the Crimea.

Battle of Cape Tendra

This battle was unexpected: the Turkish fleet at anchor noticed the Russian fleet sailing under full sail in march formation under the command of Ushakov. The ratio of guns was in favor of the Turkish fleet - the Turks had 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 14 small ships, the Russians had 5 battleships, 11 frigates and 20 smaller ships. However, the Turkish fleet began to hastily withdraw. But, having approached the enemy at a distance of a canister shot, F.F. Ushakov forced him to fight.

The victory of the Black Sea Fleet at Tendra left a bright mark in the combat annals of the Russian fleet and is inscribed in the history of naval art. The tactics of Ushakov's actions had an active offensive character. If in the two previous battles the Black Sea Fleet initially carried out defensive actions with a transition to a counterattack, then in this case a decisive attack with a clear tactical plan initially took place. The factor of surprise was skillfully and effectively used and the principles of concentration of forces in the direction of the main attack and mutual support were implemented.

Ushakov personally participated in all episodes of the battle, being in the most responsible and dangerous places, showing his subordinates an example of courage, encouraging them to take decisive action by personal example. But he did not hamper the initiative of junior flagships and ship commanders. The Turkish fleet lost in this battle 2 thousand people wounded and killed, and the Russians lost only 21 people killed and 25 wounded.

Battle of Kaliakria

The battle at Cape Kaliakria took place on July 31, 1791. Turkish fleet: 18 ships of the line, 17 frigates and 43 smaller ships at anchor. The Black Sea Fleet under the command of F. F. Ushakov: 16 battleships, 2 frigates, 2 bombardment ships, 17 cruising ships, a fire ship and a rehearsal ship. The ratio of guns was 1800 against 980 in favor of the Turks.

Rear Admiral Ushakov, finishing the restructuring of the fleet in a battle order, on the fastest flagship "Christmas of Christ", contrary to the rule established in naval tactics to be in the center, went ahead, overtaking his advanced ships. This allowed him to thwart the plan of the Algerian pasha to go around the lead ships of the Black Sea Fleet. With well-aimed fire, he inflicted significant damage on him. The Algerian flagship was wounded and forced to retreat inside his battle formation.

The Black Sea Fleet, approaching the enemy at an extremely short distance, attacked the Turkish fleet. Ushakov's flagship, having become the front ship, entered into battle with four ships, preventing them from developing an attack.

With this maneuver, Ushakov finally violated the order of battle of the advanced part of the Turks, and the Black Sea Fleet successfully developed the attack. At the same time, the Turkish ships were so cramped that they fired at each other. Turkish ships began to leave.

On August 8, Ushakov received news of the armistice and an order to return to Sevastopol.

In 1793, F. Ushakov was promoted to vice admiral.

F. Ushakov's Mediterranean campaign

In 1798-1800. By order of Emperor Paul I, Ushakov was appointed commander of the Russian naval forces in the Mediterranean to support the actions of the troops of the anti-French coalition.

During this campaign, Ushakov proved himself to be a major naval commander, a skilled politician and diplomat in the creation of the Greek Republic of the Seven Islands under the protectorate of Russia and Turkey.

last years of life

In 1807, Admiral Ushakov was dismissed with a uniform and a pension, and after some time he settled in the acquired village of Alekseevka, Temnikovsky district, Tambov province, not far from the Sanaksar monastery.

In the last years of his life, F. F. Ushakov devoted himself to prayer and was engaged in charitable activities. He died on October 14, 1817 in his estate in the village of Alekseevka (now the Republic of Mordovia).

In honor of Admiral F. Ushakov

Ships, educational military institutions, streets and squares, cathedrals are named after the famous naval commander. A bay in the southeastern part of the Barents Sea and a cape on the northern coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk are named after him. The asteroid 3010 Ushakov is named after Ushakov. Numerous monuments have been erected to him, including in Bulgaria and Italy.

Ushakov medal

State award of the USSR and the Russian Federation. The Ushakov Medal was awarded to sailors and soldiers, foremen and sergeants, midshipmen and warrant officers of the Navy and naval units of the border troops for courage and courage shown in defending the Fatherland at maritime theaters both in wartime and in peacetime.

Order of Ushakov

Soviet naval award of the Great Patriotic War. The Order of Ushakov is awarded to officers of the Navy for outstanding success in the development, conduct and support of naval active operations, as a result of which victory was achieved in battles for the Motherland over a numerically superior enemy.

Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov was born on February 13 (according to the Julian calendar), 1745. His father was Fedor Ignatievich Ushakov, and his mother was Paraskeva Nikitichna. Despite the father's service in the Life Guards of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, the family lived very poorly, especially by the standards of the nobility, probably due to the resignation of Fyodor Ignatievich. Fedor was brought up in the bosom of Orthodoxy, he was baptized in the village of Hopylevo. The Naval Cadet Corps in St. Petersburg was chosen as the place of study for the future admiral, from which Ushakov easily graduated in 1766.

The first service was held in the Baltic Fleet, then Fedor came under the command of Vice Admiral Senyavin, in the Azov flotilla. The service was measured, and Ushakov gradually rose within the naval hierarchy. Already 3 years after graduation, Fedor receives the rank of lieutenant. In 1772 he received command of his first ship, a small packet boat. However, a year later, Ushakov was entrusted with the newly invented Modon ship, on which the lieutenant participated in repelling the attack of the Turks at Sujuk-Kale.

The Turkish war was over, and there was a relatively small lull. In peacetime, Fedor is entrusted with the command of a frigate, but for a short time and soon they are transferred to the imperial yacht. This state of affairs did not suit the military man Ushakov, and he achieved a transfer to a linear ship. Later he participated in the construction of the Black Sea Fleet and fought the plague in Kherson, for which he received his first order.

The calm was broken, and peaceful life came to an end, in 1787 another Russian-Turkish war broke out. At the beginning of the war, Ushakov commanded a battleship with the rank of captain of a brigade rank. He distinguished himself in many battles, while not losing a single ship. He also made a great contribution to military science, thanks to tactics and knowledge of military affairs. Later he participated in the wars of the first and second coalitions, at the time of the completion of the latter, he was promoted to admiral.

In 1807 he retired. He devoted his last years to religion and charity. He died on October 2, 1817.

Biography of Ushaky Fedor

Born in 1742 in the family of a nobleman. At the age of 16, his father sends him to study in St. Petersburg. In view of the fact that the country's situation at that time was extremely difficult, Turkey intended to attack Russia. It was decided to create a navy. By that time, Ushakov was already an officer and entered the disposal of Admiral Senyavin.

By 1773, the navy was completed and launched into the Sea of ​​Azov. This brought great success to the Russian troops, because thanks to the command of Senyavin in the fleet, they managed to defeat the Turks.

After that, Fedor Ushakov's career began to grow, and he was appointed commander of a huge 16-gun ship. His tactics of attacking the Turkish troops led to the final victory of the Russian army. He took part in almost all the battles, where he showed himself as a wonderful commander in chief.

Then Ushakov is appointed a general, and a year later he already becomes the commander-in-chief of the Black Sea Fleet. At this time, the Turkish troops intended to attack Russia, but this did not happen, so Fedor Fedorovich managed to develop a brilliant plan that did not allow the Turks to enter the Russian state.

His merits did not go unnoticed, and in 1783 he received the honorary title of vice admiral. He showed his courage in the fight against enemies, was a wonderful strategist and leader, thanks to which Russia became a respected country that many states were afraid to attack.

