September 11 marks another day military glory Russia - Victory Day of the Russian squadron under the command of Rear Admiral Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov over the Ottoman fleet at Cape Tendra. This Day of Military Glory was established Federal law No. 32-FZ of March 13, 1995 “On the days of military glory and memorable dates Russia."
Background
During Russian-Turkish war 1768-1774 The Crimean Peninsula was annexed to Russia. Russia begins to create Black Sea Fleet and related coastal infrastructure. The Porte thirsted for revenge; in addition, the British and French, fearing Russia’s consolidation in the Black Sea region and access to the Mediterranean Sea, pushed the Turkish government to a new war with the Russians. In August, Istanbul presented Russia with an ultimatum demanding the return of Crimea and reconsider all previously concluded agreements. These arrogant demands were rejected. At the beginning of September 1787, the Turkish authorities, without an official declaration of war, arrested the Russian ambassador Ya. I. Bulgakov, and Turkish fleet under the command of the “Crocodile of Sea Battles” Hassan Pasha, he left the Bosphorus in the direction of the Dnieper-Bug estuary. A new Russian-Turkish war began.
By the beginning of the war, the Russian fleet was significantly weaker than the Turkish one. Naval bases and a shipbuilding industry were in the process of being established. The vast territories of the Black Sea region were at that time one of the far outskirts of the empire, which had just begun to be developed. It was not possible to replenish the Black Sea Fleet with ships from the Baltic Fleet; the Turkish government refused to allow the squadron through the straits from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. The Russian fleet was greatly inferior in the number of ships: by the beginning of hostilities, the Black Sea Fleet had four battleships, and the Turkish military command had about 20; in terms of the number of corvettes, brigs, and transports, the Turks had an approximately 3-4 times superiority. Russian battleships were also inferior in quality terms: in speed and artillery armament. In addition, the Russian fleet was divided into two parts. Core fleet, mostly large sailing ships, based in Sevastopol, rowing ships and a small part sailing fleet was located in the Dnieper-Bug estuary (Liman flotilla). The main task of the fleet was to protect Black Sea coast in order to prevent the invasion of enemy troops.
The Russian fleet, despite its weakness, successfully resisted the Turkish naval forces. In 1787-1788 The Liman flotilla successfully repulsed all enemy attacks, the Turkish command lost many ships. On July 14, 1788, the Sevastopol squadron under the command of the commander of the battleship "Pavel" Ushakov, the formal leader of the squadron, Rear Admiral M. I. Voinovich, was indecisive and withdrew from the battle, defeated significantly superior forces enemy (the Turks had 15 battleships and 8 frigates, against 2 Russian battleships, 10 frigates). This was the first baptism of fire The Sevastopol squadron is the main combat core of the Black Sea Fleet.
In March 1790, Ushakov was appointed commander of the Black Sea Fleet. He had to do a lot of work to increase the combat effectiveness of the fleet. Much attention was devoted to personnel training. The naval commander took ships to sea in any weather and conducted sailing, artillery, boarding and other exercises. Ushakov relied on maneuver combat tactics and the training of his commanders and sailors. He attached great importance to the “useful opportunity” when the enemy’s indecision, hesitation and mistakes allowed a more proactive and strong-willed commander to win. This made it possible to compensate for more high numbers enemy fleet and best quality enemy ships.
After the battle of Fidonisi, the Turkish fleet did not undertake any active actions in the Black Sea. IN Ottoman Empire built new ships, conducted active diplomatic struggle against Russia. During this period, a difficult situation developed in the Baltic. The Swedish government considered that the situation was very favorable for starting a war with Russia, with the goal of returning the coastal regions lost during the Russian-Swedish wars. England took an inflammatory position, pushing the Swedes to attack. The government of Gustav III presented an ultimatum to St. Petersburg demanding the transfer of part of Karelia with Kexholm to Sweden, the disarmament of the Baltic Fleet, the transfer of Crimea to the Turks and the acceptance of “mediation” in the Russian-Turkish conflict.
At this time Baltic Fleet were actively preparing for a campaign in the Mediterranean Sea, for action against the Turks. The Mediterranean squadron was already in Copenhagen when it had to be urgently returned to Kronstadt. Russian Empire had to fight a war on two fronts - in the south and in the northwest. For two years it went Russian-Swedish war(1788-1790) Russians armed forces They came out of this war with honor, the Swedes were forced to sign the Verel Peace Treaty. The end of this war has improved strategic position Russia, but this conflict greatly depleted the military and economic resources of the empire, which affected the course of hostilities with Turkey.
The Turkish command planned in 1790 to land troops on the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea, in Crimea and capture the peninsula. Admiral Hussein Pasha was appointed commander of the Turkish fleet. Threat to Crimean peninsula was very significant, there were few Russian troops here. The Turkish landing force, boarded on ships in Sinop, Samsun and other ports, could be transferred and landed in Crimea in less than two days.
