Nakhimov is a participant in some war. Nakhimov, Pavel Stepanovich. Biography of the admiral

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

Origin. Studies. Start of service

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

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

On the ship "Azov"

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

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

Commander of the corvette "Navarin"

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

On the frigate "Pallada"

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

In the Black Sea Fleet. Commander of Silistria

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

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

Rear Admiral

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

Vice Admiral

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

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

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

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

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

P.S. Nakhimov during the Battle of Sinop

Defense of Sevastopol

The landing of the Allies, the battle on Alma and the withdrawal of the army created a critical situation in Sevastopol. Only the delay in the movement of enemy troops made it possible to protect the city from land with guns and sailors who occupied hastily built fortifications. To block the enemy’s path to the bay, on September 11, five old ships and two frigates were sunk between the Konstantinovskaya and Aleksandrovskaya batteries. On the same day, Menshikov entrusted Vice Admiral Kornilov with the defense of the Northern side, and Nakhimov with the defense of the Southern side. The heroic defense of Sevastopol began, in which the vice admiral first commanded the squadron, and then became the soul of the defense, its de facto leader after the death of V.A. in the first bombardment of Sevastopol on October 5, 1854. Kornilov. He took measures to strengthen the land bastions, but did not forget about the fleet, in every possible way seeking active and skillful actions from the commanders of the steamships, which became the only combat-ready force of the fleet.

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

Death of Admiral Nakhimov

Wound. Death

The flagship cared about the people and tried, as soon as possible under those conditions, to save the army from unnecessary losses. Pavel Stepanovich himself continued to appear in the most dangerous places in a frock coat with clearly visible epaulettes. On June 28, as always, in the morning Nakhimov toured the positions. When the admiral was watching the enemy from Malakhov Kurgan, leaning out from behind cover, he was mortally wounded in the head by a bullet. 1855, June 30 - Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov died. The naval commander was buried in the Vladimir Cathedral with other outstanding admirals.

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

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

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov. Born on June 23 (July 5), 1802 in the village. Gorodok, Vyazemsky district, Smolensk province - died June 30 (July 12), 1855, Sevastopol, Tauride province, Russian Empire. Famous Russian admiral.

Pavel Nakhimov was born on June 23 (July 5), 1802 in the village of Gorodok, Spas-Volzhinsky volost, Vyazemsky district, Smolensk province.

He was the seventh of 8 children of a poor landowner, Second Major Stepan Mikhailovich Nakhimov and Feodosia Ivanovna Nakhimova (nee Kozlovskaya). According to one version, the Nakhimov family comes from the Ukrainian Nakhimovsky family, the founder of which was from the inner circle of Hetman Ivan Mazepa.

Since the time of the Russian-Turkish war for the Northern Black Sea region, the name of second lieutenant of the Akhtyrsky regiment Timofey Nakhimov has appeared in documents. It is likely that the family surname was changed this way by the descendants of Fyodor Nakhimovsky, who switched to Russian service.

The son of Timofey Nakhimov, a Cossack foreman from Slobozhanshchina, Manuylo (Emmanuil) Nakhimov, took part in the hostilities against Turkey on the side of Russia, and for his bravery and courage received from the Russian nobility and lands in the Kharkov and Smolensk provinces. About Timofey Nakhimov, the documents say that he was “from the Little Russians.” Likewise Manuylo Nakhimov, and his son Stepan, and Stepan’s son, who was born on the Smolensk estate of the Nakhimovs, Pavel Nakhimov - admiral, hero of the Crimean War.

In 1915, V. L. Modzalevsky deduced a version about the origin of the Slobozhansky Nakhimovs (whose direct descendants were the Nakhimovs who settled in the Smolensk region) from Andrei Nakhimenok, who lived in Poltava in the second half of the 17th century.

In addition to Nakhimov, his parents had four more sons. All Nakhimov's brothers were professional sailors. One of them is Platon Stepanovich Nakhimov - captain of the second rank, caretaker of the Sheremetyevo hospital in Moscow.

1813 - submitted an application to the Naval Cadet Corps, but due to lack of places, he entered there only 2 years later.

From May to September 1817, together with other cadets, including P. M. Novosiltsev and A. P. Rykachev, Pavel Stepanovich sailed on the brig Phoenix. The ship visited Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Karlskrona.

1818 - under the command of Lazarev M.P. committed in 1822-1825. circumnavigation of the world on the frigate "Cruiser". During the voyage he was promoted to lieutenant.

1827 - distinguished himself in Battle of Navarino, commanded a battery on the battleship "Azov" under the command of Lazarev M.P. as part of the squadron of Admiral L.P. Heyden; for distinction in the battle he was awarded the Order of St. on December 21, 1827. George IV class for No. 4141 and promoted to lieutenant commander.

1828 - took command of the corvette Navarin, a captured Turkish ship that previously bore the name Nassabih Sabah. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1828-29, commanding a corvette, he blocked the Dardanelles as part of the Russian squadron.

Since 1830, upon returning to Kronstadt, he has served in the Baltic, continuing to command the ship Navarin.

In 1831 he was appointed commander of the frigate Pallada.

From 1834 he served in the Black Sea Fleet, as commander of the battleship Silistria.

1845 - promoted to rear admiral and appointed commander of a brigade of ships.

1852 - vice admiral, appointed head of the naval division.

During the Crimean War, commanding a squadron of the Black Sea Fleet, Nakhimov, in stormy weather, discovered and blocked the main forces of the Turkish fleet in Sinop, and, skillfully carrying out the entire operation, defeated them on November 18 (November 30). Battle of Sinop 1853.

"The highest diploma
To our Vice Admiral, Chief of the 5th Fleet Division, Nakhimov
With the destruction of the Turkish squadron at Sinop, you adorned the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory, which will forever remain memorable in naval history
The status of the military order of the Holy Great Martyr and Victorious George indicates the reward for your feat, fulfilling with true joy the decree of the status, we grant you the Knight of St. George of the second degree of the great cross, being favored by Our Imperial mercy
On the original His Imperial Majesty's Own hand it is written:
Nikolay
St. Petersburg, November 28, 1853"

During Sevastopol defense of 1854-55. took a strategic approach to the defense of the city. In Sevastopol, although Nakhimov was listed as the commander of the fleet and port, from February 1855, after the sinking of the fleet, he defended, by appointment of the commander-in-chief, the southern part of the city, leading the defense with amazing energy and using the greatest moral influence on the soldiers and sailors, who called him “father.” -a benefactor."

On June 28 (July 10), 1855, during one of the detours of the forward fortifications, he was mortally wounded by a bullet in the head on Malakhov Kurgan.

He was buried in the crypt of the Vladimir Cathedral in Sevastopol.

Awards of Admiral Nakhimov:

1825 - Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree. For sailing on the frigate "Cruiser".
1827 - Order of St. George, 4th degree. For the distinction shown in the Battle of Navarino.
1830 - Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree.
1837 - Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree with imperial crown. For excellent diligent and zealous service.
1842 - Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd degree. For excellent diligent and zealous service.
1846 - insignia “For XXV years of impeccable service.”
1847 - Order of St. Stanislaus, 1st degree.
1849 - Order of St. Anne, 1st degree.
1851 - Order of St. Anne, 1st degree with imperial crown.
1853 - Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree. For the successful transfer of the 13th Division.
1853 - Order of St. George, 2nd degree. For the victory at Sinop.
1855 - Order of the White Eagle. For distinction during the defense of Sevastopol.
Nakhimov was awarded three orders at once: Russian - George, English - Bath, Greek - Savior.

Top career

• Admiral.
• In the event of the absence of V. A. Kornilov, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the fleet and naval battalions

Order of the White Eagle

Order of St. George, 2nd class

Order of St. George, 4th class

Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree

Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd degree

Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree

Order of St. Anne, 1st class with imperial crown.

Order of St. Anne, 2nd class with imperial crown.

Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree.

Order of St. Stanislaus, 1st degree.

Order of the Bath

Order of the Savior

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov (1802 - 1855) - famous Russian admiral. During the Crimean War of 1853-1856, commanding a squadron of the Black Sea Fleet, Nakhimov discovered and blocked the main forces of the Turkish fleet in Sinop and defeated them in the Battle of Sinop. On June 28 (July 10), 1855, he was mortally wounded by a bullet in the head on Malakhov Kurgan during the defense of Sevastopol.

Biography

P. S. Nakhimov at the Monument “1000th Anniversary of Russia” in Veliky Novgorod

Main dates of life and activity

• 1802, July 5 - Born in the village of Gorodok (now Vyazemsky district, Smolensk region).
• 1813, August 23 - Identified as a candidate for a vacancy in the Moscow Corps.
• 1815, June 26 - Seconded for a training voyage on the brig of the Naval Corps "Simeon and Anna"
• 1815, August 5 - Enrolled as a candidate in the Naval Corps.
• 1815, early August - Promoted to midshipman.
• 1817, June 1 - September 29 - Sailing on the brig "Phoenix" in the Baltic Sea.
• 1818, February 1 - Promoted to non-commissioned officer.
• 1818, February 23 - Promoted to midshipman with assignment to the 2nd naval crew.
• 1820, June 4 - October 13 - Sailed on the tender "Janus" in the Gulf of Finland.
• 1821 - transferred to the 23rd crew.
• 1822 - Made the transition by dry route from Arkhangelsk to Kronstadt.
• 1822, March 25 - Assigned to the frigate "Cruiser".
• 1822, July 6 - 1825, August 19 - Circumnavigated the world on the frigate "Cruiser". During the voyage he was promoted to lieutenant.
• 1825, September 13 - For sailing on the frigate "Cruiser" he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree.
• 1826 - Assigned to the 74-gun ship "Azov", being built in Arkhangelsk.
• 1826, August 17 - October 2 - Made the transition to the Azov from Arkhangelsk to Kronstadt.
• 1827, June 22 - October 10 - On the ship "Azov" as part of the squadron of D.N. Senyavin, and then L.P. Heyden, made the transition from Kronstadt to Navarin.
• 1827, October 20 - Commanding a battery on the ship "Azov", he participates in the Battle of Navarino.
• 1827, October 25 - November 8 - On the ship "Azov" as part of the Russian squadron, he made the transition from Navarin to Malta.
• 1827, December - For the distinction shown in the Battle of Navarino, he was promoted to captain-lieutenant and awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree.
• 1828, April 16 - August 8 - Sailed on the ship "Azov" as part of the Russian squadron in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
• 1828, August 27 - Took command of the corvette Navarin.
• 1829, February - December - On the corvette "Navarin" as part of the Russian squadron, he blocked the Dardanelles.
• 1830, January 29 - May 25 - On the corvette "Navarin" as part of M.P. Lazarev's squadron, he crossed from the Aegean Sea to Kronstadt
• 1830, May - September - Sailed on the corvette "Navarin" in the Baltic Sea.
• 1831, September - Commanding the corvette "Navarin", he occupies the post of quarantine guard guard at the Krondstadt roadstead, sailed to Gogland, escorts merchant ships to Libau.
• 1832, January 12 - Appointed commander of the frigate Pallada.
• 1832 - Supervised the construction and finishing of the frigate "Pallada"
• 1833, August 5 - October 23 - commanding the frigate "Pallada", was on a Baltic cruising under the flag of F.F. Bellingshausen.
• 1834, February 5 - Transferred to the Black Sea Fleet. Appointed commander of the ship Silistria.
• 1834 - 1836 - Supervises the construction, equipment and armament of "Sillistria".
• 1836, September 27 - November 30 - Commanding the ship "Sillistria", made the transition Nikolaev - Ochakon - Sevastopol.
• 1837, June 5 - October 8 - Was cruising the Black Sea on the "Sillistria"
• 1828, April 4 - 1839, August 30 - On sick leave.
• 1840, August 11 - September 29 - Supervised the installation of dead anchors in Novosibirsk Bay. Was in the cruising Anapa - Novorossiysk.
• 1841, May 13 - August 31 - Was on the voyage Sevastopol - Odessa - Novorossiysk - Sevastopol.
• 1842, July 27 - September 8 - Was on a practical voyage on the Black Sea.
• 1843, June 26 - October 17 - Transported ground forces from Odessa to Sevastopol. Sailed as part of a practical squadron.
• 1844, July 14 - August 9 - Supervised the work on equipping the Novorossiysk Bay.
• 1844, July 30 - 31 - Assisted, commanding the Silistria, in repelling the attack of the highlanders on Fort Golovinsky (Caucasian coast).
• 1845, May 13 - September 27 - Was on a practical voyage in the Black Sea. For distinguished service, he was promoted to rear admiral and appointed commander of the 1st brigade of the 4th naval division.
• 1846, March 20 - Having a flag on the frigate "Cahul", he commanded a detachment of ships. He cruised along the eastern coast of the Black Sea, protecting the Caucasus from smugglers.
• 1847, May 15 - July 15 - Having a flag on the ship "Yagudiil", he was sailing in the Black Sea as the second flagship of the practical squadron.
• 1848, May 14 - October 14 - Having a flag on the frigate "Kovarin", he commanded a detachment of ships cruising near the Caucasus.
• 1848, May 24 - August 27 - Supervised the work on raising the tender "Stryuya", which sank in Novorossiysk Bay.
• 1849, February 29 - Appointed junior flagship of the practical squadron.
• 1849, July 20 - September 7 - Was on a practical voyage.
• 1850, May 18 - December 5 - Having a flag on the frigate "Cahul", he commanded a detachment of ships cruising near the Caucasus.
• 1851, May 16 - July 5 - Sailed as the second flagship of the first practical squadron of the Black Sea Fleet
• 1852, April 11 - Appointed commander of the 5th naval division.
• 1854, July 16 - November 6 - Having a flag on the battleship "Twelve Apostles", he commanded a squadron that twice transferred ground forces from Sevastopol to Odessa. Swim in Black for "Practice and Evolution".
• 1852, October 14 - Promoted to vice admiral.
• 1853, May - June - Commanded a squadron cruising at the Kherson lighthouse.
• 1853, September 29 - October 6 - Having a flag on the battleship "Grand Duke Konstantin", he commanded a squadron that transported the 13th Infantry Division from Sevastopol to the Anakria - Sukhum area.
• 1853, October 19 - For the successful transfer of the 13th division he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree of the Grand Cross.
• 1853, October 23 - Having a flag on the battleship "Empress Maria", she went cruising off the Anatolian (Turkey) coast.
• 1853, November 30 - Commanding a squadron, he defeated the Turkish fleet in Sinop Bay.
• 1853, December 4 - Returned with the squadron from Sinop to Sevastopol.
• 1853, December 10 - For the victory at Sinop he was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree of the Grand Cross.
• 1853, December 17 - Appointed commander of a squadron stationed in the roadstead of Sevastopol Bay and at the entrance to the southern bay.
• 1854, September 19 - In case of absence of V.A. Kornilov, he is appointed commander-in-chief of the fleet and naval battalions.
• 1854, October 3 - 5 - Led the formation of naval battalions from coastal and ship teams.
• 1854, October 17 - During the first bombardment of Sevastopol, he was wounded in the head.
• 1854, December 12 - Accepted duties as assistant chief of the Sevastopol garrison (The appointment was approved by Prince Menshikov only in February 1855).
• 1855, January 25 - For distinction during the defense of Sevastopol he was awarded the Order of the White Eagle.
• 1855, March 9 - Appointed commander of the Sevastopol port and temporary military governor of the city.
• 1855, April 8 - Promoted to admiral for distinction in the defense of Sevastopol.
• 1855, June 7 - During the French assault on the Kamchatka lunette, he was shell-shocked.
• 1855, May - early June - Construction of a bridge on barrels across the Southern Bay, which ensured the transfer of reinforcements and ammunition to Malakhov Kurgan.
• 1855, June 18 - Led the defense of the Ship side of Sevastopol during the general assault by Allied troops.
• 1855, July 10 - Mortally wounded in the head by a rifle bullet on the Kornilov bastion of the Malakhov Kurgan.
• 1855, July 12 - Died.
• 1855, July 13 - Buried in the crypt of the Cathedral of St. Vladimir next to M.P. Lazarev, V.A. Kornilov, V.I. Istomin

Childhood and studies

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov was born in the village of Gorodok, Smolensk province, Vyazemsky district, on June 23 (July 5), 1802. His father, Stepan Mikhailovich, a second major, later the district leader of the nobility, had 11 children, six of whom died in childhood. All survivors: Nikolai, Platon, Ivan, Pavel and Sergei were brought up in the naval cadet corps and subsequently served in the navy.