At the age of 66, Fedor Ushakov retires and dies a year later.

for grades 4, 7

Interesting facts and dates from life

Admiral Ushakov was a naval figure who brought glory to the then young Black Sea Fleet. The Turks respectfully called him "Ushak Pasha". Having a far from noble origin (his father was an impoverished landowner, a collegiate registrar), Fedor Fedorovich went to the admiral's flag, working hard, persistently mastering maritime science and military art.

During the time of G. Potemkin and A. Suvorov, Ushakov, a naval figure, highly raised the authority of the Russian fleet, and the traditions laid down by him will be continued by D. Senyavin, M. Lazarev, P. Nakhimov, S. Makarov.

The future admiral was born in the wilderness of the Tambov province, in one of the villages of the Temnikovsky district. The attraction to the sea arose in the boy's soul under the influence of the stories of an old fellow villager who served as a gunner in the Peter's fleet. The sixteen-year-old boy was sent by his relatives to St. Petersburg and assigned to study at the Naval Corps. Two years later, already a midshipman, he made his first training voyage on the ship "Saint Eustathius". In 1766, Ushakov graduated from the corps as an officer, midshipman, and was enlisted in the galley fleet sailing in the Baltic; on the kick "Nargin" he sailed from Kronstadt to Arkhangelsk around Scandinavia, for the first time he became acquainted with the expanses of the sea.

When in 1768, in connection with the Russian-Turkish war, the revival of the Azov military flotilla began, Fedor Ushakov was among the officers transferred to the Don. Sailing on the Hector sailing ship, he defended Russian shipyards and settlements on the Don and its tributaries, learned to control fire in battle. Then, commanding the boat "Courier", he sailed along the Azov and Black Seas between Taganrog, Kerch, Feodosia and Balaklava, studied the new maritime theater. Two years later he was appointed commander of the 16-gun ship "Modon", one of the largest in the Azov flotilla. Having Balaklava as their base, the Russian ships assisted the operations of the ground forces, guarded the Crimean shores from possible enemy landings. At the end of the war, the Turkish squadron went to the Bosphorus, and Russia acquired new lands and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

In 1775 Ushakov was transferred to the Baltic and promoted to lieutenant commander. The following year, commanding the frigate "Northern Eagle", he moved to the coast of Italy, in Livorno. Having become the captain of the frigate St. Paul in the Mediterranean, he guarded Russian merchant ships from attacks by English privateers. In 1779 he returned to Kronstadt, commanded the battleship "St. George the Victorious", then was appointed captain of the imperial yacht, which was then considered a great honor. But court service was not for Ushakov. Soon he asked for leave from this position in the squadron of Rear Admiral Sukhotin and with her made a trip to the Mediterranean Sea, commanding a frigate.

In 1783, Fedor Fedorovich was seconded to the Black Sea, where G.A. Potemkin created a new Black Sea Fleet for Russia. Ushakov, already in the rank of captain of the 1st rank, actively participated in the construction of a naval base in Sevastopol, in the construction of ships in Kherson. One of the newly built powerful battleships - the 60-gun "St. Paul" came under his command. When in 1787 Catherine II visited Sevastopol and got acquainted with the fleet created in a short time, she was very pleased. Among the naval officers she encouraged was Ushakov, whom she promoted to captain of the brigadier rank.

Six months later, the Russian-Turkish war began, which made the name of Ushakov famous not only in Russia, but also abroad. But it didn't happen right away. The first combat campaign of the Black Sea squadron, led by Rear Admiral M. Voinovich, was unsuccessful. In view of Varna, a strong storm that lasted several days scattered the ships across the sea, the frigate "Crimea" sank, the battleship "Mary Magdalene" was brought to the Turks in the Bosporus, Ushakov's "St. Paul" almost died, but the courageous and skillful captain managed to save. In the summer of 1788, the squadron again went to sea and on July 3 met with the Turkish fleet near the island of Fidonisi. The Turks twice outnumbered the Russians in the number of ships, had a triple superiority in guns and were the first to open fire on the Russian avant-garde ("St. Paul" and three frigates). The distance prevented the Russian frigates from firing their 12-pounder guns effectively, and Ushakov, who led the vanguard, made a bold move. He ordered the frigates to go around the lead Turkish ships from the windward side in order to put them "in two fires", and he himself went out of order on the "St. Paul" and decisively attacked the flagship of Gassan Pasha. As a result of the battle, which lasted about three hours, the enemy's flagship was seriously damaged. This forced Gassan Pasha, and behind him all the ships of his squadron, to leave the battle area. Potemkin highly appreciated the martial art of Ushakov, the latter was awarded the Order of St. George of the 4th degree, promoted to rear admiral and received command of the entire ship fleet in Sevastopol.

In March 1790, His Serene Highness Prince Tauride sent Voinovich to the secondary, Caspian flotilla and appointed Ushakov commander of the Black Sea Fleet. From that moment, the real combat formation of this fleet began, its glorious combat traditions began to be laid. In May 1790, Fedor Fedorovich went with a squadron under the walls of Sinop and Anapa, burned and sank enemy ships, reconnoitred Turkish fortresses, and with the fire of his cannons inspired awe in their garrisons. In July, at the Kerch Strait, he blocked the path of the Turkish squadron, rushing into the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov; boldly maneuvering and delivering well-aimed fire, Ushakov repulsed the enemy attack, and then he went forward himself, approached the Turks at the distance of a canister salvo and brought all the artillery into action. Turkish ships, a significant part of which were damaged, began to retreat and were able to escape persecution only thanks to high speed. Fedor Fedorovich was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree.

In August, following with a squadron from Sevastopol to Ochakov, Ushakov discovered a Turkish squadron at anchor near Tendra Island. He immediately attacked the enemy without rebuilding his squadron from the marching position. Turkish ships began to retreat in disorder to the mouth of the Danube. The Russian rear admiral destroyed two battleships, several small ships, the Turks lost over two thousand people, including more than seven hundred prisoners. Potemkin wrote: "Ours, thanks to God, gave such a pepper to the Turks, whatever. Thanks to Fedor Fedorovich!" Since that time, the Turks began to openly fear Ushakov, and he received another award from Catherine II - the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

On July 31, 1791, Ushakov won a brilliant victory over the Turkish fleet in the battle near Cape Kaliakria. In this battle, he attacked the enemy in the march formation of three columns. The outcome of the battle was decided by bold maneuvering actions - the passage of the Russian squadron between the coast and Turkish ships to occupy an advantageous windward position before the attack, the exit of Ushakov's flagship "Christmas Christ" from the wake formation during the pursuit of the enemy flagship. Having suffered heavy losses, the Turkish ships stopped the battle and, taking advantage of the darkness, went to the Bosphorus. This defeat crossed out the last hopes of the Ottoman Porte and hastened the signing of the Iasi peace treaty, which was victorious for Russia. Catherine II wrote in a rescript addressed to the naval commander: "The famous victory ... serves as new evidence of zeal for our service, your special courage and art. You have been most mercifully granted a cavalier of our order of St. Alexander Nevsky." After the end of the war, Ushakov was summoned to St. Petersburg, a year later he was promoted to vice admiral, after which he commanded a practical squadron on the Black Sea for several years, supervised the construction of Sevastopol.