Ushakov conducted a reconnaissance campaign along the Turkish coast: Russian ships crossed the sea, went to Sinop and from there went along the Turkish coast to Samsun, then to Anapa and returned to Sevastopol. Russian sailors captured more than a dozen enemy ships and learned about the preparation of the Turkish fleet in Constantinople with landing forces. Ushakov again took his forces to sea and on July 8 (July 19), 1790, defeated the Turkish squadron near the Kerch Strait. Admiral Hussein Pasha had a slight superiority in forces, but was unable to take advantage of it; the Turkish sailors wavered under the Russian attack and fled (the best ride quality Turkish ships allowed them to escape). This battle disrupted the landing of enemy troops in the Crimea and demonstrated the excellent training of the crews of Russian ships and the high naval skill of Fyodor Ushakov.
After this battle, the Turkish fleet disappeared into its bases, where intensive work began to restore the damaged ships. The Turkish admiral hid the fact of defeat from the Sultan, declared victory (the sinking of several Russian ships) and began to prepare for a new operation. To support Hussein, the Sultan sent an experienced junior flagship, Seyid Bey.
On the morning of August 21, the main part of the Turkish fleet was concentrated between Hadji Bey (Odessa) and Cape Tendra. Under the command of Hussein Pasha there was a significant force of 45 ships: 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 auxiliary ships, with 1400 guns. At this time, Russian troops began an offensive in the Danube area, and they were supposed to be supported by a rowing flotilla. However, due to the presence of the enemy fleet, the Liman flotilla could not support ground forces.
On August 25, Ushakov took his squadron to sea, it consisted of 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship and 16 auxiliary ships, with 836 guns. On the morning of August 28, the Russian fleet appeared at the Tendrovskaya Spit. The Russians discovered the enemy, and the admiral gave the order to approach. For the Turkish Kapudan Pasha, the appearance of Russian ships came as a complete surprise; he believed that the Russian fleet had not yet recovered from the Battle of Kerch and was stationed in Sevastopol. Seeing the Russian fleet, the Turks rushed to quickly cut off the anchors, set the sails and moved in disarray to the mouth of the Danube.
Russian ships began pursuing the retreating enemy. The Turkish vanguard, led by the flagship of Hussein Pasha, took advantage of the progress and took the lead. Fearing that the lagging ships would be overtaken by Ushakov and pressed to the shore, the Turkish admiral was forced to make a turn. While the Turks were restructuring their formations, the Russian squadron, at a signal from Ushakov, formed three columns into a battle line. Three frigates - “John the Warrior”, “Jerome” and “Protection of the Virgin”, were left in reserve and located at the vanguard in order to, if necessary, suppress the attacking actions of advanced enemy ships. At three o'clock both squadrons went parallel to each other. Ushakov ordered to reduce the distance and open fire on the enemy.
Ushakov, using his favorite tactic - to concentrate fire on the enemy’s flagship (its defeat caused demoralization of the Turkish sailors), ordered a strike on the Turkish vanguard, where the Turkish flagships of Hussein Pasha and Seyid Bey (Seit Bey) were located. The fire of the Russian ships forced the leading part of the enemy fleet to gybe (turn the ships with their bows into the wind) and retreat to the Danube. The Russian squadron drove the Turks and kept up constant fire. By 5 p.m. the entire line of the Turkish squadron was completely defeated. The pursuit continued for several hours, only the onset of darkness saved the Turks from complete defeat. The Turkish ships sailed without lights and constantly changed courses in order to confuse the Russian squadron. However, this time the Turks failed to escape (as was the case during the Battle of Kerch).
At dawn next day The Turkish fleet was discovered on Russian ships, which was “scattered all over different places.” The Turkish command, seeing that the Russian squadron was located nearby, gave the signal to join and withdraw. The Turks took a course to the southeast, and the heavily damaged ships reduced the speed of the squadron and fell behind. One of the Turkish flagships, the 80-gun ship Capitania, brought up the rear of the Turkish formation.
At 10 o'clock in the morning, the Russian ship "Andrey" was the first to overtake the enemy and opened fire on him. The battleships "George" and "Transfiguration of the Lord" came up behind him. They surrounded the enemy flagship and, taking turns, fired salvo after salvo at it. The Turks offered stubborn resistance. At this time, the Russian flagship “Rozhdestvo Khristovo” approached. He stood 60 meters away from the Turks and shot at enemy ships at the closest distance. The Turks could not stand it and “begged for mercy and their salvation.” Seyid Pasha, the captain of the ship Mehmet Darsey and 17 staff officers were captured. The ship could not be saved; due to a fire on board, it soon went up in the air.
At this time, other Russian ships caught up with the enemy 66-gun battleship Meleki-Baghari, blocked it and forced it to capitulate. Then several more ships were captured. In total, more than 700 Turks were captured. According to Turkish reports, the fleet lost up to 5.5 thousand people killed and wounded. The remaining Turkish ships retreated in disorder to the Bosporus. On the way to the Bosphorus, another battleship and several small ships sank. The military skill of the Russian squadron is evidenced by its losses: 46 people killed and wounded.
