During which war did the Battle of Sinope take place? The meaning of the Sinope victory. Victory Day of the Russian squadron under the command of P.S. Nakhimovanad by the Turkish squadron at Cape Sinop (1853)

“By the extermination of the Turkish squadron, you adorned the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory, which will forever remain memorable in the sea.”
Emperor Nicholas I

“The destruction of the Turkish fleet in Sinop by a squadron under my command cannot but leave a glorious page in the history of the Black Sea Fleet.”

P. S. Nakhimov

December 1 is the Day of Military Glory of Russia. This is the day of the victory of the Russian squadron under the command of Vice Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov over the Turkish squadron at Cape Sinop.

The battle took place in the harbor of the city of Sinop on the Black Sea coast of Turkey on November 18 (30), 1853. The Turkish squadron was defeated within a few hours. The Battle of Cape Sinop was one of the major battles of the Crimean (Eastern) War, which began as a conflict between Russia and Turkey. Moreover, it went down in history as the last major battle of sailing fleets. Russia gained a serious advantage over the armed forces of the Ottoman Empire and dominance in the Black Sea (before the intervention of the great Western powers).

This naval battle became an example of the brilliant preparation of the Black Sea Fleet, led by one of the best representatives of the school of Russian military art. Sinop amazed all of Europe with the perfection of the Russian fleet and fully justified the many years of hard educational work of admirals Lazarev and Nakhimov.

A. P. Bogolyubov. Destruction of the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Sinop

Background

In 1853, another war between Russia and Turkey began. It led to a global conflict involving the world's leading powers. The Anglo-French squadron entered the Dardanelles. Fronts were opened on the Danube and in Transcaucasia. St. Petersburg, which was counting on a quick victory over the Porte, a decisive advancement of Russian interests in the Balkans and a successful solution to the problem of the Bosporus and Dardanelles, received the threat of war with the great powers, with vague prospects. There was a threat that the Ottomans, followed by the British and French, would be able to exert effective assistance mountaineers of Shamil. This led to a new large-scale war in the Caucasus and a serious threat to Russia from the south.

In the Caucasus, Russia did not have enough troops to simultaneously hold back the advance of the Turkish army and fight the mountaineers. In addition, the Turkish squadron supplied the troops on the Caucasian coast with ammunition. Therefore, the Black Sea Fleet received two main tasks: 1) quickly transport reinforcements from Crimea to the Caucasus; 2) strike at the enemy’s sea communications. Prevent the Ottomans from landing a large landing force on the eastern coast of the Black Sea in the Sukhum-Kale (Sukhumi) and Poti area to help the highlanders. Pavel Stepanovich completed both tasks.

On September 13, an emergency order was received in Sevastopol to transfer an infantry division with artillery to Anakria (Anaklia). The Black Sea Fleet was in turmoil at that time. There were rumors about an Anglo-French squadron acting on the side of the Ottomans. Nakhimov immediately took over the operation. In four days, he prepared the ships and placed troops on them in perfect order: 16 battalions with two batteries (more than 16 thousand people), and all the necessary weapons and equipment. On September 17, the squadron went to sea and on the morning of September 24 arrived in Anakria. By evening the unloading was completed. The operation was considered brilliant; there were only a few sick people among the sailors and soldiers.

Having solved the first problem, Pavel Stepanovich proceeded to the second. It was necessary to disrupt the enemy landing operation. A 20 thousand Turkish corps was concentrated in Batumi, which was supposed to be transported by a large transport flotilla (up to 250 ships). The landing was to be covered by Osman Pasha's squadron.

At this time, the commander of the Crimean Army and the Black Sea Fleet was Prince Alexander Menshikov. He sent a squadron of Nakhimov and Kornilov to search for the enemy. On November 5 (17), V. A. Kornilov met the Ottoman 10-gun steamer Pervaz-Bakhre, coming from Sinop. The steam frigate "Vladimir" (11 guns) under the flag of the Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet Kornilov attacked the enemy. The battle was directly led by the commander of the Vladimir, Lieutenant Commander Grigory Butakov. He used the high maneuverability of his ship and noticed the weakness of the enemy - the absence of guns at the stern of the Turkish steamer. Throughout the battle I tried to stay in such a way as not to fall under Ottoman fire. The three-hour battle ended in Russian victory. This was the first battle of steam ships in history. Then Vladimir Kornilov returned to Sevastopol and ordered Rear Admiral F. M. Novosilsky to find Nakhimov and reinforce him with the battleships Rostislav and Svyatoslav, and the brig Aeneas. Novosilsky met with Nakhimov and, having completed the assignment, returned to Sevastopol.

Nakhimov and his detachment had been cruising between Sukhum and part of the Anatolian coast since the end of October, where the main port was Sinop. The vice admiral, after meeting with Novosiltsev, had five 84-gun ships: Empress Maria, Chesma, Rostislav, Svyatoslav and Brave, as well as the frigate Kovarna and the brig Aeneas. On November 2 (14), Nakhimov issued an order for the squadron, where he notified the commanders that in the event of a meeting with an enemy “superior to us in strength, I will attack him, being completely confident that each of us will do his job.”

Every day we waited for the enemy to appear. In addition, there was the possibility of meeting with British ships. But there was no Ottoman squadron. We only met Novosilsky, who brought two ships, replacing those battered by the storm and sent to Sevastopol. On November 8, a severe storm broke out, and the vice admiral was forced to send 4 more ships for repairs. The situation was critical. Strong wind continued after the storm on November 8.

On November 11, Nakhimov approached Sinop and immediately sent a brig with the news that an Ottoman squadron was stationed in the bay. Despite significant enemy forces standing under the protection of 6 coastal batteries, Nakhimov decided to block Sinop Bay and wait for reinforcements. He asked Menshikov to send the ships “Svyatoslav” and “Brave”, the frigate “Kovarna” and the steamer “Bessarabia” sent for repairs. The admiral also expressed bewilderment why he was not sent the frigate "Kulevchi", which is idle in Sevastopol, and sent two more additional ships necessary for cruising. Nakhimov was ready to fight if the Turks made a breakthrough. However, the Turkish command, although at that time had an advantage in strength, did not dare to engage in a general battle or simply make a breakthrough. When Nakhimov reported that the Ottoman forces in Sinop, according to his observations, were higher than previously thought, Menshikov sent reinforcements - Novosilsky's squadron, and then a detachment of Kornilov's steamers.