With the growth of the aggressive aspirations of France and the creation of an anti-French coalition of European states with the participation of Russia, Fedor Fedorovich found himself at the epicenter of the events taking place in the Mediterranean. In 1798, Paul 1 entered into an alliance with a recent enemy - Turkey, and the Black Sea Fleet was instructed to act together with the Turks in the Mediterranean against the French. At the same time, full admiral Kadyr Bey received an order from his sultan not only to be subordinate to the Russian vice admiral, but also to learn from him. Taking in Constantinople under his command the Turkish squadron that had joined the Black Sea Fleet, Ushakov headed for the Archipelago. By force of arms, he liberated the islands of Tserigo, Zante, Kefalonia, Saint Maura from the power of the French, and in October laid siege to the most important strategic base of France in the Ionian Sea - the island of Corfu.

It was extremely difficult to attack Corfu from the sea and take the fortress by storm, since the enemy had large forces and powerful fortifications, and Ushakov did not have enough ground troops, there was no siege artillery. But four months of blockade operations near Corfu convinced the Russian naval commander of the need for an assault, and he organized it brilliantly. The capture of a strong fortress and an island in a short time (February 18-20, 1799) became an example of bold, well-planned and coordinated actions of the ships and landing forces of the allies, with the decisive role of the Russian squadron and its expeditionary detachment, which proved to be exceptionally valiant. Upon learning of Ushakov's victory, Suvorov exclaimed: "Why was I not even a midshipman at Corfu!" For the capture of the fortress and the island of Corfu, Fedor Fedorovich was promoted to admiral, in addition, he received awards from the Turkish sultan and the Neapolitan king.

With the release of Suvorov's army in Northern Italy in April 1799, Ushakov transferred his operations to the coast of Southern Italy, where his expeditionary forces occupied a number of cities, including Naples, and disrupted enemy communications. But soon Russia's relations with the allies deteriorated, and Fedor Fedorovich received an order from Paul I to return the squadron to their homeland (Suvorov was recalled to Russia at the same time). In October 1800, the naval commander brought the ships to Sevastopol. As a result of Ushakov's actions in the Mediterranean, France lost its dominance in the Adriatic, lost the Ionian Islands, and Russia's acquisition of the Corfu naval base helped the allies in subsequent wars with France in 1805-1807.

The skepticism of Alexander 1, who ascended the throne, towards naval affairs led to the fact that Ushakov's outstanding abilities as a naval commander were practically not used in the future. In 1802, he was appointed chief commander of the Baltic Rowing Fleet and head of naval teams in St. Petersburg. In 1807, Fedor Fedorovich asked for leave to retire and went to his estate in the Tambov region. To the message of the emperor, who wished to know the true reasons for his dismissal from service, the admiral replied: "My spiritual feelings and sorrow, which have exhausted the strength of my strength and health. God knows - may his holy will be done. I accept everything that happened to me with the deepest blessing." During the Patriotic War of 1812, Ushakov was elected head of the militia of the Tambov province, but due to his age and health he refused this position.

Wholly and daily devoted to maritime affairs, Fedor Fedorovich lived all his life as a bachelor. In his advanced years, staying on his estate, he became almost a hermit. He died at the age of 74 and was buried in the Sanaksar monastery in the Temnikovsky district of the Tambov province.

Fedor Ushakov is an admiral who made a huge contribution to the development of the domestic navy. This outstanding man is one of the best naval commanders of all times and peoples. In honor of him, several ships were named in the fleet of the Russian Empire and the USSR.

During the Great Patriotic War, the names of outstanding commanders and naval commanders of previous eras began to be applied to orders and medals. Stalin sought to emphasize the continuity of the victorious tradition. In 1944, an order and a medal appeared in honor of the famous admiral. Prior to this, it was believed that the new Soviet state should have abandoned any mention of the tsarist regime. Generals and naval commanders of the Russian Empire were also banned.

Who is Fedor Ushakov? Admiral, whose victorious actions were included in the treatises on the art of war? A patriot who devoted his life only to the service of the state? Let's try to figure it out in this article.

Origin

Where was Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov born? His biography begins with the village of Burnakovo, Moscow province. The future hero was born in February 1745 in the family of a small landowner. From his father, he received only a title of nobility, without which it was impossible to move up the career ladder. There was not enough money, the family could barely make ends meet. At the age of 16, his parents send him to the Naval Corps in St. Petersburg.

Carier start

The future naval commander made his first training voyage with the rank of midshipman after two years of study in the Naval Corps. In 1766, Fedor Fedorovich graduated from an educational institution with the rank of midshipman. His career begins in the Baltic. Here he makes his first long voyage: on the Nargin kick from Kronstadt to Arkhangelsk around Scandinavia.

The beginning of a fighting career

During the Russian-Turkish campaign of 1768-1774, Ushakov, with the rank of lieutenant, commanded several battleships - sailing warships made of wood with a displacement of up to 6 thousand tons. With them, he defended the Crimea from the landing of the Turkish troops and from the indignation of the Tatars. These were powerful ships of that era. They got the name "linear" because of the tactics of use: the ships lined up in one line and fired a volley from all the guns at the same time. Such tactics caused enormous damage not only to ships, but also to the coastline and fortresses. One such ship had up to 135 guns on board and up to one thousand crew members. Only the steamship fleet replaced the ships of the line in the middle of the 19th century.

Climbing the career ladder

Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov, after the campaign of 1768-1774, began to rapidly climb the career ladder:

1. Even during the war with Turkey, he received the task of creating a flotilla on the Don and a port in Taganrog with the rank of lieutenant.
2. In 1776, already with the rank of lieutenant commander, he took part in the campaign to Livorno, after which he was appointed commander of the frigate Pavel.
3. Until 1779, the future admiral continued campaigns in the Adriatic Sea and in the archipelago.
4. In 1780, Ushakov received a promotion: he became the commander of the imperial yacht. However, he already knows the smell of gunpowder and the taste of victories, so his soul reaches out to the army fleet.
5. In 1781, he again sent to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the squadron of Rear Admiral Sukhotin as commander of the Victor ship.
6. In 1785, as a captain of the 1st rank, he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class, and gratitude from the Admiralty for ending the epidemic in Kherson. The infection was brought from the Turkish capital on merchant ships.

Career heyday

Fedor Ushakov is an admiral whose career peaked in the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. The reason for the war: Turkey's desire to take revenge for the previous defeat, as a result of which the Crimea was torn away from the influence of the Ottomans. The Sultan also wanted to completely ban the Russian fleet from appearing in the Black Sea. Turkey, Russia, Austria, France and England took part in the war. Our "eternal friends" France and England provided assistance and support to Turkey. On the side of our country was Austria, which was also interested in weakening the Ottomans. It was during this war that Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov reached the peak of his career and fame. We will talk about this in more detail below.

The famous naval commander begins the war as a captain of the brigadier rank. He participated in the first campaigns of the Black Sea Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Voinovich as commander of the Pavel ship.

In 1790, the holy righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov - this is the official title given by the Russian Orthodox Church - becomes Rear Admiral of the Black Sea Fleet. He owed his position to Prince Potemkin.

In his new position, he bypassed the eastern coast of the Black Sea, destroying 26 enemy ships.

F. F. Ushakov's victories in the war of 1787-1791

What victories did Fedor Ushakov win? The battles near Khalji Bay, at Kaliakria, the battle of the Yenikol Strait and many others are included in this glorious list.

For repulsing the Turkish attack at the Yenikol Strait on July 8, 1790 and for the final defeat of the enemy fleet near Hadzhi Bay on August 28 and 29 of the same year, Rear Admiral Ushakov received the Order of St. Vladimir 1st class and St. George 2nd class.

In 1791, he again defeated the Turkish fleet at Kaliakria, for which he was awarded the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky.

In 1793, Ushakov was promoted again: he was promoted to vice admiral.