A ceremonial meeting was arranged for Fyodor Ushakov’s squadron in Sevastopol. The Russian Black Sea Fleet won a decisive victory over the Turks and made a significant contribution to the overall victory. The northwestern part of the Black Sea was cleared of the enemy Navy, and this opened access to the sea for the ships of the Liman flotilla. With the assistance of the ships of the Liman flotilla, Russian troops took the fortresses of Kiliya, Tulcha, Isakchi and, then, Izmail. Ushakov wrote one of its brilliant pages into the maritime chronicle of Russia. Maneuver tactics sea battle Ushakova completely justified herself, the Turkish fleet ceased to dominate the Black Sea.
The time has come to introduce you to a new section on our website - “Days of Military Glory of Russia”.
The first holiday will be September 11 - the Day of Military Glory of Russia. Victory Day of the Russian squadron under the command of F.F. Ushakov over the Turkish squadron at Cape Tendra in 1790.
Location
The first thing that interested me was the location of this cape. To be honest, I had never heard of Cape Tendra before. Googled it. It turned out that it was in the northern part of the Black Sea - in the territory of what is now Crimea and Ukraine, not far from Odessa.
The following is under what circumstances the battle took place and what led to it.
Prerequisites
The battle itself took place as part of the next Russian-Turkish war. It lasted 5 years: from 1787 to 1792. It was preceded by the battle of the Kerch Strait, after which Kapudan Pasha Hussein (commander of this Turkish fleet) retreated to the Turkish shores, patched up the holes of his ships, took with him several battleships - the main impact force any fleet of that time and returned to the shores of Russia in early August 1790.
On August 17, Hussein Pasha approached the exit from the Dnieper estuary, anchoring his entire fleet between Tendra Island and the coast near Hajibey. This situation allowed the Turkish fleet to block the exit from the Dnieper estuary and keep under control the important Russian fleet Liman-Sevastopol communication, preventing the connection of the Sevastopol naval fleet with new ships from Kherson.
Comparison of enemy forces
The Turkish fleet under the command of Hüseyin Pasha included:
- 14 battleships (up to 1000 guns, up to 10,000 crew).
- 8 frigates (up to 360 guns).
- 23 bombardment ships, small cruisers and floating batteries.
As part of the Russian fleet under the command of Rear Admiral F.F. Ushakov numbered:
- 10 battleships (596 guns).
- 6 frigates (240 guns).
- 1 bombardment ship.
- 1 rehearsal vessel.
- 17 small cruising ships and 2 fire ships.
- The total number of crews reached 7,969 people, including 6,577 people on battleships and frigates.
In general, even with the naked eye one can see that the superiority of power was clearly on the side of the Turks. However, Ushakov would not have become such a great admiral if he had not gone on the attack first.
Don't think what it was spontaneous decision. One of the principles that helped Fedor Fedorovich win always and everywhere was the following: “Know where the enemy is, in what numbers and what his intentions are.”
Start of the battle
The battle itself began on September 8, 1790 and lasted 2 days. Based on the results of timely reconnaissance, Ushakov knew even before leaving Sevastopol that the enemy’s forces were superior to the fleet at his command, but this did not prevent the great naval commander from confidently launching the attack first.
By 8 o'clock in the morning on September 8, the Russian fleet was sailing exactly downwind from Sevastopol and became a real contrast shower for Husein Pasha, who could not even think that Ushakov would decide to attack first.
The Russian commander ordered the sails to be increased and, “taking advantage of the enemy’s strong wind and disorder, he hurried to get closer and attack.” The Turkish fleet, having cut off the anchor ropes and set sail in disarray, tried to evade the battle.
But Ushakov, without wasting time on reforming into battle formation, pursued the enemy in marching order and at noon created a threat to the lagging ships of the Turkish fleet. Fearing that his rearguard might be cut off from the main forces of the fleet, Kapudan Pasha was forced to turn and began to build a battle line.
At a signal from Fyodor Fedorovich, the Russian fleet at 12 o'clock also moved into the battle line and also turned after the Turks, maintaining a windward position. At the same time, he, fearing a counter-offensive if the wind direction changed, ordered the leading three frigates - “John the Warrior”, “Jerome” and “Protection of the Virgin” - to leave the general formation and build a reserve corps.
This formation also made it possible to unite the forward part of the battle line, concentrating at its head 6 battleships with support from those frigates - 68% of all the fleet's guns. A kind of dagger tip was formed, ready to pierce its opponent at the first opportunity.
After this, at the signal “Go down on the enemy,” the Russian fleet approached the Turkish fleet within the distance of a grape shot (less than 100 meters) and at 15 o’clock entered into a fierce battle. Under the fire of Russian ships, the Turks suffered great damage and losses and involuntarily descended into the wind, pursued by a persistent enemy (Ushakov).