Beginning a career in the Navy

Pavel Stepanovich was assigned to the cadet corps on May 3, 1815. During his stay in the corps, he made practical voyages in the Baltic Sea on the brigs “Simeon and Anna” and “Phoenix”. On the Phoenix, under the command of one of the best naval officers of that time, Dokhturov, among the few best students assigned to the brig by the will of the Sovereign, visited the shores of Denmark and Sweden. Nakhimov graduated from the corps course in 1818 as the sixth graduate and then, on February 9, he was promoted to midshipman and enlisted in the 2nd naval crew.

The end of 1818 and all of 1819, Nakhimov served with his crew in St. Petersburg, in 1820 he sailed around the Baltic on the tender “Janus”, and in 1821 he was sent by land to Arkhangelsk, to the crew of a ship being built there. From Arkhangelsk, he was soon called back to St. Petersburg and assigned to the frigate "Cruiser", intended together with the 20-gun sloop "Ladoga" for a round-the-world voyage. The head of the expedition and the commander of the “Cruiser” was Captain 2nd Rank Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev, a later famous admiral, under whose leadership many famous Russian sailors were formed. The “Cruiser” was intended to guard the Russian-American colonies, and the “Ladoga” was intended to deliver goods to Kamchatka and the colonies.

Contemporaries unanimously assert that such an appointment to a person without patronage at a time when circumnavigation of the world was extremely rare serves as irrefutable evidence that the young midshipman attracted special attention to himself. From the first days of the voyage, Nakhimov served “24 hours a day,” without causing reproaches for his desire to curry favor from his comrades, who quickly believed in his calling and dedication to the work itself.

Three-year circumnavigation of the world

On August 17, 1822, the “Cruiser” left Kronstadt and, having visited the ports of Copenhagen and Portsmouth, dropped anchor on December 10 in the Santa Cruz roadstead. Having reloaded in Rio de Janeiro and not hoping, due to the late season, to round Cape Horn, Lazarev considered it best to go to the Great Ocean around the Cape of Good Hope and Australia. On April 18, 1823, we entered the Gobart Town roadstead, where the crews were given rest on the shore and where they prepared for further sailing to the island of Otahiti and further to Novo-Arkhangelsk. At the last point, the “Cruiser” was replaced by our stationer, the sloop “Apollo”, and placed at the disposal of the chief ruler of the colonies. Having sailed to San Francisco in the winter of 1823 to replenish supplies and then remained with the colonies until mid-October 1824, the “Cruiser” was replaced by the sloop “Enterprise” arriving from Russia, rounded Cape Horn, stayed a little in Brazil and arrived in Kronstadt on August 5 1825.

A three-year circumnavigation under the command of Lazarev brought Nakhimov the rank of lieutenant in 1823, and at the end of the expedition - the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, cultivated in him the qualities of an excellent sailor, brought him closer to Lazarev, who appreciated the talents of his subordinate and mentored him for further service in the fleet. Throughout his subsequent service, Nakhimov was under the command of Lazarev until the death of the admiral, that is, until 1851.

At the end of his round-the-world expedition, Nakhimov was assigned to Arkhangelsk in the same year, 1825, from where the following year he went to Kronstadt on the 74-gun ship Azov under the command of Lazarev.

Service on Azov

Nakhimov was still serving on the Azov under the command of Mikhail Lazarev, when the flagship took an active part in the famous Battle of Navarino. The flagship of the Russian squadron destroyed 5 Turkish ships, including the frigate of the commander of the Turkish fleet, receiving 153 hits, 7 of them below the waterline.

During the Battle of Navarino, future Russian naval commanders, heroes of Sinop and Sevastopol defense, Lieutenant Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, Midshipman Vladimir Alekseevich Kornilov, Midshipman Vladimir Ivanovich Istomin, showed themselves on the Azov. For military exploits in the battle, the battleship Azov was awarded the stern St. George flag for the first time in the Russian fleet. The Tsar's generous rewards were also distributed to the brave sailors. Nakhimov, who particularly distinguished himself in battle, was promoted to captain-lieutenant and awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree, and the Greek Order of the Savior.

Independent sailing and return to Lazarev

Nakhimov spent the entire year of 1828 on long voyages, and the following year he was appointed commander of the 16-gun corvette Navarin, a captured Turkish ship that previously bore the name Nassabih Sabah. In May 1830, on this corvette, Nakhimov returned as part of Lazarev’s squadron to Kronstadt and cruised the Baltic Sea on it during the 1831 campaign.

Command of the Pallas

In 1832, Nakhimov was a member of a committee established to protect Kronstadt from the then emerging cholera epidemic, and soon received command of the frigate Pallada, laid down at the Okhta shipyard. Nakhimov personally supervised the construction of this ship and introduced some first-time improvements on it. On the new frigate, Nakhimov cruised the Baltic in 1833 in the squadron of Admiral Bellingshausen. During the voyage, he personally checked the correct course of the ship sailing in the formation of the squadron; one night he was the first to discover that the course was incorrect and raised the signal: “The squadron is in danger!” The ships quickly changed course, but the leading ship "Arsis", which did not consider Nakhimov's signal, ran into rocks and almost sank. Nakhimov’s reward was the merciful words of the Sovereign: “I owe you the preservation of the squadron. Thank you. I will never forget this."

Transfer to the Black Sea Fleet

In January 1834, Nakhimov was transferred to the Black Sea Fleet, which then came under the command of Vice Admiral Lazarev, and was appointed commander of the 41st naval crew. On August 30 of the same year, he was promoted to captain of the 2nd rank, and in 1836 he was given command of the battleship Silistria, which was under construction. On “Silistria”, while performing ordinary practical voyages, he received the rank of captain 1st rank on December 6, 1837.

Health problems

Continuous long-term voyages, various hardships associated with cruising in distant seas and crossing oceans, participation in hostilities and tireless work undermined Nakhimov’s health. Disdaining all the comforts of life, paying little attention to the advice of doctors, he neglected the beginnings of diseases, which soon assumed a threatening character. Radical treatment became a direct necessity for him, and he had to part with his native element for a while. At the request of the chief of the main naval headquarters, Prince Menshikov, Nakhimov was dismissed in October 1838 with a reduction in his pay abroad, where he stayed for 11 months.

Command of Silistria

Having recovered from his illnesses, Nakhimov again took command of the Silistria, participated on it in 1840 in transporting ground troops to the Black Sea shores of the Caucasus and contributed to the destruction of a smuggling ship, for which he was noted by the Emperor. He spent 1841-1845 cruising the Black Sea and in Sevastopol, providing assistance to the Golovinsky fortification, besieged by the highlanders, on August 30, 1844, for which he again received the highest favor.

On September 13, 1845, Nakhimov was promoted to rear admiral and appointed commander of the 1st brigade of the 4th naval division.

Until 1852 inclusive, he sailed the Black Sea. On March 30, 1852, appointed commander of the 5th Fleet Division, he raised his flag on the ship "Twelve Apostles", and on October 2 of the same year he was promoted to vice admiral with confirmation of his position.

Personal qualities of Nakhimov

By this time, Nakhimov had an excellent reputation in the navy. A convinced bachelor, a man of Spartan habits, who hated luxury, he had no personal interests, was alien to any selfishness and ambition and was selflessly devoted to the maritime cause. Simple-minded and always modest, Nakhimov avoided ostentation both in service and in public life. But everyone who knew the admiral could not help but understand what greatness of soul, what strong character he concealed within himself under his modest and simple-minded appearance.

On the shore, Nakhimov was the senior comrade of his subordinates, and was the patron saint of sailors and their families. He helped officers in word and deed, and often with his own funds; delved into all the needs of the sea brethren. In Sevastopol, on the Grafskaya pier, almost every day one could see the admiral, accompanied by his adjutant, to the crowd of petitioners awaiting him - retired sailors, wretched old people, women, children. These people turned to the “sailor’s father” for more than one material help; sometimes they asked only for advice on all sorts of matters, they asked for arbitration in quarrels and family troubles.

At sea, on a ship, Nakhimov was, however, a demanding boss. His severity and exactingness for the slightest omission or slackness in service knew no bounds. His closest shore friends and interlocutors did not have a moment of moral and physical peace at sea: Nakhimov’s demands increased in the degree of his affection. His consistency and perseverance in this regard was truly amazing. But in moments of rest from official duties, at the dinner table in the admiral’s cabin, Nakhimov again became a good-natured interlocutor.

Demanding of his subordinates, Nakhimov was even more demanding of himself, was the first employee on the squadron, and served as an example of tirelessness and devotion to duty. While sailing on the Silistria as part of a squadron, Nakhimov once suffered an accident. During the evolution of the fleet, sailing on the counter-tack and very close to the Silistria, the ship Adrianople made such an unsuccessful maneuver that a collision turned out to be inevitable. Quickly assessing the situation, Nakhimov calmly gave the command to remove people from the most dangerous place, and he himself remained in this very place, on the quarterdeck, which was soon struck by the Adrianople, which tore off a significant part of the Silistria’s mast and a huge boat. Showered by debris, but not changing his position, Nakhimov only by a lucky chance remained unharmed, and to the officers’ reproaches of carelessness, he didactically replied that such cases are rare and that commanders should use them, so that the ship’s crew would see the presence of spirit in their commander and be imbued with him respect, so necessary in case of hostilities.

Having closely studied shipbuilding techniques and invested a lot of personal creativity into it, Nakhimov had no rivals as a shipmaster. His brainchildren: the corvette "Navarin", the frigate "Pallada" and the ship "Silistria" - were constantly the models that everyone pointed to and which everyone tried to imitate. Every sailor, meeting the Silistria at sea or entering the roadstead where she was showing off, took all measures to appear in the best possible, impeccable form to the vigilant commander of the Silistria, from whom not a single step, not a single slightest flaw could be hidden. , as well as dashing ship control. His approval was revered as a reward that every Black Sea sailor tried to earn. All this led to the fact that Nakhimov acquired the reputation of a sailor, all of whose thoughts and actions were constantly and exclusively aimed at the common good, at tireless service to the Motherland.

Crimean War

On September 13, 1853, with the beginning of the Crimean War in Sevastopol, an order was received from St. Petersburg to immediately transport the 13th Infantry Division with two light batteries, a total of 16,393 people and 824 horses, to Anaklia, with a corresponding amount of military cargo - this heavy task was entrusted to the vice - Admiral Nakhimov and he did it brilliantly. The fleet under his command, consisting of 12 ships, 2 frigates, 7 steamships and 11 transports, prepared for sailing and received the landing in four days, and seven days later, that is, on September 24, the troops were landed on the Caucasian coast. The disembarkation began at 7 a.m. and ended 10 hours later. The manager of operations, Nakhimov, “for excellent diligent service, knowledge, experience and tireless activity,” was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree.

From the Caucasian coast, the fleet immediately returned to Sevastopol, and on October 11, not yet knowing about the declaration of war, Nakhimov went to sea with a squadron, which included: the ships “Empress Maria”, “Chesma”, “Rostislav”, “Svyatoslav” and "Brave", frigate "Kovarna" and steamer "Bessarabia". The squadron was intended to cruise in sight of the Anatolian coast, on the routes of communication between Constantinople and the eastern coast of the Black Sea, and to protect our possessions on this coast from a surprise attack. Nakhimov was given instructions to “repel, but not attack.”

On November 1, the chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet, Kornilov, arrived to Nakhimov on the ship Vladimir and brought a manifesto about the war. Immediately the order was given to the squadron: “War has been declared; serve a prayer service and congratulate the team!” Another order was immediately drawn up, extensive and clearly expressing the admiral’s requirements, from which the following phrase is extracted:

Several more days passed. The weather worsened and a storm broke out on November 8th. The battleships Svyatoslav and Brave, the frigate Kovarna and the steamer Bessarabia suffered such severe accidents that they had to be sent to Sevastopol for repairs. Nakhimov remained with three ships, but did not stop cruising.

At the same time, the Turkish admiral Osman Pasha also appeared in the Black Sea with a squadron consisting of 7 frigates, 3 corvettes, two steamships and two transports, a total of fourteen warships. The storm forced the Turkish admiral to seek shelter. He took refuge in the Sinop roadstead. Nakhimov was not slow to appear at the entrance to the roadstead with three ships, which made up the entire force that was at his disposal at that time. Thinking that the Russian admiral was luring the Turkish fleet into the open sea, Osman Pasha did not dare to leave the harbor. On November 16, Nakhimov’s detachment was joined by Rear Admiral Novosilsky’s squadron, which consisted of the battleships Paris, Grand Duke Constantine and Three Saints and the frigates Kagul and Kulevchi.