Unexpected alliance and appointment to admirals

Since 1798 Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich - admiral. Ironically, it is the joint activity with the Turkish fleet that earns him the highest rank in the fleet. In August 1798, he received an imperial order (a direct order from the reigning persons) to go to Constantinople. Further, the Russian flotilla connects with the Turkish for a joint expedition to the Mediterranean. Upon completion, Ushakov receives the highest naval rank and the diamond order of St. Alexander Nevsky. The Turkish Sultan Selim the Third highly appreciated the talent of the Russian naval commander, presenting him with two diamond snuffboxes, two diamond feathers and a fur coat rich in sable.

What are the reasons for the joint Russian-Turkish alliance? For the whole world, this was a complete surprise: it was believed that Turkey and Russia were the most irreconcilable enemies. However, even the great Count Potemkin did everything possible to convey to the Turkish Sultan the idea that sooner or later the Ottoman Empire would be torn apart. The first thing they will take away is the Suez Canal in Egypt. Potemkin was right: on July 1, 1798, the French army landed in Egypt. This was a real shock for the entire Turkish leadership: it was France that participated in the creation of a combat-ready Turkish fleet to fight against Russia. Turkey was simply sure that Napoleon was their most faithful ally.

The Russian Empire took advantage of the situation: it concluded a military-defensive alliance against France, so a joint expedition under the command of Ushak Pasha (F. F. Ushakov) became possible.

Naval victories in the Mediterranean

While the famous Suvorov smashed the French troops in Italy, Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov won naval victories in the Mediterranean.

The allied Russian-Turkish fleet consisted of 10 battleships, 13 frigates and corvettes, 7 small ships. In Naples, Horatio Nelson's English flotilla was also waiting for them. A Russian landing party was formed from 1,700 naval battalions grenadiers and 35 midshipmen for landing on the Ionian Islands. Turkey pledged to recruit up to 17,000 troops.

Formally, the allied fleet did not have a single command. The Russian flotilla was commanded by F.F. Ushakov, the Turkish by Kadyr Bey. However, the Turkish sultan himself recognized the dominant position for Ushak Pasha, knowing his previous successes against the Ottoman Empire.

In just a month and a half, 4 islands from 7 of the Ionian archipelago were cleared: Saint Maura, Kefalonia, Zante, Tserigo. 1300 enemy soldiers were taken prisoner, 44 were killed. The loss of the Russians was 2 killed and 6 wounded, the Turks were 4 killed.

Ushakov believed that the ease of victories lay in the fragmentation of the French forces, as well as in the support of the local Greek population. The last factor was key: thanks to the participation of the Russians, the Greeks sided with the union. If only the Turks had participated in the expedition, the local population would have gone over to the side of the French.

Vice Admiral openly showed sympathy for the Orthodox population. It is this expedition to liberate the Orthodox people of the Ionian Islands that will serve as the basis for their future canonization. St. Fyodor Ushakov not only liberated the local Orthodox population from the Jacobins, but also maintained public order on the territory of the islands. The Greeks greatly appreciated the help of the Russian squadron, rendered it all sorts of honors. However, there was no such attitude towards our ally: for the Greeks, the Turks were even more undesirable than the French. This led to conflicts between Russians and Turks. Ushakov urged the Greek population to give the Ottomans the same honors.

Capture of Corfu

Fedor Ushakov is an admiral who showed all his talent in taking the fortress of Corfu. The planned amphibious assault operation, supported by battleships, has become one of the best military operations of all times and peoples.

Corfu is a system of fortresses located on a steep bank, surrounded by thick walls. It could contain up to 15 thousand people of the garrison. It was very difficult to storm it: at every step there were deep ramparts, ditches, an effective battery system, etc. It was believed that Corfu could only be taken by starvation.

By the time of the siege by the Russian-Turkish troops, there were about 3 thousand soldiers and 650 guns in the fortress. The land forces of the allies were not enough to take the fortress immediately.

Here, all the effectiveness of governance in the Ottoman Empire was manifested on the example of the Albanian principalities. Albanian pashas were supposed to put up 17 thousand infantry, but they were not going to do this. Ali Pasha, who ruled in Tepelen (Southern Albania), especially showed his “loyalty”. He actively negotiated with the French and waited only for suitable conditions to go over to the side of the enemy. Pasha not only sabotaged the deployment of a 3,000th landing force, but also urged his neighbors to follow his example.

F. Ushakov during the four-month siege constantly wrote dispatches to St. Petersburg about the actions of the Turkish side. The thought constantly sounded in them: the participation of the Turks and Albanians would not only not improve the situation during the assault on Corfu, but, on the contrary, would significantly worsen it, since the local Greek population would not support the assault of the Albanians. Ushakov regretted that he did not have at least an extra thousand soldiers to take the fortress on his own.

Albanian Ali Pasha at that time became involved in political intrigues: he promised the Russian Vice Admiral to wait a bit, he even advised the Turkish Sultan to refuse the help of the Russians and take the fortress on his own. To this end, Ali Pasha promised the Sultan to send 25,000 Albanians. At the same time, negotiations were underway with the French to go over to their side.

In December 1798, Ushakov informed the Russian emperor that the squadron did not have provisions. If the situation does not change, then the siege of the fortress will have to be lifted. Ushakov also reported that the Turkish authorities are sabotaging the supply of goods to the Russian fleet, citing weather conditions. As a result, the team has not received a salary for a whole year, and cannot purchase clothes and shoes.

In January 1799, Ushakov wrote a dispatch to the High Vizier of the Porte stating that, due to poor supplies, Russian soldiers began to fall ill and die. The reason is the food supplied by the Turks, which the medical staff forbade people to consume.

By January 25, 1799, the allied squadron nevertheless received the promised Albanian landing of 4 thousand people. However, their appearance on the islands caused discontent among the Greeks. Huge efforts were made by Ushakov so that the local population would not kill the Albanians on the islands before the start of the operation.

Storm

Before the assault on Corfu, Ushakov began to prepare for the landing: soldiers and sailors trained to overcome the fortress walls, quickly built fortress stairs. Such training was reminiscent of Suvorov training his soldiers before the capture of the Izmail fortress in 1790. Perhaps Ushakov decided to adopt the experience of training soldiers from another illustrious commander.

February 18, 1799 began the assault on the fortifications on the island of Vido. Mastering it made it possible to capture the entire fortress. After a powerful shelling by battleships, an assault force of 2 thousand people began to land. Here the Albanians showed "loyalty" to their allied duty: they refused to participate in the assault. Only 200 Albanians participated in the initial assault. The rest took part only when the Allies took the fortification on the island of Vido. Here the Russian troops had to defend the captured French from the fury of the Albanians.

After taking the battery on Vido, the allies deployed their guns and began shelling the main fortress with the support of battleships. Here again, there were some oddities: Turkish ships began shelling the fortress behind the back of the Russian fleet. Some cores did not reach and fell on our ships. Ushakov himself recalled that he almost died then from the "help" of the Allies.

End of career

In July 1800 Ushakov returned to Russia. For his services, the king of both Sicilies granted the admiral the Order of St. Januarius, which was considered to be higher than the Order of Alexander Nevsky.

In 1807, the illustrious admiral was dismissed from service due to illness. Fedor Fedorovich died in 1817 in the Tambov province.

Family and Children

Many are interested in the question: was Fedor Ushakov married? The family of the famous naval commander is sailors and officers. This is how this great man spoke about himself.

Did Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov have heirs? The children loved to ask the admiral about his victories, he also liked to talk with them. However, he had no heirs. He dedicated his entire life to serving his country.