The battle of the frigate Vladimir with the Turkish-Egyptian military steamer Pervaz-Bahri on November 5, 1853. A. P. Bogolyubov

Strengths of the parties

Reinforcements arrived on time. On November 16 (28), 1853, Nakhimov’s detachment was reinforced by the squadron of Rear Admiral Fyodor Novosilsky: 120-gun battleships “Paris”, “ Grand Duke Constantine" and "Three Saints", frigates "Kahul" and "Kulevchi". As a result, under the command of Nakhimov there were already 6 battleships: the 84-gun “Empress Maria”, “Chesma” and “Rostislav”, the 120-gun “Paris”, “Grand Duke Constantine” and “Three Saints”, the 60-gun frigate “ Kulevchi" and the 44-gun "Kahul". Nakhimov had 716 guns; from each side the squadron could fire a salvo weighing 378 pounds 13 pounds. 76 guns were bomb guns, firing explosive bombs that had great destructive power. Thus, the Russian fleet had the advantage. In addition, Kornilov rushed to Nakhimov’s aid with three steam frigates.

The Turkish squadron included: 7 frigates, 3 corvettes, several auxiliary ships and a detachment of 3 steam frigates. In total, the Turks had 476 naval guns, supported by 44 coastal guns. The Ottoman squadron was led by the Turkish Vice Admiral Osman Pasha. The second flagship was Rear Admiral Hussein Pasha. There was an English adviser with the squadron - Captain A. Slade. The steamship detachment was commanded by Vice Admiral Mustafa Pasha. The Turks had their advantages, the main ones being parking in a fortified base and the presence of steamships, while the Russians only had sailing ships.

Admiral Osman Pasha, knowing that the Russian squadron was guarding him at the exit from the bay, sent an alarming message to Istanbul, asking for help, significantly exaggerating Nakhimov’s forces. However, the Turks were late; the message was transmitted to the British on November 17 (29), a day before the attack of the Russian fleet. Even if Lord Stratford-Radcliffe, who at that time actually led the policy of the Porte, gave the order to the British squadron to go to the aid of Osman Pasha, help would still be late. Moreover, the British ambassador in Istanbul did not have the right to start a war with Russian Empire, the admiral could refuse.

N. P. Medovikov. P. S. Nakhimov during the Battle of Sinop on November 18, 1853

Nakhimov's plan

The Russian admiral, as soon as reinforcements arrived, decided not to wait, to immediately enter Sinop Bay and attack the enemy. In essence, Nakhimov was taking a risk, albeit a well calculated one. The Ottomans had good naval and coastal guns, and with appropriate leadership, the Turkish forces could inflict serious damage on the Russian squadron. However, the once formidable Ottoman navy was in decline, both in terms of combat training and leadership.

The Turkish command itself played along with Nakhimov, positioning the ships extremely inconveniently for defense. Firstly, the Ottoman squadron was positioned like a fan, a concave arc. As a result, the ships blocked the firing sector of part of the coastal batteries. Secondly, the ships were located right next to the embankment, which did not give them the opportunity to maneuver and fire on both sides. Thus, the Turkish squadron and coastal batteries could not fully resist the Russian fleet.

Nakhimov's plan was imbued with determination and initiative. The Russian squadron, in the formation of two wake columns (the ships followed one after another along the course line), received the order to break through to the Sinop roadstead and deliver a fire strike on the enemy ships and batteries. The first column was commanded by Nakhimov. It included the ships “Empress Maria” (flagship), “Grand Duke Konstantin” and “Chesma”. The second column was led by Novosilsky. It included “Paris” (2nd flagship), “Three Saints” and “Rostislav”. The movement in two columns was supposed to reduce the time it took for ships to pass under the fire of the Turkish squadron and coastal batteries. In addition, it was easier to deploy Russian ships into battle formation when anchored. The rearguard was frigates, which were supposed to stop the enemy’s attempts to escape. The targets of all ships were distributed in advance.

At the same time, ship commanders had a certain independence in choosing targets, depending on the specific situation, while implementing the principle of mutual support. “In conclusion, I will express the idea,” Nakhimov wrote in the order, “that all preliminary instructions under changed circumstances can make it difficult for a commander who knows his business, and therefore I allow everyone to act completely independently at their own discretion, but will certainly fulfill their duty.”

Battle

At dawn on November 18 (30), Russian ships entered Sinop Bay. At the head of the right column was Pavel Nakhimov's flagship "Empress Maria", at the head of the left - "Paris" of Fyodor Novosilsky. The weather was unfavorable. At 12:30 p.m., the Ottoman flagship, the 44-gun Avni-Allah, opened fire, followed by guns from other ships and coastal batteries. The Turkish command hoped that strong barrage fire from naval and coastal batteries would not allow the Russian squadron to break through to close range and would force the Russians to retreat. Possibly will cause severe damage to some ships that can be captured. Nakhimov's ship went ahead and stood closest to the Ottoman ships. The admiral stood on the captain's cabin and watched the fierce artillery battle unfold.

The victory of the Russian fleet became apparent after just over two hours. Turkish artillery showered shells on the Russian squadron and was able to cause significant damage to some ships, but failed to sink a single one. The Russian admiral, knowing the techniques of the Ottoman commanders, foresaw that the main enemy fire would initially be concentrated on the mast (above-deck parts of the ship's equipment), and not on the decks. The Turks wanted to incapacitate as many Russian sailors as possible when they removed the sails before anchoring the ships, as well as disrupt the controllability of the ships and worsen their ability to maneuver. And so it happened, Turkish shells broke the yards, topmasts, and made holes in the sails. The Russian flagship took on a significant part of the enemy attack, most of its spar and standing rigging were broken, only one shroud of the mainmast remained intact. After the battle, 60 holes were counted in one side. However, the Russian sailors were below, Pavel Stepanovich ordered the ships to be anchored without removing the sails. All Nakhimov’s orders were carried out exactly. The frigate "Avni-Allah" ("Aunni-Allah") could not withstand the confrontation with the Russian flagship and washed ashore after half an hour. The Turkish squadron lost its control center. Then the Empress Maria bombarded the 44-gun frigate Fazli-Allah with shells, which also could not withstand the duel and ran ashore. The admiral transferred the fire of the battleship to battery No. 5.

I.K. Aivazovsky. "Sinop Battle"

The ship "Grand Duke Konstantin" fired at the 60-gun frigates "Navek-Bakhri" and "Nesimi-Zefer", the 24-gun corvette "Nedjmi Fishan", and at battery No. 4. “Navek-Bakhri” took off within 20 minutes. One of the Russian shells hit the powder magazine. This explosion also disabled battery No. 4. Corpses and shipwrecks littered the battery. Later the battery resumed fire, but it was weaker than before. The second frigate, after its anchor chain was broken, washed ashore. The Turkish corvette could not stand the duel and ran ashore. “Grand Duke Constantine” received 30 holes and damage to all masts in the Battle of Sinop.