The Russian fleet had artillery of 712 guns, the enemy - 476, but the Turks were protected by six coastal batteries, which had 44 large-caliber guns, much more powerful than the then models of ship artillery. On November 17, Nakhimov gathered all the commanders, and then a detailed disposition for the battle was drawn up and an order was given for the squadron. The plan was thought out to the smallest detail and in fact began to be executed as in maneuvers, but it contained an order and the following words:

Battle of Sinop

On the morning of November 18, it was raining and a squally wind was blowing, the most unfavorable for capturing enemy ships, because, broken, they could easily throw themselves ashore. At 9 o'clock in the morning the Russian squadron launched rowing ships, as the wooden fleet usually did before a battle, and at 9:30 the signal was raised to prepare for an attack. At noon the ships headed for the Sinop roadstead. Despite the rain and fog, the enemy soon noticed the attack, and all Turkish ships and coastal batteries opened fire.

At 12:30, the "Empress Maria" under the flag of Nakhimov was bombarded with cannonballs and nipples, most of her spars were broken, and only one intact shroud remained at the mainmast. But the ship, having the wind from the stern, fearlessly moved forward, firing battle fire at the enemy ships it passed by, and dropped anchor against the Turkish admiral frigate Auni-Allah. Unable to withstand half an hour of fire, the Turkish flagship weighed anchor and washed ashore. "Empress Maria" then turned her fire exclusively on the 44-gun frigate "Fazli-Allah" - the Russian "Raphael", captured by the Turks in 1828 - and forced it to follow the example of the first ship.

Other commanders of Russian ships did not lag behind the admiral, showing both courage and skill. The actions of the battleship Paris under the flag of Rear Admiral Novosilsky were especially brilliant. Admiring his wonderful and cold-blooded maneuvers, Nakhimov, in the hottest moment of the battle, ordered to express his gratitude to “Paris”, but there was nothing to raise the signal on; all the Empress Maria's halyards were broken. The complete victory of the Russian fleet soon became evident - almost all the Turkish ships washed ashore and burned there; Only one 20-gun steamer, the Taif, broke through, subsequently bringing sad news to Constantinople.

At 13:30, the frigate “Odessa” appeared at the Sinop roadstead under the flag of Adjutant General Kornilov, and with it the steamships “Crimea” and “Khersones”. The battle continued, but mainly with the coastal batteries. The Turkish warships washed ashore were in the most distress; transport and merchant ships sank from cannonballs. Soon the enemy frigates began to explode, the fire spread to city buildings, and a strong fire broke out. At five o'clock in the evening it was all over: the entire Turkish fleet, except for the steamship Taifa, was destroyed; the destroyed batteries were silent. Up to three thousand Turks were killed; the survivors surrendered along with their admiral, who was wounded in the leg. Our losses were limited to 1 officer and 33 lower ranks killed and 230 wounded.

At night, the steamships took our ships away from the shore to avoid the possibility of the burning remains of ships of the enemy fleet being deposited on them. At the same time, the teams began to repair the main damage, which turned out to be quite significant. The Empress Maria ship alone had 60 holes. All damage, under the direct leadership of Nakhimov himself, was corrected in 36 hours, so much so that the squadron was able to undertake a return voyage across the entire turbulent Black Sea. By the night of November 22, the winners entered the Sevastopol roadstead.

By a diploma on November 28, the Sovereign Emperor, “carrying out the decree of the statute with true joy,” awarded Nakhimov the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

A very characteristic fact is that in his detailed report on the Sinop battle, Nakhimov completely forgot about himself.

Defense of Sevastopol

On December 23, the Anglo-French fleet with a total force of 89 warships, including 54 steamships, entered the Black Sea, turned Varna into its naval base and began equipping a huge landing force there with a clear threat to the Crimea. The Allies sent strong detachments to the open sea, which were not slow in stopping the movement of merchant ships along the Russian coast. The Russian Black Sea sailing fleet, significantly inferior to the enemy both in number and, especially, in quality, was doomed to passive activity.

On February 9, 1854, a manifesto was issued about the break with England and France, on April 9, the allies bombarded Odessa, and on September 2, the allied army landed in Yevpatoria: 28,000 French, 27,000 British and 7,000 Turks with a corresponding amount of field artillery and 114 siege guns. Immediately after landing, the British and French moved towards Sevastopol.

By the beginning of the Eastern War, Sevastopol was quite strongly fortified on the sea side. The entrance to the raid was fired upon by 8 batteries. Only the outermost batteries - Konstantinovskaya and No. 10 - could operate in the fleet approaching Sevastopol; only part of the guns of the other batteries could help them in this matter.

In the spring of 1854, three more internal batteries were built - the Twelve Apostles, Paris and Svyatoslav - and two external ones, on the sea coast north of Konstantinovskaya. All these batteries were armed with 610 guns. In addition, for the defense of Sevastopol on the water, Nakhimov’s squadron of 8 ships and 6 frigates stood in the roadstead, in full readiness to go to sea; further, at the entrance to the southern bay, Kornilov’s squadron of 4 ships, 1 frigate and 4 steamers, and finally, in the depths of the roadstead, a flotilla of small ships.

On the land side, Sevastopol was almost undefended. On the northern side there was a large but old fortification, erected back in 1818, and on the southern side it was only planned to build a series of bastions and defensive lines connecting them. The fortifications of the land defense began at Kilen Bay with bastion No. 1, it, and then bastion No. 2, Malakhov Kurgan (Kornilovsky Bastion) and bastion No. 3 protected the Ship side of Sevastopol, then bastions No. 4-7 protected the City side.

After an unsuccessful battle for us on September 8 on the Alma River, where the allied army of 62 thousand was met by 34 thousand of our troops, Prince Alexander Sergeevich Menshikov retreated to Bakhchisarai, entrusting temporary control of the defense of the southern side of Sevastopol to Nakhimov, and the northern side to Kornilov. The allies, approaching Sevastopol from the north and inquiring from the Tatars about the complete lack of defense of the southern side, changed the original plan, settled in Kamysheva and Balaklava bays and intended to storm the city from the south. But by this time, on the southern side, through the active efforts of Nakhimov, Kornilov and Totleben, a line of fortifications had already been erected. The enemy did not dare to attack with open force and began a proper siege of the fortress.

The garrison on the southern side consisted of 6 reserve battalions and naval commands, totaling up to 5,000 people. Considering it impossible to defend Sevastopol with such forces, Nakhimov, after Menshikov’s decision to reject Kornilov’s plan to engage the enemy in a naval battle, took measures to scuttle the ships of his squadron, so as not to give them up to the enemy and to prevent the enemy fleet from accessing the roadstead, and on September 14 he gave the following order:

Work on the south side is in full swing. Nakhimov, together with Kornilov, vigilantly took care of the delivery of all the assets of the fleet, port and other parts of the naval department to Totleben, who energetically began to strengthen the defensive line. The sailors involved in the work, inspired by the personal example of their worthy boss, were distinguished, according to Totleben, by their special tirelessness, dexterity and efficiency. To ensure communication between the Ship side and the Gorodskaya side, Nakhimov, on his personal initiative, built a bridge across the southern bay, using brigades, schooners and rafts for this purpose.

The memorable day of October 5th arrived - the day of the first bombing of Sevastopol. Clouds of cannonballs and bombs rained down on the bastions, which, having been hastily poured, poorly resisted enemy shells. The strongest battle took place on Malakhov Kurgan and on the 5th bastion. Kornilov went to the first, Nakhimov to the second. Moving from gun to gun, Nakhimov himself aimed the guns, gave advice, monitored the flight of shells, and encouraged the hearts of the fortress defenders. Disdaining any danger, he almost died at the very beginning of the battle: wounded in the head, fortunately wounded lightly, Nakhimov tried to hide it, not wanting to worry the sailors who adored him. “It’s not true, sir!” He answered sharply and with displeasure to one of the officers, who loudly exclaimed: “You are wounded, Pavel Stepanovich!” Fate was not so lenient towards Kornilov, who died that day on the Malakhov Kurgan.

The battle of October 5, waged by the Allies simultaneously from both land and sea, ended with very minor damage to the coastal batteries, but with sad results on the land side. The defensive line was damaged to such an extent that it presented almost no obstacles to the assault. Fortunately, the enemy did not take advantage of this and did not dare to attack. Reinforcements began to approach Sevastopol and the defense was able to become long-lasting and stubborn.

To characterize the personality of Pavel Stepanovich as a defender of Sevastopol, it is enough to cite the following lines of his comrade in arms Eduard Ivanovich Totleben, recognized by the author as only “a weak sketch of what Nakhimov was for Sevastopol”:

According to contemporaries, Nakhimov was the soul of the defense of Sevastopol. But in addition to the moral influence on the garrison, Pavel Stepanovich also played a certain role in organizing the defense. In December 1854, at his insistence, three batteries were built to shell Artillery Bay, into which enemy ships could break through due to damage to the roadstead barrier by storms. In mid-February of the following year, he set up a second line of barriers at the entrance to Sevastopol. At the end of June, allowing, due to the circumstances of that time, the possibility of a breakthrough to the enemy fleet's roadstead, he strengthened the defense of the entrance with three more batteries, of which one, two-tiered for 30 guns, placed on the cape between the Konstantinovskaya and Mikhailovskaya batteries and operated both in the roadstead and against the French siege work at Chersonesos, was later named Nakhimovskaya.

His February commission, which established the general order of service and activities on the bastions, belongs to the category of those historical documents that are worth reading in full:

As you know, at the beginning of the defense of Sevastopol, Pavel Stepanovich held the modest position of head of naval teams on the southern side. In this position, on January 11, 1855, he was awarded the Order of the White Eagle. On February 1, Nakhimov was appointed assistant chief of the Sevastopol garrison. This appointment did not, however, open up new activities for the admiral, who from the very beginning of the siege constantly took the closest part in everything related to defense.

From February 18, Nakhimov temporarily served as head of the garrison, following the departure of Prince Menshikov and the appointment of Dmitry Erofeevich Osten-Sacken as commander of the field army. On March 27, he was promoted to admiral. On the night of May 27, during the French assault on the redoubts behind Kilen-balka and on the Kamchatka lunette, Pavel Stepanovich was exposed to great danger: the admiral, who had arrived on the Kamchatka in the evening and personally led the reflection of the assault, stood out with his epaulettes and powerful figure, almost got caught captured The sailors literally tore him out of the hands of the enemy.

Death

Fatal wound

On June 28, Nakhimov, going around the defensive line, headed to the 3rd bastion, and from there to Malakhov Kurgan. Having climbed to the battery banquet in front of the tower, he began to examine the enemy’s work through the telescope. Standing completely openly and standing out sharply from his retinue with the black color of his frock coat and gold epaulettes, Pavel Stepanovich was not slow to turn into a target for the French riflemen. In vain the officers accompanying the admiral begged him to leave the banquet: “Not every bullet is in the forehead, sir!” he answered. Here the bullet hit the earthen bag lying in front of Pavel Stepanovich. Even then he remained in place, calmly saying: “They aim pretty well!” Almost simultaneously with this, the second bullet hit Pavel Stepanovich precisely in the forehead, above the left eye, and pierced the skull obliquely. The admiral fell unconscious into the arms of those accompanying him and was immediately carried to the dressing station of Malakhov Kurgan.

When they sprinkled water on his forehead and chest, he woke up and said something, but it was difficult to make out what exactly. After dressing him, he was carried on a simple soldier's stretcher to Apollo's Beam, and from there on a boat to the North Side. Nakhimov was conscious all the way and whispered something, but in the hospital barracks he lost consciousness again. All the doctors of the garrison gathered at the bedside of the seriously wounded man, and the next day the admiral seemed to feel better. Pavel Stepanovich moved, touched the bandage on his head with his hand, and to attempts to interfere with this he objected: “Oh, my God, what nonsense!” These were the only words that those around him could understand. On June 30 at 11:07 Admiral Nakhimov passed away.

Nakhimov's family after his death

Of the brothers of Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, Platon Stepanovich (1790 - 1850) left naval service with the rank of captain of the 2nd rank, was an inspector of students at Moscow University, and then the chief caretaker of Count Sheremetev’s Hospice House in Moscow; Sergei Stepanovich (1802 - 1875) also served in the navy until 1855, when, with the rank of rear admiral, he was appointed assistant director of the Naval Corps, and then director; He held the latter position for four years; on January 1, 1864, S. S. Nakhimov was promoted to vice admiral.

Awards

• 1825 - Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree. For sailing on the frigate "Cruiser".
• 1827 - Order of St. George, 4th degree. For the distinction shown in the Battle of Navarino.
• 1830 - Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree.
• 1837 - Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree with imperial crown. For excellent diligent and zealous service.
• 1842 - Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd degree. For excellent diligent and zealous service.
• 1846 - insignia of impeccable service for XXV years.
• 1847 - Order of St. Stanislaus, 1st degree.
• 1849 - Order of St. Anne, 1st degree.
• 1851 - Order of St. Anne, 1st degree with imperial crown.
• 1853 - Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree. For the successful transfer of the 13th Division.
• 1853 - Order of St. George, 2nd degree. For the victory at Sinop.
• 1855 - Order of the White Eagle. For distinction during the defense of Sevastopol.
• Nakhimov was awarded three orders at once: Russian - George, English - Bath, Greek - Savior.

Memory

Nakhimov and opponents

Crimean historian V.P. Dyulichev describes Nakhimov’s funeral in these words:

Bust of Nakhimov installed near the Museum of Shipbuilding and Fleet in Nikolaev

At the same time, during the period when Sevastopol was captured by the Allies, the lids of the admirals’ coffins were broken by marauders who stole golden epaulettes from their uniforms, as evidenced by the “Act on the mockery of the Anglo-French invaders over the graves of Russian admirals M. P. Lazarev, V A. Kornilova, P. S. Nakhimova, V. I. Istomina,” dated April 23 (April 11, old style), 1858, compiled based on the results of an inspection of the tomb of the admirals

Ships

Various warships and civilian vessels bore the name Nakhimov at different times:

• "Nakhimov" - Russian cargo steamer (sank 1897).
• "Admiral Nakhimov" - Russian armored cruiser (killed in the Battle of Tsushima 1905).
• "Chervona Ukraine" - former "Admiral Nakhimov", light cruiser of the "Svetlana" class (died on November 13, 1941 in Sevastopol).
• "Admiral Nakhimov" - Soviet Sverdlov-class cruiser (scrapped 1961).
• Admiral Nakhimov - former Berlin III, Soviet passenger ship (sank in 1986).
• "Admiral Nakhimov" - Soviet large anti-submarine ship (scrapped 1991).
• "Admiral Nakhimov" - former "Kalinin", nuclear-powered missile cruiser of Project 1144 (under modernization).