Monuments to the admiral

Monuments to Fyodor Ushakov were erected in Sevastopol: on July 29, 1983, at the entrance to the Historical Boulevard (opened during the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Sevastopol), on the 250th anniversary of the birth of the admiral, on the initiative of the Black Sea Fleet command, a monument was erected near the headquarters building. Also, the monument stands in Saransk near the cathedral in honor of him. A little about him later in the article.

Cathedral

In 2004, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized the outstanding admiral. In 2006, in Saransk (the capital of Mordovia), the temple was rebuilt into a huge cathedral named after Fyodor Ushakov. Now it is the hallmark of the city. The relics of Fyodor Ushakov are here.

It was on the territory of modern Mordovia that the naval commander died. There is also a temple of Fyodor Ushakov in South Butovo in Moscow.

Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:	Village Burnakovo (now Rybinsk district, Yaroslavl region)
Date of death:
Place of death:	In the village of Alekseevka, Tambov province (now Temnikovsky district of the Republic of Mordovia)
Affiliation:	Russian empire
Type of army:
Years of service:
Commanded:	Black Sea Fleet (1790-1792)
Battles/wars:	Battle of Fidonisi (1788, commanded the vanguard of the Russian squadron), Battle of Tendra, Battle of Kaliakria Kerch battle, Siege of Corfu
Awards and prizes:	Commander Foreign: Award of the Ottoman Empire "Chelenk" Golden weapons from the Greek Republic of the Seven Islands

early years

Battle of Fidonisi Island

Kerch naval battle

Battle of Cape Tendra

Battle of Cape Kaliakria

Activities in the Mediterranean

Last years

Memory of Admiral Ushakov

In cinema

Canonization

(February 13 (24), 1745 - October 2 (14), 1817) - Russian naval commander, admiral (1799), commander of the Black Sea Fleet (1790-1792).

In 2001, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized the saints as a righteous warrior Feodor Ushakov.

Biography

early years

Fedor Ushakov was born on February 13 (24), 1745 in the village of Burnakovo (now the Rybinsk district of the Yaroslavl region), into a poor noble family, baptized in the Church of the Epiphany-on-Ostrov in the village of Khopylevo. Father - Fedor Ignatievich Ushakov (1710-1781), retired sergeant of the Life Guards of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, uncle - elder Feodor Sanaksarsky. He graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps (1766), served in the Baltic Fleet.

On South

Since 1769, in the Don (Azov) flotilla, he participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. June 30, 1769 received the rank of lieutenant. At the end of 1772, he was given command of the "Courier" param, was cruising in the Black Sea along the southern coast of Crimea. In 1773, commanding the 16-gun ship "Modon", he participated in repelling the Turks who landed in Balaklava.

From 1775 he commanded a frigate. In 1776-1779 he participated in a campaign to the Mediterranean Sea with the aim of escorting frigates to the Black Sea. In 1780 he was sent to Rybinsk to deliver a caravan with ship timber to St. Petersburg, after which he was appointed commander of the imperial yacht, but soon he was transferred to a battleship. In 1780-1782 the commander of the battleship "Victor", which participated in the implementation of the policy of "armed neutrality" as part of a squadron in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 1783, he was in the Black Sea Fleet, participated in the construction of ships in Kherson and the construction of a fleet base in Sevastopol. He received his first award - the Order of St. Vladimir IV degree in 1785 for the successful fight against the plague in Kherson. At the beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791, he was the commander of the St. Paul ship of the line and the vanguard of the Black Sea Fleet.

Russian-Turkish war 1787-1791

During the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791, F.F. Ushakov made a serious contribution to the development of the tactics of the sailing fleet. Based on a set of principles for the preparation of the forces of the fleet and military art, using the accumulated tactical experience, F.F. Ushakov did not hesitate to reorganize the fleet into battle formation already at direct approach to the enemy, thus minimizing the time of tactical deployment. Contrary to the established tactical rules of finding the commander in the middle of the battle formation, Ushakov boldly put his ship in the forefront and at the same time occupied dangerous positions, encouraging his commanders with his own courage. He was distinguished by a quick assessment of the combat situation, an accurate calculation of all success factors and a decisive attack. In this regard, Admiral F.F. Ushakov can rightfully be considered the founder of the Russian tactical school in naval affairs.

Battle of Fidonisi Island

The Turkish fleet discovered by the Sevastopol squadron consisted of 15 battleships (of which five were 80-gun), eight frigates, three bombardment ships and 21 small ships.

The fleets met on the morning of July 3 (14), 1788, near the Danube Delta near the island of Fidonisi (Snake). The balance of forces of the parties was unfavorable for the Russian fleet. The Turkish squadron had 1120 guns against 550 for the Russian. Artillery in the Turkish fleet as a whole was more diverse and relatively less powerful than in the Black Sea Fleet. The Turkish ships were armed with cast-iron or copper guns, mostly 22-pounder (156 mm) caliber. At the same time, a significant part was made up of more durable copper guns. In addition, many battleships had four especially powerful guns that fired 40-kg marble cannonballs. The Russian squadron consisted of 2 ships of 66-gun rank, 10 frigates (from 40 to 50 guns) and 24 small ships.

Occupying a windward position, the Turkish fleet lined up in two wake columns and began to descend to the Russian line. The first column of the Turks, led by Eski-Gassan himself, attacked the Russian vanguard under the command of Brigadier F.F. Ushakov. After a short skirmish with two Russian frigates - "Berislav" and "Strela" and 50-gun frigates, two Turkish battleships were forced to withdraw from the battle. The ship "St. Pavel" under the command of Ushakov. The ship of Kapudan Pasha was under fire from frigates from one side, and from the other by Ushakov's ship. The concentrated firing of Russian ships caused serious damage to the Turkish flagship. All attempts by Turkish ships to remedy the situation were immediately thwarted by Russian frigates. Finally, a successful salvo from the frigate damaged the flagship's stern and mizzen mast, and Gassan Pasha began to rapidly leave the battlefield. The entire Turkish fleet followed him.

The success was decisive. The Turkish fleet no longer had dominance over the sea, and the Crimea was not in danger of landing. The Turkish fleet went to the Rumelian shores, and Voinovich's squadron went to Sevastopol for repairs.

In 1789 he was promoted to Rear Admiral.

Kerch naval battle

The battle took place on July 8, 1790. The Turkish squadron consisted of 10 battleships, 8 frigates, 36 auxiliary ships. She went from Turkey to land troops in the Crimea. She was met by a Russian squadron (10 battleships, 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship, 16 auxiliary ships) under the command of Ushakov.

Using the windward position and superiority in artillery (1100 guns against 836), the Turkish fleet attacked the Russian on the move, directing its main attack on the vanguard of fleet brigadier G.K. Golenkin. However, he withstood the attack of the enemy and with accurate return fire brought down his offensive impulse. Kapudan Pasha nevertheless continued his onslaught, reinforcing forces in the direction of the main attack with ships with large guns. Seeing this, Ushakov, separating the weakest frigates, closed the ships tighter and hurried to help the vanguard.

With this maneuver, Ushakov tried to divert the enemy to weak ships, dividing his forces. However, Hussein Pasha kept increasing pressure on the vanguard.

In the ensuing battle, it turned out that the cannonballs from the Russian frigates, placed in line due to the lack of battleships, did not reach the enemy. Then Ushakov gave them a signal to leave the line for possible assistance to the vanguard, and the rest of the ships to close the distance formed between them. Unaware of the true intentions of the Russian flagship, the Turks were very happy about this circumstance. Their vice admiral's ship, leaving the line and becoming the advanced one, began to descend on the Russian avant-garde in order to bypass it.