The battleship "Chesma", under the command of Viktor Mikryukov, fired at batteries No. 4 and No. 3. Russian sailors strictly followed Nakhimov’s instructions on mutual support. The ship "Konstantin" was forced to fight three enemy ships and a Turkish battery at once. Therefore, the Chesma stopped firing at the batteries and concentrated all its fire on the Turkish frigate Navek-Bahri. The Turkish ship, hit by fire from two Russian ships, took off into the air. Then "Chesma" suppressed the enemy batteries. The ship received 20 holes, damage to the mainmast and bowsprit.

In a similar situation, when the principle of mutual support was fulfilled, half an hour later the ship “Three Saints” found itself. The battleship under the command of K. S. Kutrov fought with the 54-gun frigate "Kaidi-Zefer" and the 62-gun "Nizamiye". Enemy shots broke the spring of the Russian ship (the cable to the anchor holding the ship in a given position), and the “Three Saints” began to turn into the wind with its stern towards the enemy. The ship was subjected to longitudinal fire from battery No. 6, and its mast was seriously damaged. Immediately, “Rostislav”, under the command of Captain 1st Rank A.D. Kuznetsov, who himself was under heavy fire, stopped returning fire and focused all his attention on battery No. 6. As a result, the Turkish battery was razed to the ground. The Rostislav also forced the 24-gun corvette Feyze-Meabud to beach itself. When midshipman Varnitsky was able to repair the damage on the Svyatitel, the ship began to successfully fire at the Kaidi-Zefer and other ships, forcing them to run ashore. "Three Saints" received 48 holes, as well as damage to the stern, all masts and bowsprit. The help did not come cheap for the Rostislav either; the ship almost blew up, a fire started on it, the fire approached the cruise chamber, but the fire was extinguished. "Rostislav" received 25 holes, as well as damage to all masts and bowsprit. More than 100 people from his team were wounded.

The second Russian flagship "Paris" fought an artillery duel with the 56-gun frigate "Damiad", the 22-gun corvette "Gyuli Sefid" and the central coastal battery No. 5. The corvette caught fire and took off. The battleship concentrated its fire on the frigate. The Damiad could not withstand the heavy fire, the Turkish crew cut off the anchor rope, and the frigate was thrown ashore. Then the Paris attacked the 62-gun Nizamiye, on which Admiral Hussein Pasha was holding the flag. The Ottoman ship lost two masts - the fore and mizzen masts, and a fire started on it. The Nizamiye washed ashore. The commander of the ship, Vladimir Istomin, showed “fearlessness and fortitude” in this battle and made “prudent, skillful and quick orders.” After the defeat of Nizamiye, Paris concentrated on the central coastal battery, which provided great opposition to the Russian squadron. The Turkish battery was suppressed. The battleship received 16 holes, as well as damage to the stern and gondeck.

A. V. Ganzen “Battleship “Empress Maria” under sail”

I. K. Aivazovsky “120-gun ship “Paris””

Thus, by 17:00, Russian sailors destroyed 15 out of 16 enemy ships with artillery fire and suppressed all of their coastal batteries. Random cannonballs also set fire to city buildings located in close proximity to the coastal batteries, which led to the spread of fire and caused panic among the population.

Of the entire Turkish squadron, only one high-speed 20-gun steamer Taif managed to escape, on board of which was the chief adviser to the Turks on maritime issues, the Englishman Slade, who, having arrived in Istanbul, reported on the destruction of Turkish ships in Sinop.

It is worth noting that the presence of two steam frigates in the Turkish squadron seriously puzzled the Russian admiral. Admiral Nakhimov did not have steamers at the beginning of the battle; they arrived only at the very end of the battle. A fast enemy ship, under the command of a British captain, could perform well in a battle when Russian ships were engaged in battle and their sails were damaged. Sailing ships could not maneuver easily and quickly in these conditions. Nakhimov took this threat into account so much that he dedicated an entire paragraph of his disposition to it (No. 9). Two frigates were left in reserve and were given the task of neutralizing the actions of enemy steam frigates.

However, this reasonable precaution was not justified. The Russian admiral assessed possible actions the enemy on his own. He was ready to fight even in conditions of complete enemy superiority; enemy commanders thought differently. Taif's captain Slade was an experienced commander, but he was not going to fight to the last drop of blood. Seeing that the Turkish squadron was in danger of destruction, the British captain skillfully maneuvered between the Rostislav and battery No. 6, and fled towards Constantinople. The frigates "Kulevchi" and "Kahul" tried to intercept the enemy, but they were unable to keep up with the fast steamer. Breaking away from the Russian frigates, the Taif almost fell into the hands of Kornilov. A detachment of Kornilov's steam frigates hurried to the aid of Nakhimov's squadron and collided with the Taif. However, Slade was able to escape from Kornilov's steamships.

Towards the end of the battle, a detachment of ships approached Sinop under the command of Vice Admiral V.A. Kornilov, who was rushing to the aid of Nakhimov from Sevastopol. A participant in these events, B.I. Baryatinsky, who was in Kornilov’s squadron, wrote: “Approaching the ship “Maria” (Nakhimov’s flagship), we board the boat of our steamer and go to the ship, which is all pierced by cannonballs, almost all the shrouds are broken, and when Quite a strong swell caused the masts to sway so much that they threatened to fall. We board the ship, and both admirals rush into each other’s arms, we all also congratulate Nakhimov. He was magnificent, his cap on the back of his head, his face stained with blood, new epaulettes, his nose - everything was red with blood, sailors and officers... all black with gunpowder smoke... It turned out that on the "Maria" there were the most killed and wounded, as Nakhimov was walking the lead in the squadron and from the very beginning of the battle became closest to the Turkish firing sides. Nakhimov’s coat, which he took off before the battle and immediately hung on a nail, was torn by a Turkish cannonball.”

I.K. Aivazovsky. “Sinop. The night after the battle on November 18, 1853"

Results

The Ottoman squadron was almost completely destroyed. During the three-hour battle, the Turks were defeated, their resistance was broken. A little later, they suppressed the remaining coastal fortifications and batteries and finished off the remnants of the squadron. One after another, Turkish ships took off. Russian bombs fell into powder magazines, or fire reached them; often the Turks themselves set fire to the ships, leaving them. Three frigates and one corvette were set on fire by the Turks themselves. “The battle is glorious, higher than Chesma and Navarino!” - this is how Vice Admiral V.A. Kornilov assessed the battle.