At about 16 o'clock, one of the flagship Turkish ships - an advanced 80-gun ship, which was also extremely fast, took the lead and, turning around, tried to win the wind in order to hit the lead ship of the Russian fleet, St. George the Victorious, with longitudinal fire.
At a signal from the Russian rear admiral, the frigates of the “reserve corps” increased their speed and stopped this daring attempt. Having come under fire from the frigate “John the Warrior,” commanded by Captain 2nd Rank A.G. Baranov, the Turkish ship descended into the wind and passed between the lines of hostile fleets, hit by cannonballs from the ships of the Russian vanguard and corps de battalion.
The flagship of Kapudan Pasha Hussein also suffered serious damage, attacked by Ushakov’s flagship “Rozhdestvo Khristovo” and the strongest ships neighboring it.
At about 5 p.m. on September 8, unable to withstand the heavy fire from the Russians, Kapudan Pasha and the entire Turkish fleet fled in disarray. While performing the retreat maneuver, the ships of Hüseyin Pasha and the next-ranking flagship, the three-bunched Pasha (Admiral) Seit Bey, came dangerously close to Russian line battles.
“Nativity of Christ” and “Transfiguration of the Lord” inflicted new serious damage on these ships, and “Kapudania” under the flag of Seit Bey lost its main parts.
The Russian fleet, under full sail, pursued the enemy until 20:00 in the evening, when the latter, “considering the lightness of the ships,” somewhat broke away from the pursuit and, without lighting the lights, began to hide in the darkness.
End of the battle
At dawn on September 9, the Russians again set sail and from 7 a.m. continued to pursue the ships of the Turkish fleet, which, following the movements of Kapudan Pasha, maneuvered in disarray in order to reach the wind.
The general pursuit allowed the fastest Russian ships get ahead and by 9 a.m. cut off the damaged 66-gun battleship Meleki-Bahri, which rushed to the shore.
Behind him rushed the 66-gun ship "Mary Magdalene" under the pennant of captain of brigadier rank G.K. Golenkin, the 50-gun ship "St. Alexander Nevsky" under the command of captain 2nd rank N.L. Yazykov, as well as two frigates .
At about 10 o'clock in the morning, surrounded by Russian ships and considering resistance hopeless, captain Kara-Ali surrendered the Meleki-Bahri to brigadier G.K. Golenkin. 560 Turkish sailors were captured, the remaining 90 crew members of the Meleki-Bahri were killed or died from wounds received in the battle of the previous day.
Most of the Turkish ships, led by Kapudan Pasha, managed to escape into the wind and retreat to the Turkish shores. However, the damaged 74-gun ship of Sait Bey "Kapudania", abandoned by his comrades, was overtaken by Captain 1st Rank R. Wilson at 10 o'clock in the morning on the 50-gun ship "Saint Andrew the First-Called", who shot down the enemy ship with his fire fore topsail and forced him to slow down.
This allowed the ships “St. George the Victorious” and “Transfiguration of the Lord” to get closer to the “Kapudania”, and soon the strongest ship in the fleet, “Nativity of Christ”.
Seit Bey and captain Makhmet-deriya desperately defended themselves, but the “Nativity of Christ” approached the “Kapudania” at a distance of no more than 30 fathoms (54 meters) and inflicted a severe defeat on it with heavy gun fire.
All three masts of the Turkish ship fell overboard, and the “Nativity of Christ” entered unhindered from the bow to complete the defeat of the enemy. But at that moment - about 11 o'clock - the Turkish sailors poured out and asked for mercy.
“Kapudania” was already burning - thick smoke appeared on it. The boat sent by the Russians managed to remove Sait Bey himself, the commander and 18 other “officials” from the ship. Other boats could not reach the hull, which was engulfed in flames.
Soon "Kapudania" was blown into the air. The Russians were left to pick up survivors of the explosion from the water and from the wreckage. Thus, 81 people were saved.
Russian cruising ships, not without success, pursued the scattered small ships of the enemy. They captured a Turkish lançon, a brigantine and a floating battery that had run aground.
Results of the battle
The total losses of the Turkish fleet in the battle were 2 battleships and 3 small vessels. 733 people were captured, including the admiral and four commanders. Another 74-gun ship of Arnaut-Asan-captain and several small Turkish ships sank from holes in fresh weather during the retreat.
Losses of the Turkish fleet in people, except prisoners, according to approximate estimate amounted to at least 1,400 people killed and wounded, of which up to 700 sailors and officers died along with the “Kapudania”.
After the battle, Hussein Pasha gathered his battered ships at Cape Kaliakria ( west bank Black Sea), after which he soon headed to the Bosporus, where the Turkish fleet disarmed in Tersana.
In November, the prisoners reported to the Russians rumors circulating in Constantinople
“Upon arrival with the fleet, Captain Pasha falsely reported that he allegedly defeated our fleet, but it will soon be found out that they are very defeated and have great loss in the courts, at the same time the captain-pasha disappeared without anyone, they think he fled.”