But Ushakov foresaw the possible development of events, and therefore, instantly assessing the situation, gave a signal to the reserve frigates to protect their forward ships. The frigates arrived in time and forced the Turkish Vice Admiral to pass between the lines under the crushing fire of the Russian ships.

Using a favorable wind change of 4 rhumbs (45 degrees), Ushakov began to approach the enemy at a grape shot distance in order to bring all the artillery, including small ones, into action. As soon as the distance allowed, a volley of all artillery was fired on command. The enemy was bombarded with buckshot. From a change in the wind and a decisive attack by the Russians, the Turks were confused. They began to turn over the tack with the whole column, substituting themselves under the powerful volley of Ushakov's 80-gun flagship "Christmas of Christ" and the 66-gun "Transfiguration of the Lord", while receiving great destruction and losses in manpower (there was a landing force on board the Turkish ships, intended for landing in the Crimea). Soon, being already in the wind, Ushakov gave another signal to the avant-garde to turn “all of a sudden” (all together) through the tack and, “not observing their places, each according to the ability of the case, with extreme haste to enter the wake” of his flagship, which became the advanced . After the completed maneuver, the entire Russian line, led by the admiral, "very soon" found itself in the wind of the enemy, which greatly aggravated the position of the Turks. Ushakov, leaving the line, threatened to board.

Not hoping to withstand another attack, the Turks trembled and fled to their shores. An attempt to pursue the enemy in a battle order was unsuccessful. The ease of movement of the Turkish ships saved them from defeat. Departing from persecution, they disappeared into the darkness of the night.

Ushakov proved himself to be a skilled flagship, able to think creatively and make extraordinary tactical decisions. "Without leaving the main rules," he was able to unconventionally dispose of the forces of the fleet. Carrying out stable management of the fleet, he sought to put the flagship at the head of the column and at the same time give a certain initiative in maneuvering to his commanders (“to each according to the ability of the case”). In the battle, the advantage of Russian sailors in naval training and fire training was clearly manifested. Concentrating the main attack on the enemy's flagships, Ushakov used the power of artillery to the maximum extent.

The victory of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Kerch thwarted the plans of the Turkish command to seize the Crimea. In addition, the defeat of the Turkish fleet led to a decrease in the leadership’s confidence in the security of their capital and forced the Port to “take caution for the capital, so that in the event of an attempt on this by the Russians, it would be possible to protect it.”

Battle of Cape Tendra

On the morning of August 28, 1790, the Turkish fleet under the command of the young Kapudan Pasha Hussein, consisting of 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 14 small ships, anchored between Gadzhibey and Tendrovskaya Spit. Unexpectedly for the enemy, a Russian fleet was discovered from Sevastopol, sailing under full sail in a marching order of three columns, consisting of 5 battleships, 11 frigates and 20 smaller ships under the command of F. F. Ushakov.

The ratio of guns was 1360 against 836 in favor of the Turkish fleet. The appearance of the Sevastopol fleet led the Turks into confusion. Despite the superiority in strength, they hastily began to cut the ropes and retreat in disorder to the Danube. The advanced Turkish ships, having filled the sails, retired to a considerable distance. But Kapudan Pasha, noticing the danger hanging over the rearguard, began to unite with him and build a line of battle on the right tack.

Ushakov, continuing to approach the enemy, also gave the order to rebuild in the battle line of the left tack. But then he made a signal "to turn through the countermarch and build a line of battle on the starboard tack parallel to the enemy fleet." As a result, the Russian ships "very quickly" lined up in battle formation in the wind at the Turks. Using the change in battle formation that justified itself in the Kerch battle, Ushakov withdrew three frigates from the line - John the Warrior, Jerome and the 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 at a distance of a canister shot, F.F. Ushakov forced him to fight. And soon, under the powerful fire of the Russian line, the Turkish fleet began to evade into the wind and become upset. Coming closer, the Russian ships with all their might fell on the advanced part of the Turkish fleet. Ushakov's flagship "Christmas" fought with three enemy ships, forcing them to leave the line.

The entire severity of the attack was directed to the front of the formation, since Kapudan Pasha and most of the Turkish admirals were here.

By 17 o'clock the entire Turkish line was finally defeated. This was facilitated by reserve frigates, which Ushakov launched into battle on time. Pressed by the Russian advanced enemy ships were forced to gybe and take to flight. Their example was followed by other ships, which became advanced as a result of this maneuver. But during the turn, a series of powerful volleys were fired at them, causing them great destruction. Finally, the enemy took to flight towards the Danube. Ushakov pursued him until the darkness and the increased wind forced him to stop chasing and anchor.

At dawn the next day, it turned out that the Turkish ships were in close proximity to the Russians. And the frigate "Ambrose of Milan" was among the Turkish fleet at all. But since the flags had not yet been raised, the Turks took him for their own. The resourcefulness of 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 hoisting the flag. Gradually lagging behind, Neledinsky waited for the moment when the danger was over, raised the St. Andrew's flag and went to his fleet.

Ushakov gave the command to raise anchors and set sail to pursue the enemy, who, having a windward position, began to disperse in different directions. However, two heavily damaged ships lagged behind the Turkish fleet, one of which, the 74-gun Kapudaniya, was Said Bey's flagship. The other was the 66-gun "Meleki Bahri" ("King of the Seas"). Having lost his commander, Kara-Ali, who was killed by a cannonball, he surrendered without a fight. And "Kapudania", stubbornly resisted until it was completely engulfed in fire. Before the explosion, the boat from the Russian ship removed the Turkish admiral Said Bey and 18 officers from him, after which the ship took off into the air along with the remaining crew and the treasury of the Turkish fleet.

The victory of the Black Sea Fleet at Tendra left a bright mark in the combat annals of the Russian fleet. By the federal law "On the days of military glory (victory days) of Russia" of March 13, 1995, the day of the victory of the Russian squadron under the command of F.F. Ushakov over the Turkish squadron at Cape Tendra" was declared the Day of Russia's military glory.

It is inscribed in red line in the history of naval art. The tactics of Ushakov's actions had an active offensive character. If in the two previous battles the Black Sea Fleet initially carried out defensive actions with a transition to a counterattack, then in this case a decisive attack with a clear tactical plan initially took place. The factor of surprise was skillfully and effectively used, and the principles of concentration of forces in the direction of the main attack and mutual support were skillfully implemented.

During the battle, Ushakov used the so-called "reserve corps", which justified itself in the battle of Kerch, which would later be further developed. The firepower of ships and frigates was used to the maximum extent by reducing the salvo distance. Considering the fact that the combat stability of the Turkish fleet was determined by the behavior of the commander and his flagships, the main blow was delivered precisely against the flagships of the enemy.

Ushakov actively participated in all episodes of the battle, being in the most responsible and dangerous places, showing his subordinates an example of courage, encouraging them to take decisive action by personal example. At the same time, he provided the junior flagships and ship commanders with the opportunity to act "to each according to the ability of the case", without restricting their initiative. During the battle, the advantage in naval training and artillery preparation of Russian sailors clearly affected. In addition, their stamina and courage greatly contributed to the achievement of victory.

As a result, the Turks lost 2 thousand people wounded and killed, the Russians - only 21 (!) People killed and 25 wounded. Such a huge difference was due to the exceptional courage and decisiveness of the attacks of the Russian ships, which forced the Turks to be confused and shoot without proper restraint and aiming.