The Turks lost about 3 thousand people, the British reported 4 thousand. Just before the battle, the Ottomans prepared for boardings and put additional soldiers on the ships. Explosions at batteries, fires and explosions of beached ships led to a strong fire in the city. Sinop suffered greatly. The population, authorities and garrison of Sinop fled to the mountains. The British later accused the Russians of deliberate cruelty towards the townspeople. 200 people were captured by the Russians. Among the prisoners was the commander of the Turkish squadron, Vice Admiral Osman Pasha (his leg was broken in the battle) and two ship commanders.

Russian ships fired about 17 thousand shells in four hours. The Battle of Sinop showed the importance of bombing guns for the future development of the fleet. Wooden ships could not withstand the fire of such cannons. It was necessary to develop armor protection for ships. The Rostislav gunners showed the highest rate of fire. 75-100 rounds were fired from each gun on the operational side of the battleship. On other ships of the squadron, 30-70 shots were fired from each gun on the active side. Russian commanders and sailors, according to Nakhimov, showed “truly Russian courage.” The advanced system of educating the Russian sailor, developed and implemented by Lazarev and Nakhimov, proved its superiority in battle. Hard training and sea voyages led to the fact that the Black Sea Fleet passed the Sinop exam with excellent marks.

Some Russian ships received significant damage, they were then towed by steamers, but all remained afloat. Russian losses amounted to 37 killed and 233 wounded. Everyone noted the highest skill of the Russian admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, he correctly took into account his own strengths and the enemy’s forces, took reasonable risks, leading the squadron under fire from coastal batteries and the Omani squadron, worked out the battle plan in detail, and showed determination in achieving the goal. Absence lost ships and relatively low losses in manpower confirm the reasonableness of the decisions and naval leadership of Nakhimov. Nakhimov himself was, as always, modest and said that all the credit belongs to Mikhail Lazarev. The Sinop battle became a brilliant point in the long history of the development of the sailing fleet. It should be noted that Lazarev, Nakhimov and Kornilov understood this very well, being supporters of the rapid development of the steam fleet.

At the end of the battle, the ships carried out the necessary repairs and weighed anchor on November 20 (December 2), moving to Sevastopol. On the 22nd (December 4), the Russian fleet entered the Sevastopol roadstead with general jubilation. The entire population of Sevastopol greeted the victorious squadron. It was a great day. Endless “Hurray, Nakhimov!” rushed from all sides. News of the crushing victory of the Black Sea Fleet rushed to the Caucasus, the Danube, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Emperor Nicholas awarded Nakhimov the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

Pavel Stepanovich himself was concerned. The Russian admiral was pleased with the purely military results of the Battle of Sinop. The Black Sea Fleet brilliantly solved the main problem: it eliminated the possibility of a Turkish landing on the Caucasian coast and destroyed the Ottoman squadron, gaining complete dominance in the Black Sea. The colossal success was achieved with little blood and material losses. After a difficult search, battle and passage across the sea, all ships successfully returned to Sevastopol. Nakhimov was pleased with the sailors and commanders; they behaved superbly in the hot battle. However, Nakhimov had strategic thinking and understood that the main battles were still ahead. The Sinop victory will cause the appearance of Anglo-French forces in the Black Sea, which will use every effort to destroy the combat-ready Black Sea Fleet. The real war was just beginning.

The Battle of Sinop caused panic in Constantinople, where they were afraid of the appearance of the Russian fleet near the Ottoman capital. In Paris and London, at first they tried to belittle and belittle the significance of the feat of the Nakhimov squadron, and then, when this became useless, as the details of the Battle of Sinop appeared, envy and hatred arose. As Count Alexei Orlov wrote, “we are not forgiven for either skillful orders or the courage to carry them out.” IN Western Europe are raising a wave of Russophobia. Westerners did not expect such brilliant actions on the part of the Russian naval forces. England and France are beginning to take retaliatory steps. The English and French squadrons, which were already stationed in the Bosphorus, on December 3 sent 2 ships to Sinop and 2 to Varna for reconnaissance. Paris and London immediately gave Turkey credit for the war. The Turks had been asking for money for a long time without success. Sinop changed everything. France and England were preparing to go to war, and the Battle of Sinop could force Constantinople to agree to a truce; the Ottomans suffered defeats on land and sea. It was necessary to encourage an ally. The largest bank in Paris immediately set about organizing the matter. The Ottoman Empire was given a loan of 2 million pounds sterling in gold. Moreover, half of the subscription for this amount was supposed to be covered by Paris, and the other by London. On the night of December 21-22, 1853 (January 3-4, 1854), the English and French squadrons, together with a division of the Ottoman fleet, entered the Black Sea.

During the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 The Soviet government established an order and medal in honor of Nakhimov. The order was received by officers of the Navy for outstanding achievements in the development, implementation and provision of maritime operations, as a result of which it was reflected offensive the enemy or active fleet operations are ensured, significant damage is inflicted on the enemy and friendly forces are preserved. The medal was awarded to sailors and foremen for military merits.

Day of Military Glory of Russia - Victory Day of the Russian squadron under the command of P.S. Nakhimov over the Turkish squadron at Cape Sinop (1853) - celebrated in accordance with the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 “On the days of military glory (victory days) of Russia.”

The Battle of Sinop on November 18 (30), 1853 is written in golden letters in the Russian military chronicle. This was the last major battle in the sailing fleet. In this battle, Russian sailors and commanders showed what they were capable of when led by such great people as Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, an admiral who was loved and respected from the bottom of his heart by the people around him. In the Battle of Sinop, the Russian fleet almost completely destroyed the Turkish squadron, while suffering minimal losses. This naval battle became an example of the brilliant preparation of the Black Sea Fleet, led by one of the best representatives of the school of Russian military art. Sinop, which amazed all of Europe with the perfection of the Russian fleet, fully justified the many years of hard educational work of admirals Lazarev and Nakhimov.

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov (1802 – 1855)

The future admiral was born on June 23 (July 5), 1802, into a family of poor Smolensk nobles. His small homeland was the village of Gorodok in Vyazemsky district. His father, Stepan Mikhailovich Nakhimov, was an officer and, even under Catherine the Great, retired with the rank of second major. Of the eleven children born in the family, five boys became military sailors. One of them, Pavel’s younger brother Sergei, rose to the rank of vice admiral and headed the Naval Cadet Corps.