Damage to ships of the Russian fleet as a whole was insignificant. On the "Nativity of Christ", "St. Alexander Nevsky", "Peter the Apostle" the shot masts required replacement (one at a time). Other ships had only light damage to their spars and sails. And on the St. Paul, one gun on the upper deck exploded due to its firing. Of the personnel, 46 people were killed, of which 21 people died in the battle.
As a result of the defeat of the Turkish fleet at Tendra and its retreat, the Russian Black Sea Fleet F.F. Ushakova successfully united with the Liman squadron and later returned to Sevastopol.
An important strategic result of the battle was the conquest of the fleet in the northern part of the Black Sea. This allowed the Russians to constantly maintain communication between Liman and Sevastopol, and on September 29 - October 1 to freely transfer the Taganrog squadron of captain brigadier rank S.A. to Sevastopol. Pustoshkin, which included two new 46-gun ships “Tsar Konstantin” and “Fedor Stratilat”, a brigantine and 10 cruising ships.
Victory at Tendra Island received highly appreciated Commander-in-Chief and Empress Catherine II. So Field Marshal General Prince G.A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky in the fall of 1790 visited the “Nativity of Christ” on the roadstead against Hajibey, gathered and congratulated the ship commanders on the victory.
The commander-in-chief considered the battle at Kerch and Tendra the most important argument in negotiations with the Turks to conclude peace and reproached the Ottoman military leaders for hiding defeats:
“Their lazy captain-pasha, having been defeated near Teman, fled with the damaged ships like a whore, and now five more ships are being repaired, and he said that he sank several of our ships. This lie was published by the vizier. Why do they lie and deceive themselves and the sovereign? Now the fleet also had a battle, where they lost "Captain" and more big ship taken, on which the captain was Kara-Ali... But all the ships and people would have been intact if peace had already been made.”
“I cannot sufficiently describe the courage, skill and goodwill of the commander, Rear Admiral and Cavalier Ushakov. The squadron commander of brigadier rank, captain and cavalier Golenkin, and all ship commanders deserve the highest V.I.V. mercy."
Results
This was the first great victory at sea for the great naval commander Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov. For this he, as well as other commanders who took part in this battle, were awarded a huge amount medals and orders for courage.
In addition, on January 11, 1791, Rear Admiral F.F. Ushakov with a warrant from G.A. Potemkin was appointed commander of the entire fleet and military ports under general management commander-in-chief. This appointment put into the hands of Ushakov not only all floating ships, but also the rear structures of the fleet and allowed him in the best possible way prepare the fleet for the 1791 campaign.
I really enjoyed re-reading the articles and collecting material on this topic. Now I know the details of one of the great battles on our native Black Sea. And the best part is, you know too.
Congratulations on the upcoming holiday!
Victory Day of the Russian squadron under the command of Fyodor Ushakov over the Turkish squadron at Cape Tendra (1790) - this holiday was established by the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 “On the days of military glory (victorious days) of Russia.” On August 28 (September 8), 1790, during the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791, a battle took place at Cape Tendra in the northeastern part of the Black Sea between the Russian and Turkish squadrons. The victory at Cape Tendra ensured the lasting dominance of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea in the 1790 campaign.
During the two-day naval battle off the island. Tendra in 1790 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 20 auxiliary ships (total 826 guns) by Rear Admiral F.F. Ushakov attacked the anchored Turkish fleet of Kapudan Pasha Hussein (14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 small vessels, a total of 1,400 guns). After a 1.5-hour battle, the Turks withdrew from the battle. The next day, the Russian squadron pursued the Turks fleeing to the Bosphorus. The battleship Meleki-Bokhri was captured and several ships were destroyed. The passage of the Russian rowing flotilla to the Danube and its participation in the capture together with the troops of A.V. were ensured. Suvorov of a number of fortresses, including Izmail.
The victory of the Black Sea Fleet at Tendra was complete, made a significant contribution to the outcome of the war, made it possible to clear the northwestern part of the Black Sea of enemy ships and opened free access to the sea for the ships of the Liman flotilla. As a result, with the assistance of the Russian flotilla that entered the Danube Russian troops took the fortresses of Kiliya, Tulcha, Isakchi and, finally, Izmail.
Tendra is inscribed in the history of world naval art. Admiral Ushakov became one of the first Russian flagships recognized by Europe, and the innovator of maneuverable naval combat tactics, which paid off in the battle, led to the destruction of Turkish dominance in the Black Sea and established Russia's position on its shores.
225 years ago, on September 9, 1790, during the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791, the battle took place at Cape Tendra - a Russian squadron under the command of Rear Admiral Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov defeated superior Turkish forces under the command of Hussein Pasha.
On the morning of September 1, the main part of the Turkish fleet was concentrated between Hadji Bey (Odessa) and Cape Tendra. Under the command of Hussein Pasha there was a significant force of 45 ships: 14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 auxiliary ships, with 1400 guns. At this time, Russian troops began an offensive in the Danube area, and they were supposed to be supported by a rowing flotilla. However, due to the presence of the enemy fleet, the Liman flotilla could not support ground forces.