Geography

• Lake Nakhimovskoye in the Vyborg district of the Leningrad region.
• Nakhimovskoye (Smolensk region) - the village was renamed in 1952 in honor of the 150th anniversary of the birth of P. S. Nakhimov. In the former village of Volochek, Sychevsky district (now Kholm - Zhirkovsky district, Smolensk region), there was the estate of the godfather and uncle of the admiral, and in connection with this, the renaming of this village took place.

Museums

• Youth center-museum named after Admiral Nakhimov in Smolensk
• Museum named after Nakhimov in the admiral’s homeland in Khmelite, Khmelite Museum-Reserve, Smolensk region.

Coins

• In 1992, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation issued a copper-nickel coin with a face value of 1 ruble, dedicated to the 190th anniversary of the birth of P. S. Nakhimov.
• In 2002, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation issued a silver coin (Ag 900) with a face value of 3 rubles, dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the birth of P. S. Nakhimov.

In philately

Notes

Literature and sources of information

• Aslanbegov A., article in the “Sea Collection” for 1868, No. 3 (written about the “Notes of a Sevastopol resident”, unfavorable for Nakhimov, which appeared in the “Russian Archive” for 1867, and serves as an excellent refutation of it).
• Aslanbegov A. Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov. (Biographical sketch) // Russian Archive, 1868. - Ed. 2nd. - M., 1869. - Stb. 373-410.
• Admiral P. S. Nakhimov (St. Petersburg, 1872).
• Admiral Nakhimov. Articles and essays. Comp. B. I. Zverev, M., 1954.
• Belavenets P.I., Admiral Nakhimov, Sevastopol, 1902.
• Davydov Yu. V. Nakhimov / Davydov Yuri Vladimirovich. - M.: Mol. Guard, 1970. - 176 pp.: ill., map.
• Journal of military operations in Crimea, September-December 1854 / comp. A. V. Efimov. - Simferopol: Antikva, 2010. - 192 pp.: illus, maps, portraits. - (Archive of the Crimean War 1853-1856). 500 copies
• “Notes” by Ignatiev in the collection “Brotherly Help” (St. Petersburg, 1874).
• Zverev B.I., Outstanding Russian naval commander P.S. Nakhimov, Smolensk, 1955.
• Zonin A.I. The life of Admiral Nakhimov: a novel / Zonin A. - L.: Sov. writer, 1987. - 448 p.
• Zonin A.I. The Life of Admiral Nakhimov: [novel] / Zonin Alexander Ilyich. - L.: Sov. writer. Leningr. department, 1956. - 494 p.
• Lifshits M.N. My land: poems / Author. lane from euros A. Klenova. - M.: Sov. writer, 1965. - 104 p.: ill.
• Mazunin N.P., Admiral P.S. Nakhimov. M., 1952.
• Modzalevsky V.L. A guess about the origin of the Nakhimov family. M., 1915.
• Nakhimov P.S. Letter from P.S. Nakhimov to the widow of M.P. Lazarev / Message, comment. B. A. Perovsky // Russian Archive, 1868. - Ed. 2nd. - M., 1869. - Stb. 410-412.
• Nakhimov P. S. Documents and materials. - M., 1954.
• Polikarpov V.D., P.S. Nakhimov, M., 1960.
• Soviet Historical Encyclopedia / Chapter. ed. E. M. Zhukov. T. 9: Malta - Nakhimov. - M.: Sov. encyclopedia, 1966. - 1000 pp.: ill., maps.
• Sokolov A., article “On the importance of Admiral P.S. Nakhimov in the Sevastopol defense” (“Yacht”, 1876, No. 7).
• Tarle E. V. Nakhimov. / Tarle Evgeniy Viktorovich. - M.: Military. - mor. ed., 1950. - 112 pp.: ill., portrait.
• Cherkashin N. Last flight of "Nakhimov" / Cherkashin N. - M.: Sov. Russia, 1988. - 127 p.
• Kirpichev Yuri. The last autumn of Admiral Nakhimov (documentary history) // almanac “Swan” - May 26, 2013.
• Marine archive - book. No. 400 and 412; *

Pavel Stepanovich

Battles and victories

Russian admiral, hero of the defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855, who occupies an exceptional place among the remarkable Russian naval commanders as one of the most prominent representatives of the school of Russian military art. Nakhimov saw service in the navy as the only meaning and purpose of his life.

The future admiral was born on the Gorodok estate in the Smolensk province into the family of a poor nobleman, retired major Stepan Mikhailovich Nakhimov. Five boys, of the eleven children born in the family, became military sailors, and Pavel’s younger brother, Sergei, finished his service as a vice admiral and became the director of the Naval Cadet Corps, in which all five brothers studied in their youth. But it was Pavel who surpassed everyone with his naval glory, who was enrolled in this educational institution in 1815. Already in 1818, he was promoted to midshipman and assigned to serve on the brig “Felix”, making his first overseas voyage on it to Sweden and Denmark.

“And already here, as noted by the famous domestic historian E.V. Tarle, a curious feature of Nakhimov’s nature was revealed, which immediately attracted the attention of his comrades, and then colleagues and subordinates. This trait, noticed by those around him already in the fifteen-year-old midshipman, remained dominant in the graying admiral until the moment when a French bullet pierced his head.<…>

He did not know and did not want to know any life other than naval service, and simply refused to recognize for himself the possibility of existence not on a warship or in a military port. Due to lack of leisure and too much preoccupation with maritime interests, he forgot to fall in love, forgot to get married. He was a naval fanatic, according to the unanimous opinion of eyewitnesses and observers.

In 1821, he was assigned to serve on the frigate "Cruiser", commanded at that time by captain 2nd rank M.P. Lazarev - future famous admiral and naval commander, from 1833 to 1851. commander of the Black Sea Fleet. Lazarev quickly appreciated the abilities of the young and efficient officer and became so attached to him that from that time on they practically never separated in their service. On the same ship, Nakhimov made a trip around the world, upon his return from which in 1825 he received the rank of lieutenant and the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree. Soon he was transferred to serve on the Azov ship, which had just left the slipway, commanded by the same M.P. Lazarev, by that time already a captain of the first rank. And it was on this ship, being in the position of commander of its battery, P.S. Nakhimov accepted his baptism of fire.

Navarino defeat

In 1821, Greece rebelled against the Ottoman Empire. The heroic struggle of the Greeks attracted the attention of all of Europe, and public opinion in European countries demanded that their governments provide assistance to the rebellious Greek people. Russian Emperor Nicholas I hoped to use the current situation to advantageously resolve the issue of the straits and strengthen Russia's position in the Balkans. Great Britain was also interested in resolving the Greek issue. Back in 1823, the English Prime Minister Canning declared the Greeks a warring country. Such a statement created real conditions for strengthening British influence in the Balkans.

Nicholas I made efforts to involve Great Britain in a joint settlement of the Greek issue. On March 23, 1826, a Russian-English protocol on cooperation in reconciling Turkey with the rebel Greeks was signed in St. Petersburg. If the Ottoman Empire refused their mediation, Russia and England could put joint pressure on it. After this, the Russian government sent an ultimatum note to the Ottoman Empire, demanding that it fulfill its obligations under previous treaties: on the Russian-Turkish borders, as well as regarding the internal rights of Serbia, Moldova and Wallachia. England and Austria joined this note. On September 25, 1826, a Russian-Turkish convention was signed in Akkerman, confirming the previous obligations of the Ottoman Empire.

On June 24, 1827, in London, representatives of Russia, England and France entered into an agreement on the Greek issue, which was based on the terms of the St. Petersburg Protocol. The states declared their determination to fight for granting Greece the rights of broad autonomy. The powers announced the possibility of applying “extreme measures” to the Ottoman Empire in case of refusal to accept their mediation in resolving this conflict.

The demarche of the three powers was reinforced by the defeat of the Turkish fleet in Navarino Bay on October 20, 1827 by a united Anglo-Russian-French squadron under the overall command of the English Admiral E. Codrington. And it was in this battle that the battleship Azov and its commander M.P. especially distinguished themselves. Lazarev, who, as noted by the commander of the Russian squadron L.P. Heyden, “managed the movements of Azov with composure, skill and exemplary courage.” Its commander was promoted to rear admiral, and the Azov itself became the first ship of the Russian fleet to be awarded the St. George flag. Lieutenant Nakhimov, who received the rank of captain-lieutenant after the battle, was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree.

On August 15, 1828, he took command of a captured Turkish corvette, renamed Navarin, making it the model ship of the squadron. On it, Nakhimov participated in the blockade of the Dardanelles, and on March 13, 1829, he returned to Kronstadt with Lazarev’s squadron. For excellent service he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree.

This is what a contemporary sailor who closely observed him says about these first brilliant steps of Nakhimov: “In the Battle of Navarino, he received the St. George Cross and the rank of captain-lieutenant for his bravery. During the battle, we all admired the Azov and its distinct maneuvers when it approached the enemy with a pistol shot. Soon after the battle, I saw Nakhimov as the commander of the prize corvette Navarin, which he armed in Malta with all kinds of naval luxury and panache, to the surprise of the British, experts in maritime affairs. In our eyes... he was a tireless worker.

His comrades never reproached him for his desire to curry favor, but believed in his calling and dedication to the work itself. His subordinates always saw that he worked harder than them, and therefore they did hard work without complaining and with the confidence that what they were following or where relief could be made would not be forgotten by the commander.”

Naval commander

On December 31, 1831, Nakhimov was appointed commander of the frigate Pallada, built at the Okhtenskaya shipyard. He supervised the construction, making improvements until the frigate, which entered service in May 1833, became a showpiece. So, for example, on August 17, 1833, in poor visibility, a sailor noticed the Daguerrort lighthouse, gave a signal that the squadron was heading towards danger, and saved most of the ships from destruction. On it he served under the command of the remarkable Russian naval commander, discoverer of Antarctica F.F. Bellingshausen.

In 1834, at the request of Lazarev, then already the chief commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Nakhimov was transferred to Sevastopol. In 1836, he received command of the ship Silistria, built under his supervision. Eleven years of his further service passed on this battleship. Devoting all his strength to working with the crew, instilling in his subordinates a love of maritime affairs, Pavel Stepanovich made the Silistria an exemplary ship, and his name popular in the Black Sea Fleet, earning the fame of a brilliant sailor and the “father” of his sailors. In 1837 he was promoted to captain of the first rank. His ship took part in landing operations during the occupation of Tuapse and Psezuape in 1840, and provided assistance to the Golovinsky fort in repelling the attack of the highlanders in 1844.

Once during an exercise, the ship of the Black Sea squadron "Adrianople", coming close to the "Silistria", made such an unsuccessful maneuver that a collision between the two ships became inevitable. Seeing this, Nakhimov ordered: “Off the yoke,” and quickly sent the sailors to a safe place behind the mainmast. He himself remained alone on the poop deck, despite the senior officer’s insistent requests to come down. Having crashed, "Adrianople" showered Pavel Stepanovich with fragments, but by a lucky coincidence he was not injured. When in the evening one of the officers asked him why he refused to leave the quarterdeck, Nakhimov replied: “Such cases are rare, and the commander must take advantage of them; the team needs to see the presence of spirit in their boss. Perhaps I will have to go into battle with her, and then it will respond and bring undoubted benefit.”

Pavel Stepanovich knew perfectly well: just as the strength of a building depends on the foundation, so the strength of the fleet rests on the sailor. “It’s time for us to stop considering ourselves landowners,” he noted on this occasion, “and sailors as serfs. The sailor is the main engine on a warship, and we are only the springs that act on him. The sailor controls the sails, he also points the guns at the enemy; the sailor will rush to board if necessary; the sailor will do everything if we, the bosses, are not selfish, if we do not look at service as a means of satisfying our ambition, and at our subordinates as a step in our own elevation. These are the people we need to elevate, teach, arouse in them courage and heroism, if we are not selfish, but truly servants of the fatherland. Do you remember the Battle of Trafalgar? What kind of maneuver was there? Nonsense! Nelson's whole maneuver consisted in the fact that he knew the enemy's weakness and his own strength and lost no time in engaging in battle. Nelson's glory lies in the fact that he grasped the spirit of popular pride of his subordinates and, with one simple signal, aroused the fiery enthusiasm of the commoners who had been educated by him and his predecessors."

Lazarev had unlimited trust in his student. In 1845, Nakhimov was promoted to rear admiral, and Lazarev made him commander of the 1st brigade of the 4th naval division. Nakhimov's moral influence on the entire Black Sea Fleet was so enormous during these years that it could be compared with the influence of Lazarev himself. He devoted days and nights to service, either going out to sea or standing on the Grafskaya pier in Sevastopol, vigilantly inspecting all the ships entering and leaving the harbor. According to the unanimous accounts of eyewitnesses and contemporaries, every little thing did not escape him, and everyone was afraid of his comments and reprimands, from sailors to admirals. His whole life was connected only with the sea. He didn’t even have money, since he gave every extra ruble to the sailors and their families, and his extra rubles were those that remained after paying for an apartment in Sevastopol and expenses for the table, which in its “variety” was not very different from the boatswain’s.

E.V. Tarle noted: “When he, the head of the port, the admiral, the commander of large squadrons, went out to the Grafskaya pier in Sevastopol, interesting scenes took place there, one of which, according to an eyewitness, Prince Putyatin, is reported by Lieutenant P.P. Belavenets. In the morning Nakhimov comes to the pier. There, having taken off their hats, old men, retired sailors, women and children are already waiting for the admiral - all the inhabitants of the South Bay from the Sevastopol sailor settlement. Seeing their favorite, this gang instantly, fearlessly, but with the deepest respect, surrounds him, and, interrupting each other, everyone turns to him with requests at once... “Wait, wait, sir,” says the admiral, “all at once you can only “ “Hurray” to shout, rather than express requests. I don't understand anything, sir. Old man, put on your hat and say what you need.”

An old sailor, on a wooden leg and with crutches in his hand, brought with him two little girls, his granddaughters, and muttered that he and the little ones were alone, his hut had holes in it, and there was no one to fix it. Nakhimov turns to the adjutant: “...Send two carpenters to Pozdnyakov, let them help him.” The old man, whom Nakhimov suddenly called by his last name, asks: “And you, our merciful man, do you remember me?” - “How can I not remember the best painter and dancer on the ship “Three Saints” ... “What do you need?” - Nakhimov addresses the old woman. It turns out that she, the widow of a foreman from a working crew, is starving. “Give her five rubles!” - “There is no money, Pavel Stepanovich!” - answers the adjutant, who was in charge of Nakhimov’s money, linen and the entire household. “How come there’s no money? Why not, sir?” - “Yes, everything has already been lived and distributed!” - “Well, give me some of yours for now.” But the adjutant also doesn’t have that kind of money. Five rubles, especially in the provinces, was a very large sum at that time. Then Nakhimov turns to the midshipmen and officers who approached the crowd surrounding him: “Gentlemen, someone lend me five rubles!” And the old woman receives the amount allocated to her.