Already at the age of 13, Pavel was enrolled in the Naval Cadet Corps and studied brilliantly. In 1817, he received the rank of midshipman and took part in the voyage of the brig Phoenix. In 1818, he entered service on the frigate “Cruiser” and, under the command of Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev, traveled around the world. During the voyage he was promoted to lieutenant. Already in these teenage years Pavel Nakhimov revealed a curious trait, which his comrades and colleagues immediately noticed. This trait dominated Nakhimov until his death during the defense of Sevastopol. Naval service was the only thing in life for Nakhimov. He did not know any personal life other than service, and did not want to know. Naval service was everything to him. He was a patriot who selflessly loved his Motherland, the Russian fleet, who lived for Russia and died at his combat post. As noted by the famous domestic historian E.V. Tarle: “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 nautical fanatic, according to the unanimous opinion of eyewitnesses and observers.” Even during trip around the world he almost died saving a sailor who had fallen overboard.

Nakhimov, during a long trip around the world - it lasted from 1822 to 1825, became the favorite student and follower of Mikhail Lazarev, who, together with Bellingshausen, became the discoverer of Antarctica. Lazarev quickly appreciated the young officer’s abilities, and they practically never separated in their careers. After completing his trip around the world, Pavel Nakhimov was awarded the order St. Vladimir 4th degree. Together with Lazarev, the young lieutenant in 1826 transferred to the battleship Azov, on which in 1827 he took part in the famous Battle of Navarino. The ship "Azov" from the joint Anglo-Franco-Russian fleet came closest to the Turkish naval forces. The navy said that the Azov smashed the enemy almost at pistol shot distance. Nakhimov commanded the battery in this battle. Pavel Nakhimov was wounded, the ship suffered the greatest losses, but also caused more damage to the enemy than the best ships of the allied fleet. Lazarev, who, according to the commander of the Russian squadron L.P. Heyden, “managed the movements of Azov with composure, skill and exemplary courage,” was promoted to rear admiral. The ship "Azov" was the first in the Russian fleet to be awarded the St. George flag. Pavel Nakhimov was awarded the rank of captain-lieutenant and the Order of St. George, 4th degree. So brilliantly Pavel Stepanovich began his military journey.

In 1828, Nakhimov already became the commander of a ship, the corvette Navarin. It was a prize ship captured from the Ottomans. In Malta, the ship was restored, armed and took part in the blockade of the Dardanelles. Nakhimov showed himself to be a tireless worker. Moreover, his comrades never reproached him for his desire to curry favor and careerism. Everyone saw that their commander was dedicated to the cause and worked harder than anyone else. Since 1830, upon returning to the Baltic, he continued to serve on the Navarino. In 1831 he headed the new frigate Pallada. Soon the frigate became a showpiece. On August 17, 1833, Nakhimov saved the squadron, in poor visibility, the sailor noticed the Daguerrot lighthouse and gave a signal that the ships were under threat.

In 1834, at the request of Lazarev, commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Nakhimov was transferred to the southern sea borders of the empire. In 1836, Pavel Stepanovich received command of the battleship Silistria, built under his supervision. A few months later he was promoted to captain of the 1st rank. Nakhimov served on this ship for 9 years. Pavel Stepanovich made Silistria an exemplary ship and carried out a number of important and difficult assignments on it. The commander became known to the entire fleet. Pavel Stepanovich was the leader of the Suvorov and Ushakov schools, believing that the entire strength of the fleet rests on the sailor. “It’s time for us to stop considering ourselves landowners,” said Nakhimov, “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.” The sailor, according to him, was the main military force fleet. “These are the people we need to elevate, teach, arouse in them courage, heroism, if we are not selfish, but truly servants of the fatherland.” He suggested emulating Nelson, who “embraced the spirit of popular pride of his subordinates and with one simple signal aroused the fiery enthusiasm of the common people who had been educated by him and his predecessors.” With his behavior, Pavel Nakhimov brought up a team that had to be completely confident in him. So, one day during an exercise, the ship “Adrianople” made an unsuccessful maneuver, making a collision with the “Silistria” inevitable. Nakhimov ordered everyone to retire to a safe place, but he himself remained on the poop deck. He was not injured in the collision. The captain explained his action by the need to show the team “presence of spirit,” which would be of great benefit in battle. The crew will have complete confidence in their commander and will do everything possible and impossible to win.

In 1845, Nakhimov was promoted to rear admiral. Lazarev appointed him commander of the 1st brigade of the 4th naval division. In 1852 he received the rank of vice admiral and headed a naval division. His authority during these years spread throughout the entire fleet and was equal to the influence of Lazarev himself. All his time was devoted to service. He didn’t have an extra ruble, giving every last bit to the sailors and their families. Service in peacetime was for him the time that fate allowed to prepare for war, for the moment when a person would have to show all his best qualities. At the same time, Pavel Stepanovich was a man with a capital M, ready to give his last penny to a person in need, to help an old man, woman or child. All the sailors and their families became one for him big family.

Lazarev and Nakhimov, like Kornilov and Istomin, were representatives of a school that demanded moral heights from the officer. Laziness, sybarism, drunkenness and card games“War” was declared among the officers. The sailors under their command were supposed to become warriors, not toys of the whims of the “naval landowners.” They demanded from the sailors not mechanical skill during reviews and parades, but genuine ability to fight and understanding what they were doing. Corporal punishment became a rarity on Black Sea ships, and external veneration was reduced to a minimum. As a result, the Black Sea Fleet has become an excellent fighting machine, ready to stand up for Russia.

Nakhimov perspicaciously noted a feature of a significant part of the Russian elite class, which would ultimately destroy the Russian Empire. “Many young officers surprise me: they lagged behind the Russians, didn’t stick to the French, and also don’t look like the British; They neglect their own, envy others, and do not understand their own benefits at all. This is no good!”

Nakhimov was a unique person who reached amazing heights in his moral and mental development. At the same time kind and responsive to the grief of others, unusually modest, with a bright and inquisitive mind. His moral influence on people was enormous. He brought up the command staff. He spoke to the sailors in their language. The sailors' devotion and love for him reached unprecedented heights. Already on the Sevastopol bastions, his daily appearance aroused incredible enthusiasm among the defenders. Tired, exhausted sailors and soldiers were resurrected and were ready to repeat miracles. It’s not for nothing that Nakhimov himself said that with our dashing people, by showing attention and love, you can do such things that are simply a miracle.

Monument to P. S. Nakhimov in Sevastopol.