On September 5, Ushakov took his squadron to sea, it consisted of 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship and 16 auxiliary ships, with 836 guns.
On the morning of September 8, the Russian fleet appeared at the Tendrovskaya Spit. The Russians discovered the enemy, and the rear admiral gave the order to approach. For the Turkish Kapudan Pasha, the appearance of Russian ships came as a complete surprise; he believed that the Russian fleet had not yet recovered from the Battle of Kerch and was stationed in Sevastopol.
Seeing the Russian fleet, the Turks rushed to quickly cut off the anchors, set the sails and moved in disarray to the mouth of the Danube.
Russian ships began pursuing the retreating enemy. The Turkish vanguard, led by the flagship of Hussein Pasha, took advantage of the progress and took the lead. Fearing that the lagging ships would be overtaken by Ushakov and pressed to the shore, the Turkish admiral was forced to make a turn.
While the Turks were restructuring their formations, the Russian squadron, at a signal from Ushakov, formed three columns into a battle line. Three frigates - “John the Warrior”, “Jerome” and “Protection of the Virgin”, were left in reserve and located at the vanguard in order, if necessary, to suppress the attacking actions of advanced enemy ships. At three o'clock both squadrons went parallel to each other. Ushakov ordered to reduce the distance and open fire on the enemy.
Ushakov, using his favorite tactic - to concentrate fire on the enemy’s flagship (its defeat caused demoralization of the Turkish sailors), ordered a strike on the Turkish vanguard, where the Turkish flagships of Hussein Pasha and Seyid Bey (Seit Bey) were located. The fire of the Russian ships forced the leading part of the enemy fleet to jibe (turn the ships with their bows into the wind) and retreat to the Danube.
The Russian squadron drove the Turks and kept up constant fire. By 5 p.m. the entire line of the Turkish squadron was completely defeated. The pursuit continued for several hours, only the onset of darkness saved the Turks from complete defeat. The Turkish ships sailed without lights and constantly changed courses in order to confuse the Russian squadron. However, this time the Turks failed to escape (as was the case during the Battle of Kerch).
At dawn the next day, the Turkish fleet was discovered on Russian ships, which was “scattered all over in different places.” The Turkish command, seeing that the Russian squadron was located nearby, gave the signal to join and withdraw. The Turks took a course to the southeast, and the heavily damaged ships reduced the speed of the squadron and fell behind. One of the Turkish flagships, the 80-gun ship Capitania, brought up the rear of the Turkish formation.
At 10 o'clock in the morning, the Russian ship "Andrey" was the first to overtake the enemy and opened fire on him. The battleships "George" and "Transfiguration of the Lord" came up behind him. They surrounded the enemy flagship and, replacing each other, fired salvo after salvo at it. The Turks offered stubborn resistance.
At this time, the Russian flagship “Rozhdestvo Khristovo” approached. He stood 60 meters away from the Turks and shot at enemy ships at the closest distance. The Turks could not stand it and “begged for mercy and their salvation.” Seyid Pasha, the captain of the ship Mehmet Darsey and 17 staff officers were captured. The ship could not be saved; due to a fire on board, it soon went up in the air.
At this time, other Russian ships caught up with the enemy 66-gun battleship Meleki-Baghari, blocked it and forced it to capitulate. Then several more ships were captured.
In total, more than 700 Turks were captured. According to Turkish reports, the fleet lost up to 5.5 thousand people killed and wounded. The remaining Turkish ships retreated in disorder to the Bosporus. On the way to the Bosphorus, another battleship and several small ships sank.
The military skill of the Russian squadron is evidenced by its losses: 21 people were killed and 25 were wounded.
A ceremonial meeting was arranged for Fyodor Ushakov’s squadron in Sevastopol. The Russian Black Sea Fleet won a decisive victory over the Turks and made a significant contribution to the overall victory.
The northwestern part of the Black Sea was cleared of naval forces enemy, and this opened access to the sea for the ships of the Liman flotilla. With the assistance of the ships of the Liman flotilla, Russian troops took the fortresses of Kiliya, Tulcha, Isakchi and, then, Izmail. Ushakov wrote one of its brilliant pages into the maritime chronicle of Russia.
Ushakov’s maneuverable naval battle tactics fully justified themselves; the Turkish fleet ceased to dominate the Black Sea.
In honor of the victory at Tendra, September 11 is celebrated as Day of Military Glory.
During the two-day naval battle off the island. Tendra in 1790 10 battleships, 6 frigates, 20 auxiliary ships (total 826 guns) by Rear Admiral F.F. Ushakov attacked the anchored Turkish fleet of Kapudan Pasha Hussein (14 battleships, 8 frigates and 23 small vessels, a total of 1,400 guns). After a 1.5-hour battle, the Turks withdrew from the battle. The next day, the Russian squadron pursued the Turks fleeing to the Bosphorus. The battleship Meleki-Bokhri was captured and several ships were destroyed. The passage of the Russian rowing flotilla to the Danube and its participation in the capture of a number of fortresses, including Izmail, together with the troops, were ensured.