Battle of Cape Kaliakria

The battle at Cape Kaliakria took place on July 31, 1791. The Turkish fleet consisted of 18 battleships, 17 frigates and 43 smaller ships anchored off the coast under the cover of coastal batteries. The Black Sea Fleet under the command of F. F. Ushakov consisted of 16 battleships, 2 frigates, 2 bombardment ships, 17 cruising ships, a fire ship and a rehearsal ship. The ratio of guns was 1800 against 980 in favor of the Turks. The composition of the forces of the Turkish fleet has undergone changes. It was reinforced by the Algerian-Tunisian corsairs under the command of Seit-Ali, who successfully operated in the Mediterranean in the campaign of 1790 against the detachment of the Russian armorer Major Lambro Cacioni. For these purposes, by order of the Sultan, he allocated 7 battleships from the Turkish fleet, from which a squadron was formed, independent of the Kapudan Pasha.

To reduce the time for approaching the enemy, Ushakov began to approach him, remaining in the marching order of three columns. As a result, the initial disadvantageous tactical position of the Black Sea Fleet became favorable for the attack. The situation began to take shape in favor of the Black Sea Fleet. The unexpected appearance of the Russian fleet led the enemy "into confusion." On the Turkish ships, in a hurry, they began to cut the ropes and set the sails. Having lost control on a steep wave, with gusty winds, several ships collided with each other and received damage.

The Algerian flagship Seit-Ali, dragging the entire Turkish fleet with him, with two ships and several frigates, tried to win the wind and, as in previous battles, go around the lead ships of the Black Sea Fleet. However, having unraveled the maneuver of the Algerian Pasha, Rear Admiral Ushakov, finishing the rebuilding of the fleet into a battle order, on the fastest flagship "Christmas of Christ", contrary to the well-established rule in naval tactics, according to which the commander was in the center of the battle formation, left the wake column and went forward, overtaking his advanced ships. This allowed him to thwart the plan of the Algerian pasha, and with well-aimed fire from a distance of 0.5 kbt, inflict significant damage on him. As a result, the Algerian flagship was wounded and forced to retreat inside his battle formation.

Around 17:00, the entire Black Sea Fleet, having approached the enemy at an extremely short distance, "unanimously" attacked the Turkish fleet. It should be noted that the crews of Russian ships, following the example of their flagship, fought with great courage. Ushakov's flagship, having become the front ship, entered into battle with four ships, preventing them from developing an attack. At the same time, Ushakov ordered by signal "John the Baptist", "Alexander Nevsky" and "Fedor Stratilat" to approach him. But, when they approached the "Christmas", all four Algerian ships were already so damaged that they moved away from the battle line and opened their Pasha. The "Christmas" entered the middle of the Turkish fleet, firing from both sides, and continued to hit the Seit-Ali ship and the ships closest to it. With this maneuver, Ushakov finally violated the order of battle of the advanced part of the Turks. By this time, all the forces of both fleets were involved in the battle. Carrying out a steady fire defeat of the enemy, the Black Sea Fleet successfully developed the attack. At the same time, the Turkish ships were so cramped that they fired at each other. Soon the resistance of the Turks was broken and they, turning to the Russian fleet as a stern, fled.

The thick powder smoke that enveloped the battlefield and the ensuing darkness prevented the continuation of the pursuit of the enemy. Therefore, at half past eight in the evening, Ushakov was forced to stop chasing and anchor. At dawn on August 1, there was no longer a single enemy ship on the horizon. On August 8, Ushakov received news from Field Marshal N.V. Repnin about the conclusion of a truce on July 31 and an order to return to Sevastopol.

As in the previous battle, Ushakov's tactics were of an active offensive nature, and the use of tactics was determined by the specific situation. The passage between the coast and the enemy fleet, approaching in a marching order, setting the corps de battalion (the central squadron of the fleet) and the flagship at the head of the wake column allowed the Russian commander to use the element of surprise to the maximum extent, attack the enemy from a tactically advantageous position and frustrate his plan. The main blow was inflicted on the advanced, most active part of the enemy, in the wake of which the rest of the Turkish fleet went along with the Kapudan Pasha. This made it possible to disrupt the formation of Turkish ships and, despite the enemy’s significant advantage in artillery, to carry out effective fire damage from short distances, as a result of which the enemy suffered heavy losses in manpower and materiel.

In 1793 he was promoted to vice admiral.

Activities in the Mediterranean

In 1798-1800, Emperor Paul I was appointed commander of the Russian naval forces in the Mediterranean. The task of F.F. Ushakov was to support the actions of the troops of the anti-French coalition at sea.

During the Mediterranean campaign of 1798-1800, Ushakov showed himself as a major naval commander, a skilled politician and diplomat in the creation of the Greek Republic of the Seven Islands under the protectorate of Russia and Turkey. He showed examples of the organization of interaction between the army and the navy during the capture of the Ionian Islands and especially the island of Corfu (Kerkyra), during the liberation from the French of Italy, during the blockade of Ancona and Genoa, during the capture of Naples and Rome. During the campaign, he had disagreements with the British Admiral Nelson regarding the blockade (Nelson's proposal) or the assault (Ushakov's proposal) on. Malta.

In 1799 he was promoted to admiral. In 1800, Ushakov's squadron returned to Sevastopol.

Last years

From 1802 he commanded the Baltic Rowing Fleet, and from September 27, 1804 he was the head of naval teams in St. Petersburg. In 1807 he was dismissed with a uniform and a pension. In 1810 he settled in the village of Alekseyevka, acquired by him, in the Temnikovsky district of the Tambov province, near the Sanaksarsky monastery. During the Patriotic War of 1812, Ushakov was elected head of the militia of the Tambov province, but due to illness he resigned.

In the last years of his life in the estate, F. F. Ushakov devoted himself to prayer and extensive charitable work. According to the message of Hieromonk Nathanael to Archbishop Athanasius of Tambov:

“This Admiral Ushakov ... and the famous philanthropist of the Sanaksar monastery, upon his arrival from St. Petersburg, for about eight years led a secluded life in his own house, in his village Alekseevka, a distance from the monastery through the forest of three versts, who on Sundays and holidays came to pray to the monastery to the servants of God at all times, and during Great Lent he lived in a monastery in a cell for his visit ... for a whole week and every long service with the brethren in the church he stood rigorously, listening reverently. In the obediences of the monasteries, he did not turn to any, but from time to time he sacrificed from his zeal considerable good works, and he always did merciful alms in all help to the same poor and needy. In honor and memory of his beneficent name, he made expensive vessels, an important Gospel and expensive brocade of clothes on the throne and on the altar for the monastery in the Cathedral Church. He spent the rest of his days with extreme restraint and ended his life as a true Christian and faithful son of the holy church should.”

The naval commander died on October 2 (14), 1817 in his estate in the village of Alekseevka (now the Republic of Mordovia). He was buried in the Sanaksar Monastery near the town of Temnikov.

Awards

• Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class (1785) - For the successful fight against the plague epidemic, for the organization and continuation of work on the construction of ships.
• Order of St. George 4th class (1788)
• Order of St. George 2nd class (1790)
• Order of St. Vladimir 3rd class (1788)
• Order of St. Vladimir 2nd class (1790)
• Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky (1791)
• Diamond signs of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky (1798)
• Order of Saint Januarius of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
• Commander of the Cross of Saint John of Jerusalem (1798)
• Ottoman Chelenk award
• Golden weapons from the Greek Republic of the Seven Islands

Memory of Admiral Ushakov

Along with the image of the hero of the defense of Sevastopol, Admiral Nakhimov, the image of the naval commander, Admiral F.F. Ushakov, was made in the Soviet period a symbol of the glory and victorious traditions of the Russian fleet.