War

The year 1853 arrived. Another war began with Turkey, which soon led to a global conflict involving the leading world powers. The Anglo-French squadron entered the Dardanelles. Fronts were opened on the Danube and in Transcaucasia. St. Petersburg, which was counting on a quick victory over the Porte, a decisive advancement of Russian interests in the Balkans and a successful solution to the problem of the Straits, received the threat of war with the great powers, with vague prospects. A threat arose that the Ottomans, followed by the British and French, would be able to provide effective assistance to the Shamil mountaineers. And this is the loss of the Caucasus and the serious advance of enemy forces from the southern direction. In the Caucasus, Russia did not have enough troops to simultaneously hold back the advance of the Turkish army and fight the mountaineers. In addition, the Turkish squadron supplied the troops on the Caucasian coast with ammunition.

Therefore, the Black Sea Fleet received two tasks: firstly, to quickly transport reinforcements from Crimea to the Caucasus; secondly, strike at Turkish sea communications. Pavel Nakhimov completed both tasks. On September 13, an emergency order was received in Sevastopol to transfer an infantry division with artillery to Anakria (Anaklia). The Black Sea Fleet was in turmoil at that time. There were rumors about an Anglo-French squadron acting on the side of the Ottomans. Nakhimov immediately took over the operation. In four days, he prepared the ships and deployed the troops in perfect order: 16 battalions with two batteries - more than 16 thousand people, 824 people and all the necessary equipment. On September 17, the squadron entered the stormy sea and on the morning of September 24 arrived in Anakria. By evening the unloading was completed. The operation involved 14 sailing ships, 7 steamships and 11 transport vessels. The operation was considered brilliant; there were only 4 sick people among the sailors, and 7 among the soldiers.

Having solved the first problem, Pavel Stepanovich proceeded to the second. It was necessary to find a Turkish squadron at sea and defeat it. Prevent the enemy from carrying out an amphibious operation in the area of Sukhum-Kale and Poti by providing assistance to the highlanders. A 20 thousand Turkish corps was concentrated in Batumi, which was supposed to be transported by a large transport flotilla - up to 250 ships. The landing was to be covered by Osman Pasha's squadron.

At this time, the commander of the Crimean Army and the Black Sea Fleet was Prince Alexander Menshikov. He sent a squadron of Nakhimov and Kornilov to search for the enemy. On November 5, Kornilov met the Ottoman 10-gun steamer Pervaz-Bahre, coming from Sinop. The steam frigate "Vladimir" (11 guns) under the flag of the Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet Kornilov attacked the enemy. The battle was directly led by the commander of the Vladimir, Lieutenant Commander Grigory Butakov. He used the high maneuverability of his ship and noticed the weakness of the enemy - the absence of guns at the stern of the Turkish steamer. Throughout the battle I tried to stay in such a way as not to fall under Ottoman fire. The three-hour battle ended in Russian victory. This was the first battle of steam ships in history. Then Vladimir Kornilov returned to Sevastopol and ordered Rear Admiral F. M. Novosilsky to find Nakhimov and reinforce him with the battleships Rostislav and Svyatoslav, and the brig Aeneas. Novosilsky met with Nakhimov and, having completed the assignment, returned to Sevastopol.

The battle between the Russian steamship frigate "Vladimir" and the Turkish steamship "Pervaz-Bahri".

Since the end of October, Nakhimov had been cruising between Sukhum and part of the Anatolian coast, where Sinop was the main port. The vice admiral, after meeting with Novosiltsev, had five 84-gun ships: Empress Maria, Chesma, Rostislav, Svyatoslav and Brave, as well as the frigate Kovarna and the brig Aeneas. On November 2 (14), Nakhimov issued an order for the squadron, where he notified the commanders that in the event of a meeting with an enemy “superior to us in strength, I will attack him, being completely confident that each of us will do his job.” Every day we waited for the enemy to appear. In addition, there was the possibility of meeting with British ships. But there was no Ottoman squadron. We only met Novosilsky, who brought two ships, replacing those battered by the storm and sent to Sevastopol. On November 8, a severe storm broke out, and the vice admiral was forced to send 4 more ships for repairs. The situation was critical. Strong winds continued after the storm on November 8th.

On November 11, Nakhimov approached Sinop and immediately sent a brig with the news that an Ottoman squadron was stationed in the bay. Despite significant enemy forces standing under the protection of 6 coastal batteries, Nakhimov decided to block Sinop Bay and wait for reinforcements. He asked Menshikov to send the ships “Svyatoslav” and “Brave”, the frigate “Kovarna” and the steamer “Bessarabia” sent for repairs. The admiral also expressed bewilderment why he was not sent the frigate "Kulevchi", which is idle in Sevastopol, and sent two more additional ships necessary for cruising. Nakhimov was ready to fight if the Turks made a breakthrough. However, the Ottoman command, although at that time had an advantage in strength, did not dare to engage in a general battle or simply make a breakthrough. When Nakhimov reported that the Ottoman forces in Sinop, according to his observations, were higher than previously thought, Menshikov sent reinforcements - Novosilsky's squadron, and then a detachment of Kornilov's steamers.

Strengths of the parties

Reinforcements arrived on time. On November 16 (28), 1853, Nakhimov’s detachment was reinforced by the squadron of Rear Admiral Fyodor Novosilsky: 120-gun battleships “Paris”, “Grand Duke Konstantin” and “Three Saints”, frigates “Kahul” and “Kulevchi”. As a result, under the command of Nakhimov there were already 6 battleships: the 84-gun “Empress Maria”, “Chesma” and “Rostislav”, the 120-gun “Paris”, “Grand Duke Constantine” and “Three Saints”, the 60-gun frigate “ Kulevchi" and the 44-gun "Kahul". Nakhimov had 716 guns; from each side the squadron could fire a salvo weighing 378 pounds 13 pounds. In addition, Kornilov rushed to Nakhimov’s aid with three steam frigates.

The Ottomans had 7 frigates, 3 corvettes, several auxiliary ships and a detachment of 3 steam frigates. In total, the Turks had 476 naval guns, supported by 44 coastal guns. The Ottoman squadron was led by the Turkish Vice Admiral Osman Pasha. The second flagship was Rear Admiral Hussein Pasha. There was an English adviser with the squadron - Captain A. Slade. The steamship detachment was commanded by Vice Admiral Mustafa Pasha. Osman Pasha, knowing that the Russian squadron was guarding him at the exit from the bay, sent an alarming message to Istanbul, asking for help, significantly exaggerating Nakhimov’s forces. However, the Ottomans were late; the message was transmitted to the British on November 17 (29), a day before Nakhimov’s attack. Even if Lord Stratford-Radcliffe, who at that time actually led the policy of the Porte, gave the order to the British squadron to go to the aid of Osman Pasha, help would still be late. Moreover, the British ambassador in Istanbul did not have the right to start a war with Russia; the admiral could refuse.