Nakhimov borrowed money towards his salary for the next month and gave it away left and right. This manner of his was sometimes abused. But, according to Nakhimov’s views, every sailor, by virtue of his rank, had the right to his wallet.

“Glorious battle... Hurray, Nakhimov!”

In the late 40s - early 50s. In the 19th century, a new conflict began to brew in the Middle East, the reason for which was a dispute between Catholic and Orthodox clergy over “Palestinian shrines.”

The discussion was about which of the churches had the right to own the keys to the Temple of Bethlehem and other Christian shrines of Palestine - at that time a province of the Ottoman Empire. In 1850, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Kirill turned to the Turkish authorities for permission to repair the main dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. At the same time, the Catholic mission raised the issue of the rights of the Catholic clergy, putting forward a demand for the restoration of the Catholic silver star taken from the Holy Manger and for the key to the main gate of the Bethlehem Church to be handed over to them. At first, the European public did not pay much attention to this dispute, which continued throughout 1850-1852.

The initiator of the escalation of the conflict was France, where during the revolution of 1848-1849. Louis Napoleon, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, came to power and proclaimed himself Emperor of the French in 1852 under the name Napoleon III. He decided to use this conflict to strengthen his position within the country, enlisting the support of the influential French clergy. In addition, in his foreign policy he sought to restore the former power of Napoleonic France at the beginning of the 19th century. The new French emperor sought a small, victorious war in order to strengthen his international prestige. From that time on, Russian-French relations began to deteriorate, and Nicholas I refused to recognize Napoleon III as the legitimate monarch.

Nicholas I, for his part, hoped to use this conflict for a decisive attack on the Ottoman Empire, mistakenly believing that neither England nor France would take decisive action in its defense. However, England saw the spread of Russian influence in the Middle East as a threat to British India and entered into an anti-Russian alliance with France.

In February 1853, A.S. arrived in Constantinople on a special mission. Menshikov is the great-grandson of the famous associate of Peter I. The purpose of his visit was to get the Turkish Sultan to restore all the former rights and privileges of the Orthodox community. However, his mission ended in failure, which led to a complete break in diplomatic relations between Russia and Ottoman Empire. Intensifying pressure on the Ottoman Empire, in June the Russian army under the command of M.D. Gorchakova occupied the Danube principalities. In October, the Turkish Sultan declared war on Russia.

On November 18, 1853, the last major battle in the history of the sailing fleet took place in Sinop Bay on the southern coast of the Black Sea.

The Turkish squadron of Osman Pasha left Constantinople for a landing operation in the Sukhum-Kale area and made a stop in Sinop Bay. The Russian Black Sea Fleet had the task of preventing active enemy actions. The squadron under the command of Vice Admiral P.S. Nakhimova, consisting of three battleships, during cruising duty, discovered the Turkish squadron and blocked it in the bay. Help was requested from Sevastopol. The intention of the squadron commander, who held the flag on the Empress Maria, was to bring his ships into the Sinop roadstead as quickly as possible and, from short distances, attack the enemy with all his artillery forces. Nakhimov’s order said: “All preliminary instructions under changed circumstances can make it difficult for a commander who knows his business, and therefore I leave everyone completely independently to act at his own discretion, but certainly to fulfill his duty.”

By the time of the battle, the Russian squadron included 6 battleships and 2 frigates, and the Turkish squadron included 7 frigates, 3 corvettes, 2 steam frigates, 2 brigs, 2 transports. The Russians had 720 guns, and the Turks - 510.

The Turkish ships began the artillery battle. The Russian ships managed to break through the enemy's barrage, anchored and opened a crushing return fire. The 76 bomb cannons first used by the Russians, which fired explosive shells rather than cannonballs, turned out to be especially effective. As a result of the battle, which lasted 4 hours, the entire Turkish fleet and all batteries of 26 guns were destroyed. The Turkish steamer Taif, under the command of A. Slade, the English adviser to Osman Pasha, escaped. The Turks lost over 3 thousand people killed and drowned, about 200 people. were captured. Some of the prisoners, mostly wounded, were taken ashore, which aroused the gratitude of the Turks. As a result of the battle, the Turks lost 10 warships, 1 steamship, 2 transports; 2 merchant ships and a schooner were also sunk.

The commander-in-chief himself, Osman Pasha, ended up in Russian captivity. He, abandoned by his sailors, was rescued from the burning flagship by Russian sailors. When Nakhimov asked Osman Pasha if he had any requests, he replied: “To save me, your sailors risked their lives. I ask them to be rewarded properly.” In addition to the vice admiral, three ship commanders were also captured. The Russians lost 37 people. killed and 235 wounded. With the victory in Sinop Bay, the Russian fleet gained complete dominance in the Black Sea and thwarted plans for a Turkish landing in the Caucasus. For this victory, Nakhimov was awarded the title of vice admiral and the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

Those who knew Nakhimov closely could not subsequently talk about either Sinop or Sevastopol without emphasizing the enormous importance of the admiral’s personal influence on his team, precisely this fact explaining his success. Here is one of these statements: “Sinop, which amazed Europe with the perfection of our fleet, justified the many years of educational work of Admiral M.P. Lazarev and exhibited the brilliant military talents of Admiral P.S. Nakhimov, who, understanding the Black Sea people and the strength of their ships, knew how to control them. Nakhimov was a type of sailor-warrior, a completely ideal personality... A kind, ardent heart, a bright, inquisitive mind, extraordinary modesty in declaring his merits. He knew how to speak to the sailor to his heart's content, calling each of them a friend when explaining, and was truly a friend to them. The sailors' devotion and love for him knew no bounds. Anyone who was on the Sevastopol bastions remembers the extraordinary enthusiasm of the people at the daily appearances of the admiral at the batteries. Exhausted beyond belief, the sailors, and with them the soldiers, were resurrected at the sight of their favorite and with renewed vigor they were ready to perform and did miracles. This is a secret that was owned by a few, only the chosen ones, and which constitutes the soul of war... Lazarev set it as a model for the Black Sea people.”

Nicholas I wrote in his personal rescript:

By destroying the Turkish squadron, you adorned the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory, which will forever remain memorable in naval history.

Assessing the Battle of Sinop, Vice Admiral V.A. Kornilov wrote: “The battle is glorious, higher than Chesma and Navarino... Hurray, Nakhimov! Lazarev rejoices at his student! Other participants in the battle received awards, and the defeat of the Turkish fleet was widely celebrated throughout Russia. But the vice admiral was not happy with the reward: he became the direct culprit of the coming war. And his fears soon came true.

The defeat of the Turkish fleet was the reason for the entry into the conflict of England and France, which sent their squadrons into the Black Sea and landed troops near the Bulgarian city of Varna. In March 1854, an offensive military treaty between England, France and Turkey against Russia was signed in Istanbul (in January 1855, the Sardinian kingdom also joined the coalition). In April 1854, the allied squadron bombarded Odessa, and in September 1854, allied troops landed near Yevpatoria. On September 8, 1854, the Russian army under the command of A.S. Menshikova was defeated at the Alma River. It seemed that the path to Sevastopol was open. Due to the increased threat of the capture of Sevastopol, the Russian command decided to scuttle most of the Black Sea Fleet at the entrance to the city's large bay in order to prevent enemy ships from entering there. However, the city itself did not give up. The heroic page of the Crimean War was opened - the defense of Sevastopol, which lasted 349 days, until August 28, 1855.

Despite the heroism and courage of the city’s defenders, the deprivation and hunger of the Anglo-French army (the winter of 1854-1855 was very harsh, and the November storm scattered the allied fleet in the Balaklava roadstead, destroying several ships with supplies of weapons, winter uniforms and food), change the general situation - it was impossible to unblock the city or effectively help it.

In March 1855, Nicholas I promoted Nakhimov to admiral. In May, the valiant naval commander was awarded a lifelong lease, but Pavel Stepanovich was annoyed: “What do I need it for? It would be better if they sent me bombs.”

This is what E.V. wrote. Tarle: “Nakhimov wrote in his orders that Sevastopol would be liberated, but in reality he had no hopes. For himself personally, he decided the issue a long time ago, and decided firmly: he is dying along with Sevastopol. “If any of the sailors, tired of the troubled life on the bastions, sick and exhausted, asked to rest at least for a while, Nakhimov showered him with reproaches: “What, sir! Do you want to resign from your post? You must die here, you are a sentry, sir, there is no shift for you, sir, and there will never be one! We're all going to die here; remember that you are a Black Sea sailor, sir, and that you are defending your native city! We will give the enemy only our corpses and ruins, we cannot leave here, sir! I have already chosen my grave, my grave is already ready, sir! I will lie down next to my boss, Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev, and Kornilov and Istomin are already lying there: they have fulfilled their duty, we need to fulfill it too!” When the commander of one of the bastions, during a visit to his unit by the admiral, reported to him that the British had laid a battery that would hit the bastion in the rear, Nakhimov replied: “Well, what is this! Don't worry, we'll all stay here."

The fatal prophecy did not fail to come true. June 28 (July 10), 1855, during a tour of the advanced fortifications on Malakhov Kurgan P.S. Nakhimov died. The officers tried to save their commander, persuading him to leave the mound, which was being shelled especially intensely that day.

Not every bullet to the forehead

- Nakhimov answered them and at that very second he was mortally wounded by a bullet that hit him in the forehead.

Here is the testimony of one of those admitted to the bedside of the dying admiral, as stated by Tarle: “Entering the room where the admiral lay, I found his doctors, the same ones that I had left at night, and a Prussian life physician who had come to see the effect of his medicine. Usov and Baron Krüdner took the portrait; the patient breathed and opened his eyes from time to time; but at about 11 o'clock the breathing suddenly became stronger; Silence reigned in the room. The doctors approached the bed. “Here comes death,” Sokolov said loudly and clearly, probably not knowing that his nephew P.V. was sitting next to me. Voevodsky... The last minutes of Pavel Stepanovich were ending! The patient stretched for the first time, and his breathing became less frequent... After several breaths, he stretched out again and sighed slowly... The dying man made another convulsive movement, sighed three more times, and none of those present noticed his last breath. But several difficult moments passed, everyone took up their watches, and when Sokolov said loudly: “He has passed away,” it was 11 hours 7 minutes... The hero of Navarino, Sinop and Sevastopol, this knight, without fear or reproach, ended his glorious career.” .

Monument to Admiral P.S. Nakhimov

in the Sevastopol

For the whole day, day and night, sailors crowded around the coffin, kissing the admiral’s hands, replacing each other, returning to the coffin as soon as they had the opportunity to leave the bastions. A letter from one of the sisters of mercy restores to us the shock of Nakhimov’s death. “In the second room stood his coffin of gold brocade, around there were many pillows with orders, three admiral’s flags were grouped at the heads, and he himself was covered with that bullet-ridden and torn flag that flew on his ship on the day of the Battle of Sinop. Tears flowed down the tanned cheeks of the sailors who stood guard. And since then I have not seen a single sailor who would not say that he would gladly lie down for him.”

Nakhimov's funeral was remembered forever by eyewitnesses. “I will never be able to convey to you this deeply sad impression. A sea with a formidable and numerous fleet of our enemies. Mountains with our bastions, where Nakhimov visited constantly, encouraging even more by example than by word. And the mountains with their batteries, from which they so mercilessly smashed Sevastopol and from which they could now shoot directly at the procession; but they were so kind that during all this time not a single shot was fired. Imagine this huge view, and above all this, and especially above the sea, dark, heavy clouds; only here and there a bright cloud shone overhead. Mournful music, sad ringing of bells, sad and solemn singing.... This is how the sailors buried their Sinope hero, this is how Sevastopol buried its fearless defender.”

Order of Nakhimov, 1st degree

Nakhimov's death predetermined the surrender of the city. After a two-day massive bombardment, on August 28, 1855, the French troops of General MacMahon, with the support of English and Sardinian units, began a decisive assault on the Malakhov Kurgan, which ended with the capture of the heights that dominated the city. Moreover, the fate of the Malakhov Kurgan was decided by the persistence of McMahon, who, in response to the order of Commander-in-Chief Pelissier to retreat, replied: “I’m staying here.” Of the 18 French generals who went on the assault, 5 were killed and 11 were wounded. On the night of September 9, 1855, Russian troops, having blown up warehouses and fortifications and drawing a pontoon bridge behind them, retreated in full battle order to the northern side of Sevastopol. Two days later, the remnants of the Black Sea fleet were scuttled.

During the Great Patriotic War, when life forced us to turn to the military traditions of the past, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated March 3, 1944, the Order of Nakhimov of two degrees and the Nakhimov Medal were established to reward worthy sailors.

VISHNYAKOV Y.V., Ph.D., MGIMO (U)

Literature

Tarle E.V. Nakhimov. (1802-1855). M., 1950

Polikarpov V.D. P.S. Nakhimov. M., 1960

Zverev B.I. Outstanding Russian naval commander P.S. Nakhimov. Smolensk, 1955

Admirals of the Russian Fleet. Russia raises the sails. Comp. V.D. Dotsenko. St. Petersburg, 1995

Belavenets P.I. Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov: A story for the bottom. ranks to the centenary birthday anniversary Admiral. Sevastopol, 1902

Davydov Yu.V. Nakhimov. Davydov Yu.V. Three admirals. M., 1991

Davydov Yu.V. Nakhimov. (Life of wonderful people). M., 1970

Mamyshev V.N. Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov. St. Petersburg, 1904

Naval battles of the Russian fleet: Memoirs, diaries, letters. Comp. V.G. Oppokov. M., 1994

Internet

Skopin-Shuisky Mikhail Vasilievich

During his short military career, he knew practically no failures, both in battles with the troops of I. Boltnikov, and with the Polish-Liovian and “Tushino” troops. The ability to build a combat-ready army practically from scratch, train, use Swedish mercenaries in place and at the time, select successful Russian command cadres for the liberation and defense of the vast territory of the Russian northwestern region and the liberation of central Russia, persistent and systematic offensive, skillful tactics in fight against the magnificent Polish-Lithuanian cavalry, undoubted personal courage - these are the qualities that, despite the little-known nature of his deeds, give him the right to be called the Great Commander of Russia.