THE RUSSIANS LOST 46 PEOPLE, THE TURKS - 5500
On March 14, 1790 (dates are indicated in the old style), Rear Admiral F.F. was appointed commander of the Black Sea Fleet. Ushakov. He understood that the inequality of forces on the Black Sea did not promise sure success when using strict canons naval combat by ships in the battle line - the requirements of the so-called linear tactics, generally accepted at that time in all fleets of the world. There was a need to find new tactics. Its main principles, developed by Ushakov, denied blind submission to the battle line. The naval commander, in his opinion, at the beginning of the battle should have concentrated his efforts on the weakest part of his formation. The Turks had such a flagship ship, with the defeat of which the formation of Turkish ships crumbled, they took flight. In addition, Ushakov believed that in battle a strong reserve of mobile ships (frigates) was needed. During the battle, the naval commander should not miss favorable situations for himself (“useful cases” - hesitation, confusion, mistakes of the enemy) and use them for successful actions; ship commanders should also not miss “useful cases”. They imagined a certain amount of independence.
The new tactics produced their first results on July 8 in the battle of the Kerch Strait, where, despite numerical superiority, the Turkish fleet was defeated. The plan to seize Crimea by Turkish troops was thwarted. But sea power The Ottoman Empire was not completely undermined.
In early August, the Turkish fleet scattered throughout the sea again began to gather into a single squadron near the mouth of the Dnieper estuary, 10 miles from the coast. The commander of the Turkish fleet, Kapuda Pasha (Admiral) Huseyn (Husein), longed for revenge for the defeat at the Kerch Strait. To help him Turkish Sultan Selim III sent an experienced junior flagship - Seyid Bey.
Ushakov was also encouraged by the situation on land to quickly eliminate the danger from the sea. The Russian troops advancing towards the mouth of the Danube needed support from the sea and counted on the assistance of the fleet. But Ushakov was in no hurry to go to sea, because, having started a battle with one of the formations of the Turkish fleet, he risked exposing Sevastopol to the danger of attack by other detachments. Therefore, he waited for the concentration of all the forces of the Turkish fleet for a general battle.
On the morning of August 21, the main part of the Turkish fleet (45 ships) moved to the anchorage between Hadji Bey (Odessa) and Cape Tendra. Huseyn Pasha believed that the Russian squadron had not had time to recover from the previous battle and should not be expected to leave Sevastopol in the near future. But the Russians quickly repaired the damage to the ships, and Ushakov took them out to sea on August 25.
At dawn on August 28, 1790, Ushakov’s Russian squadron suddenly appeared in the area where the Turkish fleet was stationed near Tendra. She was inferior to the enemy: 10 battleships (of which only 5 were large), 6 frigates, 1 bombardment ship and 20 auxiliary ships against 14 large battleships, 8 frigates and 23 auxiliary ships. But the Russians had surprise and an advantageous position relative to the direction of the wind on their side. The Turks, not expecting an attack, hastily began to cut the anchor ropes and retreat to the mouth of the Danube.
Ushakov ordered to “bear all sails.” The leading Turkish ships managed to move a considerable distance away, but the rapid maneuver of the Russian squadron threatened to cut off their other ships.
Through the efforts of Kapudan Pasha and especially Seyid Bey, the Turks managed to overcome confusion and organize resistance. To cover his rearguard, the Turkish commander turned to starboard tack and hastily began to line up the ships in wake column for combat on a collision course. And the Russian ships, having completed a complex maneuver, set off on a course parallel to the enemy fleet.
Using a tactical technique that had proven itself in the Battle of Kerch, Ushakov took three frigates “Ioan the Warrior”, “Jerome” and “Protection of the Virgin” out of the line - to provide a maneuverable reserve in case of a change in the wind and a possible change in the direction of the enemy’s attack.
At 15 o'clock, having approached the range of a grape shot, the Russian ships opened fire. The main blow of their main forces was aimed at the Turkish vanguard, where the Turkish flagships were located. Ushakov's flagship "Rozhdestvo Khristovo" fought three ships at once, forcing them to leave the line.
After two hours of a fierce duel, the remaining Turkish ships, unable to withstand the fire, began to turn to the wind and leave the battle in disarray. But during the turn, a series of powerful volleys fell on them, leading to great destruction. Two flagships were especially affected Turkish ships, who were against the “Nativity of Christ” and the “Transfiguration of the Lord.” The Turks' confusion increased. Ushakov continued the pursuit of the junior flagship's ship. Russian ships followed the example of their leader. 3 Turkish ships were cut off from the main forces, but the onset of night saved the Turkish fleet. The ships of Ushakov's squadron anchored to repair the damage.