Nakhimov's plan

The admiral, as soon as reinforcements arrived, decided not to wait, to immediately enter Sinop Bay and attack the Ottoman ships. In essence, Nakhimov was taking a risk, albeit a well calculated one. The Ottomans had good naval and coastal guns, and with appropriate leadership, the Turkish forces could inflict serious damage on the Russian squadron. However, the once formidable Ottoman navy was in decline, both in terms of combat training and leadership. The Ottoman command itself played along with Nakhimov, positioning the ships extremely inconveniently for defense. Firstly, the Ottoman squadron was positioned like a fan, a concave arc. As a result, the ships blocked the firing sector of part of the coastal batteries. Secondly, the ships were located right next to the embankment, which did not give them the opportunity to maneuver and fire on both sides. This weakened the firepower of Osman Pasha's squadron.

December 1
Victory Day of the Russian squadron under the command of P.S. Nakhimov over the Turkish squadron at Cape Sinop (1853)

Sinop naval battle

The naval battle of Sinop took place at the very beginning of the Crimean War. Starting in October 1853 between Russia and Turkey, it soon developed into an armed conflict between Russia and a strong coalition of Turkey, England, France and Sardinia. This was the last major battle of sailing ships and the first in which bomb guns (that is, fired explosive shells) were used.

On November 18 (30), 1853, the squadron of Vice Admiral P. S. Nakhimov (6 battleships and 2 frigates) in Sinop Bay launched a preemptive strike against the enemy, unexpectedly attacking the Turkish fleet, which consisted of 16 ships. The flower of the Turkish fleet (7 frigates, 3 corvettes and 1 steamship) was burned, and coastal batteries were destroyed. The Turks lost about 4 thousand people killed and wounded. About 200 more were captured. Nakhimov's squadron did not lose a single ship. The brilliant victory of the Russian fleet deprived the Turks of dominance in the Black Sea and did not allow them to land troops on the Caucasus coast.

In the Sinop battle, the effectiveness of the advanced system of training and education of Black Sea soldiers was clearly demonstrated. The high combat skill shown by the sailors was achieved through persistent study, training, campaigns, and mastery of all the intricacies of maritime affairs.

The Battle of Sinop on September 30 (November 16), 1853 entered into world history as the last battle of sailing ships in history. This battle took place during the next Russian-Turkish war of 1853 - 1856.

Reasons for the battle

The Battle of Sinop was the first battle of the Crimean War to attract public attention. The reason for the war was the keys. The Turkish Sultan took the keys of the Bethlehem Church from the Orthodox clergy and gave them to the Catholics. This happened in 1851 at the request of France. Then Nicholas I ordered the entry of Russian troops into the Porte's vassal principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. In response, the Turkish Sultan declared war on Russia.

The creditors of the Ottoman Empire, England and France, presented Russia with an ultimatum: as long as Russia defends itself, England and France will remain neutral. As soon as Russia invades the territory of the Ottoman Empire itself, England and France will also enter the war. From the moment the ultimatum was announced, the Russian fleet sought dominance in neutral waters.

The sailing and semi-sailing fleet of Russia is dispersed throughout the Black Sea. During this time, only one collision occurred between the Russian and Turkish fleets. At the same time they began fighting in the Danube region and the Caucasus. At the beginning of the war, the forces of the Ottoman Empire won a number of victories: at Oltenica, at Kalafat and at Silistra. And at that moment, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet decided to attack the main Turkish port, from where ships with reinforcements were leaving for the Caucasus.

Progress of the battle

Vice Admiral Nakhimov (84-gun battleships "Empress Maria", "Chesma" and "Rostislav") was sent by Prince Menshikov to cruise to the shores of Anatolia. There was information that the Turks in Sinop were preparing forces for a landing at Sukhum and Poti.

Approaching Sinop, Nakhimov saw a detachment of Turkish ships in the bay under the protection of 6 coastal batteries and decided to closely blockade the port in order to attack the enemy with the arrival of reinforcements from Sevastopol.

On November 16 (28), 1853, Nakhimov’s detachment was joined by the squadron of Rear Admiral F. M. Novosilsky (120-gun battleships “Paris”, “Grand Duke Konstantin” and “Three Saints”, frigates “Kahul” and “Kulevchi”). The Turks could be reinforced by the allied Anglo-French fleet located in Beshik-Kertez Bay (Dardanelles Strait).

It was decided to attack in 2 columns: in the 1st, closest to the enemy, the ships of Nakhimov’s detachment, in the 2nd, Novosilsky’s, the frigates were supposed to watch the enemy steamers under sail; It was decided to spare the consular houses and the city in general if possible, hitting only ships and batteries. For the first time it was planned to use 68-pound bomb guns.

On the morning of November 18 (November 30), it was raining with gusty winds from OSO, the most unfavorable for the capture of Turkish ships (they could easily run ashore).

At 9.30 in the morning, keeping the rowing vessels at the sides of the ships, the squadron headed for the roadstead. In the depths of the bay, 7 Turkish frigates and 3 corvettes were located in a lunar shape under the cover of 4 batteries (one with 8 guns, 3 with 6 guns each); Behind the battle line there were 2 steamships and 2 transport ships.

At 12.30 p.m., on the first shot from the 44-gun frigate "Aunni-Allah", fire was opened from all Turkish ships and batteries. The battleship "Empress Maria" was bombarded with shells, most of its spars and standing rigging were broken, only one shroud of the mainmast remained intact. However, the ship moved forward non-stop and, operating with battle fire at enemy ships, dropped anchor against the frigate "Aunni-Allah"; the latter, unable to withstand half an hour of shelling, jumped ashore. Then the Russian flagship turned its fire exclusively on the 44-gun frigate Fazli-Allah, which soon caught fire and also washed ashore. After this, the Empress Maria's actions focused on Battery No. 5.

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

The battleship "Chesma" destroyed batteries No. 4 and No. 3 with its shots.

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

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

The battleship "Rostislav", covering the "Three Saints", concentrated fire on battery No. 6 and on the corvette "Feize-Meabud" (24 guns), and threw the corvette ashore.