Uborevich Ieronim Petrovich

Soviet military leader, commander of the 1st rank (1935). Member of the Communist Party since March 1917. Born in the village of Aptandrius (now Utena region of the Lithuanian SSR) in the family of a Lithuanian peasant. Graduated from the Konstantinovsky Artillery School (1916). Participant of the 1st World War 1914-18, second lieutenant. After the October Revolution of 1917, he was one of the organizers of the Red Guard in Bessarabia. In January - February 1918 he commanded a revolutionary detachment in battles against Romanian and Austro-German interventionists, was wounded and captured, from where he escaped in August 1918. He was an artillery instructor, commander of the Dvina brigade on the Northern Front, and from December 1918 head of the 18th Infantry divisions of the 6th Army. From October 1919 to February 1920, he was the commander of the 14th Army during the defeat of the troops of General Denikin, in March - April 1920 he commanded the 9th Army in the North Caucasus. In May - July and November - December 1920, commander of the 14th Army in battles against the troops of bourgeois Poland and the Petliurites, in July - November 1920 - 13th Army in battles against the Wrangelites. In 1921, assistant commander of the troops of Ukraine and Crimea, deputy commander of the troops of the Tambov province, commander of the troops of the Minsk province, led the military operations during the defeat of the gangs of Makhno, Antonov and Bulak-Balakhovich. From August 1921 commander of the 5th Army and the East Siberian Military District. In August - December 1922, Minister of War of the Far Eastern Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the People's Revolutionary Army during the liberation of the Far East. He was commander of the troops of the North Caucasus (since 1925), Moscow (since 1928) and Belarusian (since 1931) military districts. Since 1926, a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR, in 1930-31, deputy chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and chief of armaments of the Red Army. Since 1934 member of the Military Council of NGOs. He made a great contribution to strengthening the defense capability of the USSR, educating and training command staff and troops. Candidate member of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) in 1930-37. Member of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee since December 1922. Awarded 3 Orders of the Red Banner and Honorary Revolutionary Weapon.

Platov Matvey Ivanovich

Military Ataman of the Don Cossack Army. He began active military service at the age of 13. A participant in several military campaigns, he is best known as the commander of Cossack troops during the Patriotic War of 1812 and during the subsequent Foreign Campaign of the Russian Army. Thanks to the successful actions of the Cossacks under his command, Napoleon’s saying went down in history:
- Happy is the commander who has Cossacks. If I had an army of only Cossacks, I would conquer all of Europe.

Miloradovich

Bagration, Miloradovich, Davydov are some very special breed of people. They don't do things like that now. The heroes of 1812 were distinguished by complete recklessness and complete contempt for death. And it was General Miloradovich, who went through all the wars for Russia without a single scratch, who became the first victim of individual terror. After Kakhovsky’s shot on Senate Square, the Russian revolution continued along this path - right up to the basement of the Ipatiev House. Taking away the best.

Kuznetsov Nikolay Gerasimovich

He made a great contribution to strengthening the fleet before the war; conducted a number of major exercises, initiated the opening of new maritime schools and maritime special schools (later Nakhimov schools). On the eve of Germany's surprise attack on the USSR, he took effective measures to increase the combat readiness of the fleets, and on the night of June 22, he gave the order to bring them to full combat readiness, which made it possible to avoid losses of ships and naval aviation.

Dzhugashvili Joseph Vissarionovich

Assembled and coordinated the actions of a team of talented military leaders

Muravyov-Karssky Nikolai Nikolaevich

One of the most successful commanders of the mid-19th century in the Turkish direction.

Hero of the first capture of Kars (1828), leader of the second capture of Kars (the largest success of the Crimean War, 1855, which made it possible to end the war without territorial losses for Russia).

Olsufiev Zakhar Dmitrievich

One of the most famous military leaders of Bagration's 2nd Western Army. Always fought with exemplary courage. He was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree, for his heroic participation in the Battle of Borodino. He distinguished himself in the battle on the Chernishna (or Tarutinsky) River. His reward for his participation in defeating the vanguard of Napoleon's army was the Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree. He was called "a general with talents." When Olsufiev was captured and taken to Napoleon, he said to his entourage the words famous in history: “Only Russians know how to fight like that!”

Full Knight of the Order of St. George. In the history of military art, according to Western authors (for example: J. Witter), he entered as the architect of the “scorched earth” strategy and tactics - cutting off the main enemy troops from the rear, depriving them of supplies and organizing guerrilla warfare in their rear. M.V. Kutuzov, after taking command of the Russian army, essentially continued the tactics developed by Barclay de Tolly and defeated Napoleon’s army.

Govorov Leonid Alexandrovich

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army, which repelled the attack of Nazi Germany, liberated Europe, author of many operations, including “Ten Stalinist Strikes” (1944)

Katukov Mikhail Efimovich

Perhaps the only bright spot against the background of Soviet armored force commanders. A tank driver who went through the entire war, starting from the border. A commander whose tanks always showed their superiority to the enemy. His tank brigades were the only ones(!) in the first period of the war that were not defeated by the Germans and even caused them significant damage.
His First Guards Tank Army remained combat-ready, although it defended itself from the very first days of the fighting on the southern front of the Kursk Bulge, while exactly the same 5th Guards Tank Army of Rotmistrov was practically destroyed on the very first day it entered the battle (June 12)
This is one of the few of our commanders who took care of his troops and fought not with numbers, but with skill.

John 4 Vasilievich

Kappel Vladimir Oskarovich

Without exaggeration, he is the best commander of Admiral Kolchak’s army. Under his command, Russia's gold reserves were captured in Kazan in 1918. At 36 years old, he was a lieutenant general, commander of the Eastern Front. The Siberian Ice Campaign is associated with this name. In January 1920, he led 30,000 Kappelites to Irkutsk to capture Irkutsk and free the Supreme Ruler of Russia, Admiral Kolchak, from captivity. The general's death from pneumonia largely determined the tragic outcome of this campaign and the death of the Admiral...

Paskevich Ivan Fedorovich

Hero of Borodin, Leipzig, Paris (division commander)
As commander-in-chief, he won 4 companies (Russian-Persian 1826-1828, Russian-Turkish 1828-1829, Polish 1830-1831, Hungarian 1849).
Knight of the Order of St. George, 1st degree - for the capture of Warsaw (the order, according to the statute, was awarded either for the salvation of the fatherland, or for the capture of the enemy capital).
Field Marshal.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

It is certainly worthy; in my opinion, no explanation or evidence is required. It's surprising that his name isn't on the list. was the list prepared by representatives of the Unified State Examination generation?

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

An outstanding Russian commander. He successfully defended the interests of Russia both from external aggression and outside the country.

Denikin Anton Ivanovich

Russian military leader, political and public figure, writer, memoirist, publicist and military documentarian.
Participant in the Russo-Japanese War. One of the most effective generals of the Russian Imperial Army during the First World War. Commander of the 4th Infantry "Iron" Brigade (1914-1916, from 1915 - deployed under his command to a division), 8th Army Corps (1916-1917). Lieutenant General of the General Staff (1916), commander of the Western and Southwestern Fronts (1917). An active participant in the military congresses of 1917, an opponent of the democratization of the army. He expressed support for the Kornilov speech, for which he was arrested by the Provisional Government, a participant in the Berdichev and Bykhov sittings of generals (1917).
One of the main leaders of the White movement during the Civil War, its leader in the South of Russia (1918-1920). He achieved the greatest military and political results among all the leaders of the White movement. Pioneer, one of the main organizers, and then commander of the Volunteer Army (1918-1919). Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the South of Russia (1919-1920), Deputy Supreme Ruler and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army Admiral Kolchak (1919-1920).
Since April 1920 - an emigrant, one of the main political figures of the Russian emigration. Author of the memoirs “Essays on the Russian Time of Troubles” (1921-1926) - a fundamental historical and biographical work about the Civil War in Russia, the memoirs “The Old Army” (1929-1931), the autobiographical story “The Path of the Russian Officer” (published in 1953) and a number of other works.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

The greatest Commander and Diplomat!!! Who utterly defeated the troops of the “first European Union”!!!

Dokhturov Dmitry Sergeevich

Defense of Smolensk.
Command of the left flank on the Borodino field after Bagration was wounded.
Battle of Tarutino.

Gorbaty-Shuisky Alexander Borisovich

Hero of the Kazan War, first governor of Kazan

Romodanovsky Grigory Grigorievich

There are no outstanding military figures on the project from the period from the Time of Troubles to the Northern War, although there were some. An example of this is G.G. Romodanovsky.
He came from a family of Starodub princes.
Participant of the sovereign's campaign against Smolensk in 1654. In September 1655, together with the Ukrainian Cossacks, he defeated the Poles near Gorodok (near Lvov), and in November of the same year he fought in the battle of Ozernaya. In 1656 he received the rank of okolnichy and headed the Belgorod rank. In 1658 and 1659 participated in hostilities against the traitor Hetman Vyhovsky and the Crimean Tatars, besieged Varva and fought near Konotop (Romodanovsky’s troops withstood a heavy battle at the crossing of the Kukolka River). In 1664, he played a decisive role in repelling the invasion of the Polish king’s 70 thousand army into Left Bank Ukraine, inflicting a number of sensitive blows on it. In 1665 he was made a boyar. In 1670 he acted against the Razins - he defeated the detachment of the chieftain's brother, Frol. The crowning achievement of Romodanovsky's military activity was the war with the Ottoman Empire. In 1677 and 1678 troops under his leadership inflicted heavy defeats on the Ottomans. An interesting point: both main figures in the Battle of Vienna in 1683 were defeated by G.G. Romodanovsky: Sobieski with his king in 1664 and Kara Mustafa in 1678
The prince died on May 15, 1682 during the Streltsy uprising in Moscow.

Kolchak Alexander Vasilievich

A person who combines the body of knowledge of a natural scientist, a scientist and a great strategist.

Bobrok-Volynsky Dmitry Mikhailovich

Boyar and governor of Grand Duke Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy. "Developer" of the tactics of the Battle of Kulikovo.

Drozdovsky Mikhail Gordeevich

Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky Pyotr Alexandrovich

Grachev Pavel Sergeevich

Hero of the Soviet Union. May 5, 1988 “for completing combat missions with minimal casualties and for the professional command of a controlled formation and the successful actions of the 103rd Airborne Division, in particular, in occupying the strategically important Satukandav pass (Khost province) during the military operation “Magistral” "Received the Gold Star medal No. 11573. Commander of the USSR Airborne Forces. In total, during his military service he made 647 parachute jumps, some of them while testing new equipment.
He was shell-shocked 8 times and received several wounds. Suppressed the armed coup in Moscow and thereby saved the system of democracy. As Minister of Defense, he made great efforts to preserve the remnants of the army - a similar task to few people in the history of Russia. Only because of the collapse of the army and the reduction in the number of military equipment in the Armed Forces was he unable to victoriously end the Chechen War.

Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich

It's simple - It was he, as a commander, who made the greatest contribution to the defeat of Napoleon. He saved the army under the most difficult conditions, despite misunderstandings and grave accusations of treason. It was to him that our great poet Pushkin, practically a contemporary of those events, dedicated the poem “Commander.”
Pushkin, recognizing Kutuzov's merits, did not oppose him to Barclay. In place of the common alternative “Barclay or Kutuzov,” with the traditional resolution in favor of Kutuzov, Pushkin came to a new position: both Barclay and Kutuzov are both worthy of the grateful memory of posterity, but Kutuzov is revered by everyone, but Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly is undeservedly forgotten.
Pushkin mentioned Barclay de Tolly even earlier, in one of the chapters of “Eugene Onegin” -

Thunderstorm of the twelfth year
It has arrived - who helped us here?
The frenzy of the people
Barclay, winter or Russian god?...

Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich

A commander who had no defeats...

Yulaev Salavat

Commander of the Pugachev era (1773-1775). Together with Pugachev, he organized an uprising and tried to change the position of the peasants in society. He won several victories over the troops of Catherine II.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

He led the armed struggle of the Soviet people in the war against Germany and its allies and satellites, as well as in the war against Japan.
Led the Red Army to Berlin and Port Arthur.

Antonov Alexey Inokentevich

Chief strategist of the USSR in 1943-45, practically unknown to society
"Kutuzov" World War II

Humble and committed. Victorious. Author of all operations since the spring of 1943 and the victory itself. Others gained fame - Stalin and the front commanders.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

Commander-in-Chief during the Patriotic War of 1812. One of the most famous and beloved military heroes by the people!

Peter the First

Because he not only conquered the lands of his fathers, but also established the status of Russia as a power!

Vatutin Nikolay Fedorovich

Operations "Uranus", "Little Saturn", "Leap", etc. and so on.
A true war worker

Rokossovsky Konstantin Konstantinovich

Because he inspires many by personal example.

Skobelev Mikhail Dmitrievich

A man of great courage, an excellent tactician and organizer. M.D. Skobelev had strategic thinking, saw the situation both in real time and in the future

Vasilevsky Alexander Mikhailovich

The greatest commander of the Second World War. Two people in history were awarded the Order of Victory twice: Vasilevsky and Zhukov, but after the Second World War it was Vasilevsky who became the Minister of Defense of the USSR. His military genius is unsurpassed by ANY military leader in the world.

Blucher, Tukhachevsky

Blucher, Tukhachevsky and the whole galaxy of heroes of the Civil War. Don't forget Budyonny!

Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich

The great Russian naval commander who won victories at Fedonisi, Kaliakria, at Cape Tendra and during the liberation of the islands of Malta (Ianian Islands) and Corfu. He discovered and introduced a new tactic of naval combat, with the abandonment of the linear formation of ships and showed the tactics of a “scattered formation” with an attack on the flagship of the enemy fleet. One of the founders of the Black Sea Fleet and its commander in 1790-1792.

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

The greatest Russian commander! He has more than 60 victories and not a single defeat. Thanks to his talent for victory, the whole world learned the power of Russian weapons

Antonov Alexey Innokentievich

He became famous as a talented staff officer. He participated in the development of almost all significant operations of the Soviet troops in the Great Patriotic War since December 1942.
The only one of all Soviet military leaders awarded the Order of Victory with the rank of army general, and the only Soviet holder of the order who was not awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Kondratenko Roman Isidorovich

A warrior of honor without fear or reproach, the soul of the defense of Port Arthur.

Margelov Vasily Filippovich

Author and initiator of the creation of technical means of the Airborne Forces and methods of using units and formations of the Airborne Forces, many of which personify the image of the Airborne Forces of the USSR Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces that currently exists.

General Pavel Fedoseevich Pavlenko:
In the history of the Airborne Forces, and in the Armed Forces of Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, his name will remain forever. He personified an entire era in the development and formation of the Airborne Forces; their authority and popularity are associated with his name not only in our country, but also abroad...

Colonel Nikolai Fedorovich Ivanov:
Under the leadership of Margelov for more than twenty years, the airborne troops became one of the most mobile in the combat structure of the Armed Forces, prestigious for service in them, especially revered by the people... A photograph of Vasily Filippovich in demobilization albums was sold to soldiers at the highest price - for a set of badges. The competition for admission to the Ryazan Airborne School exceeded the numbers of VGIK and GITIS, and applicants who missed out on exams lived for two or three months, before the snow and frost, in the forests near Ryazan in the hope that someone would not withstand the load and it would be possible to take his place .