• A bay in the southeastern part of the Barents Sea and a cape on the northern coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk are named after the naval commander.
• The name of Ushakov was carried by warships of the Navy:
• The coastal defense battleship Admiral Ushakov was built in 1893 and died in the Battle of Tsushima (1905).
• Cruiser "Admiral Ushakov" (1953-1987).
• In 1992, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Kirov, which had been withdrawn from the fleet by that time, was renamed the Admiral Ushakov.
• Since 2004, the project 956 destroyer Admiral Ushakov has been named after Ushakov.
• Self-elevating modular platform, engineering vessel "Fedor Ushakov", designed for various engineering works in coastal waters. The vessel is capable of carrying out any exploration and prospecting work in coastal waters at a maximum depth of 24 m, as well as laying pipelines.
• In Temnikovo there is a local history museum named after Ushakov. In the museum, the admiral is dedicated to a separate room with rare exhibits (for example, the only surviving lifetime portrait). The museum, by the way, is located in the building of the former hospital for soldiers of the Patriotic War of 1812, built by Ushakov himself. There is also Ushakov Street in Temnikovo.
• FGOU VPO Maritime State Academy named after Admiral F. F. Ushakov Russia, Novorossiysk, Lenin Ave., 93.
• In Moscow there is Admiral Ushakov Boulevard and the metro station of the same name.
• In St. Petersburg, an embankment and a bridge were named in honor of Admiral Ushakov, and a monument was erected.
• In the city of Sevastopol, one of the squares was named after Ushakov (Commune Square was renamed in October 1954).
• Street named after Ushakov in Minsk
• In the city of Aleksandrov in 1963, by the decision of the executive committee of the Aleksandrovsky city SND, 2nd Zagorodnaya Street was renamed Ushakov Street.
• On March 3, 1944, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established the military order of Ushakov of two degrees and the Ushakov medal.
• In the city of Rybinsk, in the vicinity of which the birthplace of the admiral is located, his bust was erected.
• In October 2002, a monument to Admiral Fyodor Ushakov was erected in Greece on the island of Corfu. There is also Ushakov street. Every year since 2002, the Days of memory of F. Ushakov have been held on the island of Corfu.
• On August 5, 2006, the Cathedral of the Holy Righteous Warrior Theodore Ushakov was opened in the city of Saransk.
• In the village of Alekseevka, the family estate of the Ushakov family, a monument was erected on the site where the estate of F. F. Ushakov was located.
• On August 10, 2006, in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian government, the commander of the Bulgarian Black Sea Fleet and the Russian ambassador opened, and the patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, in concelebration with the Metropolitan of Varna, consecrated a new monument to Admiral Theodore Ushakov at Cape Kaliakra.
• The asteroid 3010 Ushakov is named after Ushakov.
• In the city of Sarov (Arzamas-16), Nizhny Novgorod region, on November 1, 1953, a street was named after Admiral Ushakov (the first street named after Admiral Ushakov in Russia-USSR), on August 4, 2006, a monument to the admiral was erected. On November 2, 2009, the Public Organization of Navy Veterans of the city of Sarov was named after Admiral F. F. Ushakov. On April 25, 2011, the veterans opened the museum exposition "The City and Ushakov", where the reconstructed uniform of F. Ushakov of the 1803 model, in which he was buried in the Sanaksar Monastery, is exhibited.
• In Kherson, the main avenue and the Kherson State Maritime Institute were named after Ushakov. In 1957, a monument to the naval commander was erected in front of the building of the ship-mechanical technical school. In 2002, a small church named after St. Fedor Ushakov was built.
• In Kerch on April 11, 2009, on the Day of the city's liberation from Nazi invaders, a monument to Admiral Fyodor Ushakov was erected.
• In Yaroslavl, a flotilla of young sailors was named after Ushakov.
• In Kaliningrad, the naval institute is named after the admiral.
• In the village of Molochkovo, Soletsky District, Novgorod Region, in 2000, a font in the name of St. Fedor Ushakov.
• In the city of Anapa, on the territory of the Institute of the Coast Guard of the FSB of Russia, on June 4, 2010, a temple-chapel was opened in honor of the righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov, admiral of the Russian fleet, patron saint of military sailors.
• November 22, 2011 in Kaliningrad, the company "Arktikmorgeo" launched a unique multi-purpose engineering vessel "Fyodor Ushakov" News on the official website.
• Near the city of Temnikova (Mordovia) there is the village of Ushakovka.
• In Chelyabinsk, the street is named after Admiral F.F. Ushakov.
• In 2001, a bust was erected in Rostov-on-Don (Beregovaya Street).
• In 2006 in the city of Tutaev, Yaroslavl region. A monument (bust) was erected to Admiral Ushakov, which was erected on the site of the demolished monument to the revolutionary Panin. Also in Tutaev, the central street of the left-bank part of the city bears his name. Also in Tutaev, on Lunacharsky Street, a museum of the holy righteous Admiral Fyodor Ushakov and the Russian Navy was opened.
• On April 24, 2013 in Messina, Sicily, Italy, the opening ceremony of the bust of the Russian Admiral Feodor Ushakov and the Square of Russian Sailors took place. FSUE "Marka" issued a postcard with the letter "B" for this reason (catalogue number 2013-106/1).
• On June 6, 2013, near the village of Hopylevo, where Fyodor Ushakov was baptized, a stele dedicated to the admiral was opened.

In cinema

• "Admiral Ushakov", "Ships storm the bastions" (both films - USSR, 1953, director - Mikhail Romm). In the role of F. F. Ushakov - Ivan Pereverzev.

Canonization

On August 5, 2001, Admiral Ushakov was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as a locally venerated saint of the Saransk and Mordovian diocese (which was successfully promoted by the brethren of the Sanaksar Monastery and Valery Nikolaevich Ganichev). The solemn divine service was held in the Sanaksar monastery. The act of his canonization indicated:

On October 6, 2004, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church ranked Fedor Ushakov among the church-wide saints in the ranks of the righteous. The memory is celebrated (according to the Julian calendar) on May 23 (Cathedral of the Rostov Saints), July 23 and October 2. Fyodor Ushakov (not to be confused with his uncle and namesake monk Theodore of Sanaksarsky) is revered as the patron saint of the Russian navy (since 2000) and strategic air forces (since 2005).

In Kerch, on the building of YugNIRO, on the site of the former Admiralty, on September 14, 2007, a memorial plaque was opened in honor of Admiral F.F. Ushakov.

In 2000, in the village of Molochkovo, Soletsky District, Novgorod Region, a bathhouse in the name of St. Fedor Ushakov.

In honor of the Holy Righteous Warrior Theodore Ushakov (Admiral Ushakov), the following were erected: a cathedral in the city of Saransk (2006), a temple-chapel in the Krasnoarmeysky district of Volgograd (2011), a small church and a monument in the courtyard of the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in Volgodonsk Rostov region As of August 2012, four more temples are being built: in the Khostinsky district of Sochi, the temple of the Holy Righteous Warrior Admiral Fyodor Ushakov in South Butovo, a temple in the Kupavna microdistrict of Zheleznodorozhny, Moscow Region, and a temple on Sq. Victory in the city of Sovetskaya Gavan, Khabarovsk Territory. At the construction sites, services are held in temporary premises.

On October 15, 2012, an ark with a particle of the relics of the holy naval commander was installed in the military temple in the name of the holy noble prince Alexander Nevsky at the Yaroslavl Air Defense Forces.