At 13.30, the Russian steam frigate "Odessa" appeared from behind the cape under the flag of Adjutant General Vice Admiral V. A. Kornilov, accompanied by the steam frigates "Crimea" and "Khersones". These ships immediately took part in the battle, which, however, was already nearing its end; The Turkish forces were greatly weakened. Batteries No. 5 and No. 6 continued to harass the Russian ships until 4 o'clock, but the Paris and Rostislav soon destroyed them. Meanwhile, the rest of the Turkish ships, apparently set on fire by their crews, took off one after another; This caused a fire to spread throughout the city, and there was no one to put it out.

About 2 o'clock the Turkish 22-gun steam frigate "Tayf", armament 2-10 dm bomb, 4-42 lb., 16-24 lb. guns, under the command of Yahya Bey, broke away from the line of Turkish ships, which were suffering a severe defeat, and fled. Taking advantage of the speed advantage of the Taif, Yahya Bey managed to escape from the Russian ships pursuing him (the frigates Cahul and Kulevchi, then the steam frigates of Kornilov’s detachment) and report to Istanbul about the complete destruction of the Turkish squadron. Captain Yahya Bey, who was expecting a reward for saving the ship, was dismissed from service and stripped of his rank for “inappropriate behavior.” Sultan Abdulmecid was very dissatisfied with the flight of Taif, saying: “I would prefer that he did not flee, but died in battle, like the rest.” According to the French official newspaper Le Moniteur, whose correspondent visited the Taif immediately after its return to Istanbul, there were 11 killed and 17 wounded on the frigate. Statements widespread in Russian historiography that the Turkish admiral Mushaver Pasha and the chief adviser to Osman Pasha, the Englishman Adolf Slade, were on the Taif are not true.

Among the prisoners were the commander of the Turkish squadron, Vice Admiral Osman Pasha, and 2 ship commanders.

At the end of the battle, the ships of the Russian fleet began to repair damage to the rigging and spars, and on November 20 (December 2) they weighed anchor to proceed to Sevastopol in tow of steamers. Beyond Cape Sinop, the squadron encountered a large swell from NO, so the steamships were forced to give up tugs. At night the wind grew stronger, and the ships headed further under sail. On the 22nd (December 4), around noon, the victorious ships entered the Sevastopol roadstead amid general rejoicing.

The broadsword of the commander of the Turkish squadron Osman Pasha, which he gave to the winners

“By the extermination of the Turkish squadron, you decorated the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory, which will forever remain memorable in naval history.” Emperor Nicholas I “Destruction of the Turkish fleet in Sinop by a squadron consisting of...

“By the extermination of the Turkish squadron, you decorated the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory, which will forever remain memorable in naval history.”

Emperor Nicholas I

“The destruction of the Turkish fleet in Sinop by a squadron under my command cannot but leave a glorious page in the history of the Black Sea Fleet.”

P. S. Nakhimov

A. P. Bogolyubov. Destruction of the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Sinop

Background

In 1853, another war between Russia and Turkey began. It led to a global conflict involving the world's leading powers. The Anglo-French squadron entered the Dardanelles. Fronts were opened on the Danube and in Transcaucasia. St. Petersburg, which was counting on a quick victory over the Porte, a decisive advancement of Russian interests in the Balkans and a successful solution to the problem of the Bosporus and Dardanelles, received the threat of war with the great powers, with vague prospects. There was a threat that the Ottomans, followed by the British and French, would be able to provide effective assistance to the Shamil mountaineers. This led to a new large-scale war in the Caucasus and a serious threat to Russia from the south.

urgently transport reinforcements from Crimea to the Caucasus;
strike at enemy sea communications. Prevent the Ottomans from landing a large landing force on the eastern coast of the Black Sea in the Sukhum-Kale (Sukhumi) and Poti area to help the highlanders.

Pavel Stepanovich completed both tasks.

The battle of the frigate Vladimir with the Turkish-Egyptian military steamer Pervaz-Bahri on November 5, 1853. A. P. Bogolyubov

Strengths of the parties

Reinforcements arrived on time. On November 16 (28), 1853, Nakhimov’s detachment was reinforced by the squadron of Rear Admiral Fyodor Novosilsky: 120-gun battleships “Paris”, “Grand Duke Konstantin” and “Three Saints”, frigates “Kahul” and “Kulevchi”. As a result, under the command of Nakhimov there were already 6 battleships: the 84-gun “Empress Maria”, “Chesma” and “Rostislav”, the 120-gun “Paris”, “Grand Duke Constantine” and “Three Saints”, the 60-gun frigate “ Kulevchi" and the 44-gun "Kahul". Nakhimov had 716 guns; from each side the squadron could fire a salvo weighing 378 pounds 13 pounds. 76 guns were bomb guns, firing explosive bombs that had great destructive power. Thus, the Russian fleet had the advantage. In addition, Kornilov rushed to Nakhimov’s aid with three steam frigates.

Nakhimov's plan

The new, not the first Russian-Turkish war in Crimea began with a religious insult - the Sultan of Turkey handed over an important Christian shrine to Catholics, taking it from Russian priests. In response, Nicholas I sent forward troops, after which the Turkish Sultan declared war on Russia.

On the side of the Ottomans were two strong military powers - France and England. However, they were ready to remain neutral - with the condition that Russia would only defend itself. It was agreed that as soon as Russian troops were on foreign territory, the allies of the Ottoman Empire would enter the war.

Prerequisites for the battle.

The Russian fleet drifted in the Black Sea, not committing any reprehensible actions, but simply increasing its military presence. The Russian leadership remembered the ultimatum from England and France.

However, at that time there were battles on land, and the situation was not in Russia’s favor: the Ottomans won victories in the Caucasus and on the Danube. The Russians were defeated at Silistra, at Kalafat.

And at the end of September it took place Battle of Sinop by Admiral Nakhimov- he could not stand it, deciding to attack Sinop Bay, the port from which fresh Turkish forces were sailing to the Caucasus.

Battle of Sinop.

On the morning of September 30, 1853, Russian ships moved into Sinop Bay and blocked the exit from it to Turkish ships.

The Turkish fleet and artillery located on the shore opened fire. However, the Russian ships, firing back, continued to move forward. Only half a day passed when most of the Turkish artillery on the shore was suppressed, and by evening the fleet was completely defeated - only one steamer was able to escape from the battle.

Results of the battle.

Nakhimov's brilliant victory cost Russia dearly in this war. Having learned about Battle of Sinop, England and France demanded that the Russian emperor withdraw the army from Turkish territory - and when he refused, they entered the war, as promised, on the side of the Ottoman Empire.