Karyagin Pavel Mikhailovich

Colonel, chief of the 17th Jaeger Regiment. He showed himself most clearly in the Persian Company of 1805; when, with a detachment of 500 people, surrounded by a 20,000-strong Persian army, he resisted it for three weeks, not only repelling the attacks of the Persians with honor, but taking fortresses himself, and finally, with a detachment of 100 people, he made his way to Tsitsianov, who was coming to his aid.

Budyonny Semyon Mikhailovich

Commander of the First Cavalry Army of the Red Army during the Civil War. The First Cavalry Army, which he led until October 1923, played an important role in a number of major operations of the Civil War to defeat the troops of Denikin and Wrangel in Northern Tavria and Crimea.

Chuikov Vasily Ivanovich

Soviet military leader, Marshal of the Soviet Union (1955). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945).
From 1942 to 1946, commander of the 62nd Army (8th Guards Army), which particularly distinguished itself in the Battle of Stalingrad. He took part in defensive battles on the distant approaches to Stalingrad. From September 12, 1942, he commanded the 62nd Army. IN AND. Chuikov received the task of defending Stalingrad at any cost. The front command believed that Lieutenant General Chuikov was characterized by such positive qualities as determination and firmness, courage and a great operational outlook, a high sense of responsibility and consciousness of his duty. The army, under the command of V.I. Chuikov, became famous for the heroic six-month defense of Stalingrad in street fighting in a completely destroyed city, fighting on isolated bridgeheads on the banks of the wide Volga.

For the unprecedented mass heroism and steadfastness of its personnel, in April 1943, the 62nd Army received the honorary title of Guards and became known as the 8th Guards Army.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

Grand Duke of Novgorod, from 945 of Kiev. Son of Grand Duke Igor Rurikovich and Princess Olga. Svyatoslav became famous as a great commander, whom N.M. Karamzin called “Alexander (Macedonian) of our ancient history.”

After the military campaigns of Svyatoslav Igorevich (965-972), the territory of the Russian land increased from the Volga region to the Caspian Sea, from the North Caucasus to the Black Sea region, from the Balkan Mountains to Byzantium. Defeated Khazaria and Volga Bulgaria, weakened and frightened the Byzantine Empire, opened routes for trade between Rus' and eastern countries

Osterman-Tolstoy Alexander Ivanovich

One of the brightest "field" generals of the early 19th century. Hero of the battles of Preussisch-Eylau, Ostrovno and Kulm.

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

If anyone has not heard, there is no point in writing

Maksimov Evgeniy Yakovlevich

Russian hero of the Transvaal War. He was a volunteer in fraternal Serbia, participating in the Russian-Turkish war. At the beginning of the 20th century, the British began to wage war against the small people - the Boers. Eugene successfully fought against the invaders and in 1900 was appointed military general. Died in Russian Japanese war. In addition to his military career, he distinguished himself in the literary field.

Successes in the Crimean War of 1853-56, victory in the Battle of Sinop in 1853, defense of Sevastopol 1854-55.

Wrangel Pyotr Nikolaevich

Participant in the Russo-Japanese and First World Wars, one of the main leaders (1918−1920) of the White movement during the Civil War. Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army in Crimea and Poland (1920). General Staff Lieutenant General (1918). Knight of St. George.

Romanov Mikhail Timofeevich

The heroic defense of Mogilev, the first all-round anti-tank defense of the city.

Shein Mikhail Borisovich

He headed the Smolensk defense against Polish-Lithuanian troops, which lasted 20 months. Under the command of Shein, multiple attacks were repelled, despite the explosion and a hole in the wall. He held back and bled the main forces of the Poles at the decisive moment of the Time of Troubles, preventing them from moving to Moscow to support their garrison, creating the opportunity to gather an all-Russian militia to liberate the capital. Only with the help of a defector, the troops of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth managed to take Smolensk on June 3, 1611. The wounded Shein was captured and taken with his family to Poland for 8 years. After returning to Russia, he commanded the army that tried to recapture Smolensk in 1632-1634. Executed due to boyar slander. Undeservedly forgotten.

Kovpak Sidor Artemyevich

Participant of the First World War (served in the 186th Aslanduz Infantry Regiment) and the Civil War. During the First World War, he fought on the Southwestern Front and took part in the Brusilov breakthrough. In April 1915, as part of the guard of honor, he was personally awarded the St. George Cross by Nicholas II. In total, he was awarded the St. George Crosses of III and IV degrees and medals “For Bravery” (“St. George” medals) of III and IV degrees.

During the Civil War, he led a local partisan detachment that fought in Ukraine against the German occupiers together with the detachments of A. Ya. Parkhomenko, then he was a fighter in the 25th Chapaev Division on the Eastern Front, where he was engaged in the disarmament of the Cossacks, and participated in battles with the armies of generals A. I. Denikin and Wrangel on the Southern Front.

In 1941-1942, Kovpak's unit carried out raids behind enemy lines in the Sumy, Kursk, Oryol and Bryansk regions, in 1942-1943 - a raid from the Bryansk forests to Right Bank Ukraine in the Gomel, Pinsk, Volyn, Rivne, Zhitomir and Kiev regions; in 1943 - Carpathian raid. The Sumy partisan unit under the command of Kovpak fought through the rear of the fascist German troops for more than 10 thousand kilometers, defeated enemy garrisons in 39 populated areas. Kovpak's raids played a big role in the development of the partisan movement against the German occupiers.

Twice Hero of the Soviet Union:
By a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 18, 1942, for the exemplary performance of combat missions behind enemy lines, the courage and heroism shown during their implementation, Kovpak Sidor Artemyevich was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal (No. 708)
The second Gold Star medal (No.) was awarded to Major General Sidor Artemyevich Kovpak by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated January 4, 1944 for the successful conduct of the Carpathian raid
four Orders of Lenin (18.5.1942, 4.1.1944, 23.1.1948, 25.5.1967)
Order of the Red Banner (12/24/1942)
Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, 1st degree. (7.8.1944)
Order of Suvorov, 1st degree (2.5.1945)
medals
foreign orders and medals (Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia)

Pokryshkin Alexander Ivanovich

Marshal of Aviation of the USSR, the first three times Hero of the Soviet Union, symbol of Victory over the Nazi Wehrmacht in the air, one of the most successful fighter pilots of the Great Patriotic War (WWII).

While participating in the air battles of the Great Patriotic War, he developed and tested in battles new tactics of air combat, which made it possible to seize the initiative in the air and ultimately defeat the fascist Luftwaffe. In fact, he created an entire school of WWII aces. Commanding the 9th Guards Air Division, he continued to personally participate in air battles, scoring 65 air victories throughout the entire period of the war.

Prince Monomakh Vladimir Vsevolodovich

The most remarkable of the Russian princes of the pre-Tatar period of our history, who left behind great fame and good memory.

Prince Svyatoslav

Yudenich Nikolai Nikolaevich

October 3, 2013 marks the 80th anniversary of the death in the French city of Cannes of the Russian military leader, commander of the Caucasian Front, hero of Mukden, Sarykamysh, Van, Erzerum (thanks to the complete defeat of the 90,000-strong Turkish army, Constantinople and the Bosporus with the Dardanelles retreated to Russia), the savior of the Armenian people from the complete Turkish genocide, holder of three orders of George and the highest order of France, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honor, General Nikolai Nikolaevich Yudenich.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

The Soviet people, as the most talented, a large number of outstanding military leaders, but the main one is Stalin. Without him, many of them might not have existed as military men.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Victory in the Great Patriotic War, saving the entire planet from absolute evil, and our country from extinction.
From the first hours of the war, Stalin controlled the country, front and rear. On land, at sea and in the air.
His merit is not one or even ten battles or campaigns, his merit is Victory, made up of hundreds of battles of the Great Patriotic War: the battle of Moscow, battles in the North Caucasus, the Battle of Stalingrad, the battle of Kursk, the battle of Leningrad and many others before the capture Berlin, success in which was achieved thanks to the monotonous inhuman work of the genius of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Alekseev Mikhail Vasilievich

Outstanding employee of the Russian Academy of the General Staff. Developer and implementer of the Galician operation - the first brilliant victory of the Russian army in the Great War.
Saved the troops of the North-Western Front from encirclement during the “Great Retreat” of 1915.
Chief of Staff of the Russian Armed Forces in 1916-1917.
Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army in 1917
Developed and implemented strategic plans for offensive operations in 1916 - 1917.
He continued to defend the need to preserve the Eastern Front after 1917 (the Volunteer Army is the basis of the new Eastern Front in the ongoing Great War).
Slandered and slandered in relation to various so-called. “Masonic military lodges”, “conspiracy of generals against the Sovereign”, etc., etc. - in terms of emigrant and modern historical journalism.

Slashchev-Krymsky Yakov Alexandrovich

Defense of Crimea in 1919-20. “The Reds are my enemies, but they did the main thing - my job: they revived great Russia!” (General Slashchev-Krymsky).

Belov Pavel Alekseevich

He led the cavalry corps during the Second World War. He showed himself excellently during the Battle of Moscow, especially in defensive battles near Tula. He especially distinguished himself in the Rzhev-Vyazemsk operation, where he emerged from encirclement after 5 months of stubborn fighting.

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

For the highest art of military leadership and immeasurable love for the Russian soldier

Baklanov Yakov Petrovich

An outstanding strategist and a mighty warrior, he achieved respect and fear of his name among the uncovered mountaineers, who had forgotten the iron grip of the “Thunderstorm of the Caucasus”. At the moment - Yakov Petrovich, an example of the spiritual strength of a Russian soldier in front of the proud Caucasus. His talent crushed the enemy and minimized the time frame of the Caucasian War, for which he received the nickname “Boklu”, akin to the devil for his fearlessness.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

He was the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War! Under his leadership, the USSR won the Great Victory during the Great Patriotic War!

Dubynin Viktor Petrovich

From April 30, 1986 to June 1, 1987 - commander of the 40th combined arms army of the Turkestan Military District. The troops of this army made up the bulk of the Limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan. During the year of his command of the army, the number of irretrievable losses decreased by 2 times compared to 1984-1985.
On June 10, 1992, Colonel General V.P. Dubynin was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces - First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation
His merits include keeping the President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin from a number of ill-conceived decisions in the military sphere, primarily in the field of nuclear forces.

Kornilov Lavr Georgievich

KORNILOV Lavr Georgievich (08/18/1870-04/31/1918) Colonel (02/1905). Major General (12/1912). Lieutenant General (08/26/1914). Infantry General (06/30/1917). Graduated from the Mikhailovsky Artillery School (1892) and with a gold medal from the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff (1898). Officer at the headquarters of the Turkestan Military District, 1889-1904. Participant in the Russian-Japanese War 1904 - 1905: staff officer of the 1st Infantry Brigade (at its headquarters). During the retreat from Mukden, the brigade got surrounded. Having led the rearguard, he broke through the encirclement with a bayonet attack, ensuring freedom of defensive combat operations for the brigade. Military attaché in China, 04/01/1907 - 02/24/1911. Participant in the First World War: commander of the 48th Infantry Division of the 8th Army (General Brusilov). During the general retreat, the 48th Division was surrounded and General Kornilov, who was wounded, was captured on 04.1915 at the Duklinsky Pass (Carpathians); 08.1914-04.1915. Captured by the Austrians, 04.1915-06.1916. Dressed in the uniform of an Austrian soldier, he escaped from captivity on 06/1915. Commander of the 25th Rifle Corps, 06/1916-04/1917. Commander of the Petrograd Military District, 03-04/1917. Commander of the 8th Army, 04/24-07/8/1917. On 05/19/1917, by his order, he introduced the formation of the first volunteer “1st Shock Detachment of the 8th Army” under the command of Captain Nezhentsev. Commander of the Southwestern Front...

Vorotynsky Mikhail Ivanovich

“Drafter of the statutes of the watchdog and border service” is, of course, good. For some reason, we have forgotten the Battle of YOUTH from July 29 to August 2, 1572. But it was precisely with this victory that Moscow’s right to many things was recognized. They recaptured a lot of things for the Ottomans, the thousands of destroyed Janissaries sobered them up, and unfortunately they also helped Europe. The Battle of YOUTH is very difficult to overestimate

Ermolov Alexey Petrovich

Hero of the Napoleonic Wars and the Patriotic War of 1812. Conqueror of the Caucasus. A smart strategist and tactician, a strong-willed and brave warrior.

Romanov Pyotr Alekseevich

During the endless discussions about Peter I as a politician and reformer, it is unfairly forgotten that he was the greatest commander of his time. He was not only an excellent organizer of the rear. In the two most important battles of the Northern War (the battles of Lesnaya and Poltava), he not only developed battle plans himself, but also personally led the troops, being in the most important, responsible directions.
The only commander I know of who was equally talented in both land and sea battles.
The main thing is that Peter I created a domestic military school. If all the great commanders of Russia are the heirs of Suvorov, then Suvorov himself is the heir of Peter.
The Battle of Poltava was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) victory in Russian history. In all other great aggressive invasions of Russia, the general battle did not have a decisive outcome, and the struggle dragged on, leading to exhaustion. It was only in the Northern War that the general battle radically changed the state of affairs, and from the attacking side the Swedes became the defending side, decisively losing the initiative.
I believe that Peter I deserves to be in the top three on the list of the best commanders of Russia.

Duke of Württemberg Eugene

General of the Infantry, cousin of the Emperors Alexander I and Nicholas I. In service in the Russian Army since 1797 (enlisted as a colonel in the Life Guards Horse Regiment by Decree of Emperor Paul I). Participated in military campaigns against Napoleon in 1806-1807. For participation in the battle of Pułtusk in 1806 he was awarded the Order of St. George the Victorious, 4th degree, for the campaign of 1807 he received a golden weapon “For Bravery”, he distinguished himself in the campaign of 1812 (he personally led the 4th Jaeger Regiment into battle in the Battle of Smolensk), for participation in the Battle of Borodino he was awarded the Order of St. George the Victorious, 3rd degree. Since November 1812, commander of the 2nd Infantry Corps in Kutuzov's army. He took an active part in the foreign campaigns of the Russian army in 1813-1814; units under his command particularly distinguished themselves in the Battle of Kulm in August 1813, and in the “Battle of the Nations” at Leipzig. For courage at Leipzig, Duke Eugene was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree. Parts of his corps were the first to enter defeated Paris on April 30, 1814, for which Eugene of Württemberg received the rank of infantry general. From 1818 to 1821 was the commander of the 1st Army Infantry Corps. Contemporaries considered Prince Eugene of Württemberg one of the best Russian infantry commanders during the Napoleonic Wars. On December 21, 1825, Nicholas I was appointed chief of the Tauride Grenadier Regiment, which became known as the “Grenadier Regiment of His Royal Highness Prince Eugene of Württemberg.” On August 22, 1826 he was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. Participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1827-1828. as commander of the 7th Infantry Corps. On October 3, he defeated a large Turkish detachment on the Kamchik River.

Uvarov Fedor Petrovich

At the age of 27 he was promoted to general. He took part in the campaigns of 1805-1807 and in the battles on the Danube in 1810. In 1812, he commanded the 1st Artillery Corps in the army of Barclay de Tolly, and subsequently the entire cavalry of the united armies.

Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich

An outstanding commander of the second half of the 16th century. Oprichnik.
Genus. OK. 1520, died on August 7 (17), 1591. At voivode posts since 1560. Participant in almost all military enterprises during the independent reign of Ivan IV and the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich. He has won several field battles (including: the defeat of the Tatars near Zaraisk (1570), the Battle of Molodinsk (during the decisive battle he led Russian troops in Gulyai-gorod), the defeat of the Swedes at Lyamitsa (1582) and near Narva ( 1590)). He led the suppression of the Cheremis uprising in 1583-1584, for which he received the rank of boyar.
Based on the totality of merits of D.I. Khvorostinin stands much higher than what M.I. has already proposed here. Vorotynsky. Vorotynsky was more noble and therefore he was more often entrusted with the general leadership of the regiments. But, according to the commander’s talats, he was far from Khvorostinin.

Pozharsky Dmitry Mikhailovich

In 1612, during the most difficult time for Russia, he led the Russian militia and liberated the capital from the hands of the conquerors.
Prince Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky (November 1, 1578 - April 30, 1642) - Russian national hero, military and political figure, head of the Second People's Militia, which liberated Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian occupiers. His name and the name of Kuzma Minin are closely associated with the country’s exit from the Time of Troubles, which is currently celebrated in Russia on November 4th.
After the election of Mikhail Fedorovich to the Russian throne, D. M. Pozharsky plays a leading role at the royal court as a talented military leader and statesman. Despite the victory of the people's militia and the election of the Tsar, the war in Russia still continued. In 1615-1616. Pozharsky, on the instructions of the tsar, was sent at the head of a large army to fight the detachments of the Polish colonel Lisovsky, who besieged the city of Bryansk and took Karachev. After the fight with Lisovsky, the tsar instructs Pozharsky in the spring of 1616 to collect the fifth money from merchants into the treasury, since the wars did not stop and the treasury was depleted. In 1617, the tsar instructed Pozharsky to conduct diplomatic negotiations with the English ambassador John Merik, appointing Pozharsky as governor of Kolomensky. In the same year, the Polish prince Vladislav came to the Moscow state. Residents of Kaluga and its neighboring cities turned to the tsar with a request to send them D. M. Pozharsky to protect them from the Poles. The Tsar fulfilled the request of the Kaluga residents and gave an order to Pozharsky on October 18, 1617 to protect Kaluga and surrounding cities by all available measures. Prince Pozharsky fulfilled the tsar's order with honor. Having successfully defended Kaluga, Pozharsky received an order from the tsar to go to the aid of Mozhaisk, namely to the city of Borovsk, and began to harass the troops of Prince Vladislav with flying detachments, causing them significant damage. However, at the same time, Pozharsky became very ill and, at the behest of the tsar, returned to Moscow. Pozharsky, having barely recovered from his illness, took an active part in defending the capital from Vladislav’s troops, for which Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich awarded him new fiefs and estates.

Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich

In front of the Kazan Cathedral there are two statues of the saviors of the fatherland. Saving the army, exhausting the enemy, the Battle of Smolensk - this is more than enough.

Karyagin Pavel Mikhailovich

Colonel Karyagin's campaign against the Persians in 1805 does not resemble real military history. It looks like a prequel to "300 Spartans" (20,000 Persians, 500 Russians, gorges, bayonet attacks, "This is madness! - No, this is the 17th Jaeger Regiment!"). A golden, platinum page of Russian history, combining the carnage of madness with the highest tactical skill, amazing cunning and stunning Russian arrogance

Stalin (Dzhugashvili) Joseph Vissarionovich

He was the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Soviet Union. Thanks to his talent as a Commander and Outstanding Statesman, the USSR won the bloodiest WAR in the history of mankind. Most of the battles of World War II were won with his direct participation in the development of their plans.

Field Marshal General Gudovich Ivan Vasilievich

The assault on the Turkish fortress of Anapa on June 22, 1791. In terms of complexity and importance, it is only inferior to the assault on Izmail by A.V. Suvorov.
A 7,000-strong Russian detachment stormed Anapa, which was defended by a 25,000-strong Turkish garrison. At the same time, soon after the start of the assault, the Russian detachment was attacked from the mountains by 8,000 mounted highlanders and Turks, who attacked the Russian camp, but were unable to break into it, were repulsed in a fierce battle and pursued by the Russian cavalry.
The fierce battle for the fortress lasted over 5 hours. About 8,000 people from the Anapa garrison died, 13,532 defenders led by the commandant and Sheikh Mansur were taken prisoner. A small part (about 150 people) escaped on ships. Almost all the artillery was captured or destroyed (83 cannons and 12 mortars), 130 banners were taken. Gudovich sent a separate detachment from Anapa to the nearby Sudzhuk-Kale fortress (on the site of modern Novorossiysk), but upon his approach the garrison burned the fortress and fled to the mountains, abandoning 25 guns.
The losses of the Russian detachment were very high - 23 officers and 1,215 privates were killed, 71 officers and 2,401 privates were wounded (Sytin's Military Encyclopedia gives slightly lower data - 940 killed and 1,995 wounded). Gudovich was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree, all the officers of his detachment were awarded, and a special medal was established for the lower ranks.

Tsarevich and Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich

Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, the second son of Emperor Paul I, received the title of Tsarevich in 1799 for his participation in the Swiss campaign of A.V. Suvorov, and retained it until 1831. In the Battle of Austrlitz he commanded the guards reserve of the Russian Army, took part in the Patriotic War of 1812, and distinguished himself in the foreign campaigns of the Russian Army. For the “Battle of the Nations” at Leipzig in 1813 he received the “golden weapon” “For bravery!” Inspector General of the Russian Cavalry, since 1826 Viceroy of the Kingdom of Poland.

Joseph Vladimirovich Gurko (1828-1901)

General, hero of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. The Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, which marked the liberation of the Balkan peoples from centuries-old Ottoman rule, brought forward a number of talented military leaders. Among them should be named M.D. Skobeleva, M.I. Dragomirova, N.G. Stoletova, F.F. Radetsky, P.P. Kartseva and others. Among these illustrious names there is one more - Joseph Vladimirovich Gurko, whose name is associated with the victory at Plevna, the heroic transition through the winter Balkans and victories along the banks of the Maritsa River.

Dovmont, Prince of Pskov

On the famous Novgorod monument to the “Millennium of Russia” he stands in the “military people and heroes” section.
Dovmont, Prince of Pskov, lived in the 13th century (died in 1299).
He came from a family of Lithuanian princes. After the murder of the Lithuanian prince Mindaugas, he fled to Pskov, where he was baptized under the name Timothy, after which the Pskovites elected him as their prince.
Soon Dovmont showed the qualities of a brilliant commander. In 1266, he completely defeated the Lithuanians on the banks of the Dvina.
Dovmont took part in the famous Rakovor battle with the crusaders (1268), where he commanded the Pskov regiments as part of the united Russian army. When the Livonian knights besieged Pskov, Dovmont, with the help of the Novgorodians who arrived in time, managed to defend the city, and the Grand Master, wounded in a duel by Dovmont himself, was forced to make peace.
To protect against attacks, Dovmont fortified Pskov with a new stone wall, which until the 16th century was called Dovmontova.
In 1299, the Livonian knights unexpectedly invaded the Pskov land and devastated it, but were again defeated by Dovmont, who soon fell ill and died.
None of the Pskov princes enjoyed such love among the Pskovites as Dovmont.
The Russian Orthodox Church canonized him in the 16th century after Batory's invasion on the occasion of a miraculous phenomenon. The local memory of Dovmont is celebrated on May 25. His body was buried in the Trinity Cathedral in Pskov, where his sword and clothes were kept at the beginning of the 20th century.

Nakhimov Pavel Stepanovich(1802-1855), Russian naval commander, admiral, hero of the Sevastopol defense and simply a man who is strong in spirit, a legend.

Born June 23 (July 5), 1802 in the village. The town (modern village of Nakhimovskoye) of the Vyazemsky district of the Smolensk province in a poor and large noble family (eleven children). His father was an officer and, under Catherine, retired with the modest rank of second major. Childhood had not yet left Nakhimov when he was enrolled in the Naval Cadet Corps. He studied diligently and brilliantly, was a role model, and at the age of fifteen he received the rank of midshipman and assignment to the brig Phoenix, which was setting sail in the Baltic Sea.

And already here a curious feature of Nakhimov’s nature was revealed, which arose in him from childhood. Immediately attracting the attention of his comrades, and then colleagues and subordinates. This trait, noticed by those around him already in the fifteen-year-old midshipman, remained dominant in the graying admiral until the moment when a French bullet pierced his head. This trait, one might say, determined his fate, his life and all the events in it. This trait can be characterized as follows: naval service was not the most important matter of life for Nakhimov, as it was, for example, for his teacher Lazarev or for his comrades Kornilov and Istomin, but the only thing, in other words: he had no life outside of naval service. he knew and didn’t want to know, he simply refused to admit to himself the possibility of existing not on a warship or in a military port. Due to lack of time and too much preoccupation with maritime interests, he forgot to fall in love, forgot to get married, forgot a part of himself, devoting it to an important matter. He was a naval fanatic, according to the unanimous opinion of eyewitnesses and observers. This is how one could characterize Nakhimov: he found himself in life, his business, his place in the sea.

In 1817, among the best midshipmen on the brig Phoenix, he sailed to the shores of Sweden and Denmark. Having graduated from the Corps in January 1818, sixth on the list of graduates, in February he received the rank of midshipman and was assigned to the 2nd naval crew of the St. Petersburg port. In 1821 he was transferred to the 23rd naval crew of the Baltic Fleet. Diligence and zeal, a certain fanaticism and love for his work... and so he enthusiastically accepted the invitation of M.P. Lazarev in 1822-1825 to serve on his frigate, called the then new name “Cruiser”. Upon his return, he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree. Years fly by, first he sailed as a midshipman, and from March 22, 1822 as a lieutenant. Here he became one of Lazarev's favorite students and followers, a good student from a good teacher.

After a three-year circumnavigation of the world from the frigate “Cruiser”, Nakhimov transferred (all under the command of Lazarev) in 1826 to the ship “Azov”, on which he took an outstanding part in the Navarin naval battle in 1827 against the Turkish fleet. Of the entire united squadron of England, France and Russia, Azov came closest to the enemy, and in the fleet they said that Azov crushed the Turks from a distance not of a cannon shot, but of a pistol shot. Courage, nothing less. Nakhimov was wounded. There were more killed and wounded on the Azov on Navarino day than on any other ship of the three squadrons, but the Azov also caused more harm to the enemy than the best frigates of the English Admiral Codrington, who commanded the united squadron. This is how Nakhimov began his combat career, his first battle, his career as a warrior and defender. Only great and strong people can do something more for this world in their lives, something important and meaningful. In December 1827 he received the Order of St. George, 4th degree and the rank of captain-lieutenant. In August 1828 he became the commander of a captured Turkish corvette, renamed Navarin. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1828-1829, he took part in the blockade of the Dardanelles by the Russian fleet.

Years passed, he was 29 years old and he became the commander of the then newly built (in 1832) frigate “Pallada”, and in 1836 the commander of “Silistria” and, a few months later, was promoted to captain of the 1st rank. “Silistria” sailed in the Black Sea, and the ship completed a number of difficult, complex, heroic and responsible assignments during the nine years of its voyage under Nakhimov’s flag. And he coped brilliantly throughout.

Trust is sometimes limitless, as Lazarev trusted his student. In September 1845, Nakhimov was promoted to rear admiral, and Lazarev made him commander of the 1st brigade of the 4th naval division of the Black Sea Fleet. For success in combat training of crews, he was awarded the Order of St. Anna, 1st degree. His moral influence on the entire Black Sea Fleet was so enormous during these years that it could be compared with the influence of Lazarev himself. The student has grown to become a teacher. He devoted his days and nights to service. He looked at service in peacetime only as preparation for war, for the moment when a person must fully demonstrate all his strength, skills, and all his endurance. All life is like a battle, like a struggle for justice, for peace in the whole world.

He always believed that sailors are the main military force of the fleet. These are the people, in his opinion, who need to be elevated, taught, to arouse in them courage, heroism, the desire to work, the desire to perform feats for the sake of the Motherland. Nakhimov simply refused to understand that a naval officer could have any other interest other than service, because he himself lived only for the sake of business. He said that it is necessary for sailors and officers to be constantly busy, that idleness on the ship is not allowed, that if work on the ship is going well, then new ones must be invented... Officers must also be constantly busy. We must always move forward, work on ourselves, so as not to break down in the future. Eternal improvement for the opportunity to be.

The year 1853 arrived. Forever memorable and formidable events in world history are approaching. February 25 (March 9), 1855 appointed commander of the Sevastopol port and temporary military governor of the city; in March he was promoted to admiral. Under his leadership, Sevastopol heroically repelled Allied attacks for nine months. Thanks to his energy, the defense acquired an active character: he organized sorties, waged counter-battery and mine warfare, erected new fortifications, mobilized the civilian population to defend the city, and personally toured forward positions, inspiring the troops. Awarded the Order of the White Eagle.

On June 28 (July 10), 1855, he was mortally wounded by a bullet in the temple on the Kornilovsky bastion of the Malakhov Kurgan. He died on June 30 (July 12) without regaining consciousness. The death of P.S. Nakhimov predetermined the imminent fall of Sevastopol. He was buried in the admiral's tomb of the Naval Cathedral of St. Vladimir in Sevastopol next to V.A. Kornilov and V.I. Istomin, next to great people.

P.S. Nakhimov possessed those traits that are almost, one might say, rare, very rare. He was distinguished by courage, courage, intelligence, courage, originality and the ability to get out of any difficult and doomed situations. Life did not remain in his debt. During the Great Patriotic War, on March 3, 1944, they were approved, making Nakhimov a legend, an important and significant person in history.