Seeing the Turkish fleet standing nearby at dawn on August 29, Ushakov ordered to immediately weigh anchor and attack it. The Turks, not having time to recover from the recent battle, decided to flee. Pursuing them, the Russian squadron forced the surrender of the 66-gun ship "Melehi Bahri" and the 74-gun ship of the junior Turkish flagship "Kapudanie", which was burning at the time of surrender and soon exploded. Only 20 people escaped and were captured, including Admiral Seyid Bey. On the way to the Bosphorus, another 74-gun ship and several small ships sank due to damage. In addition, the enemy lost two more small vessels and a floating battery that ran aground.
In reports to the Sultan, Turkish flagships wrote that the number of killed and wounded “extends” to 5,500 people. The Russians lost 46 people killed and wounded.
The victory of the Black Sea Fleet at Tendra was complete, made a significant contribution to the outcome of the war, made it possible to clear the northwestern part of the Black Sea of enemy ships and opened free access to the sea for the ships of the Liman flotilla. As a result, with the assistance of the Russian flotilla that entered the Danube, Russian troops took the fortresses of Kiliya, Tulcha, Isakchi and, finally, Izmail.
Tendra is inscribed in the history of world naval art. Admiral Ushakov became one of the first Russian flagships recognized by Europe, and the innovator of maneuverable naval combat tactics, which paid off in the battle, led to the destruction of Turkish dominance in the Black Sea and established Russia's position on its shores.
Sergey Tashlykov, candidate historical sciences, associate professor
Nikolay Royanov, candidate of military sciences, professor
TENDRA - VICTORY OF ADMIRAL USHAKOV
Fyodor Fedorovich was not an expert at composing lengthy reports, but he dictated an order of gratitude to the sailors who fought under his command at Tendra:
“For the battle that took place against Kochabey last August on the 28th and 29th against the enemy fleet during the defeat of another, about the blowing up of the admiral and the capture of another enemy ship and three other types of military ships, His Lordship deigned to announce to me with a warrant: for brave feats and skillful orders, the most grateful his gratitude, which he ordered me to declare to all the companions who were with me in battle, and to assure all of them that his lordship will not leave these exploits and their service to be fully presented, about which the gentlemen of the commanders of ships, frigates and other ships, also and to all the staff and chief officers and various ranks who are in the fleet with me during this battle, to announce.
I also express my most grateful gratitude and recommend tomorrow to bring a prayer to the Almighty for such a happily granted victory to everyone who is possible, from the ships to the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, priests from all over the fleet to be to this church at 10 o'clock in the morning and upon departure thanksgiving prayer fire from the ship “Nativity of Christ” from 51 cannons.”
SEVASTOPOL AND THE RUSSIAN FLEET BEFORE THE XX CENTURY
1771 Foundation of the Danube Rowing Flotilla.
1774 The end of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768 - 1774. The Kuchuk-Kainardzhi peace was concluded.
1778 Kherson city was founded.
1782 The Kherson Naval Corps was opened. The order was established"St. Vladimir" 4 degrees.
1783 Naval forces in the south of Russia they began to be called the Black Sea Fleet. Founding of Sevastopol.
1787 Beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787 - 1792.
1788 Battle of Fidonisi. The medal “For courage in the waters of Ochakov” was established in honor of the victory of the Russian rowing flotilla near Ochakov.
1790 Battle of Kerch Strait. Battle of Tendra.
1791 Battle of Cape Kaliakria. The Black Sea Artillery School was opened in Kherson.
1799 Capture of the island of Corfu by the combined Russian-Turkish fleet under the command of F.F. Ushakov.
1806 Beginning of the Russian-Turkish War (1806-1812).
1819 The stern St. George flag was established, preserving the basis of the design of St. Andrew's flag.
1827 Battle of Navarino. The defeat of the Turkish-Egyptian fleet by a united Russian-English-French squadron. A hydrographic service was founded.
1828 Beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1828 - 1829.
1829 May 26 (14) - The legendary battle of the brig "Mercury" (commander - Lieutenant Commander A.I. Kazarsky) with two Turkish battleships.
1829 The medal “For the Turkish War” was established.
1830. Actions of the Black Sea Fleet off the Caucasian coast 1830-1853.
1831 Participation of the Russian fleet in civil war in Greece 1831-1832
1833 Expedition of the Black Sea Fleet to the Bosphorus.
1841 A medal was established on the Annensky ribbon “For Diligence” (awarded to lower ranks who served in the Guards crew for 22 years or in the navy for 25 years).
1853 Beginning Crimean War 1853-1856
1853 November 17 (5) - the battle of the steam frigate "Vladimir" with the Turkish-Egyptian steamer "Pervaz-Bahri".
1855 September 5 - 8 (August 24-27) - sixth bombardment and assault of Sevastopol. 1855 The medal “For the Defense of Sevastopol” was established.
1856 Treaty of Paris signed. A medal “In memory of the war of 1853-1856” was established.
1867 A.A. Popov developed a project for a seaworthy battleship.
1875 - in Nikolaev, for the training of ship specialists, a school of machinists and stokers, a school of helmsmen and signalmen, and a school of shipkeepers were created.
1877 Beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878.
1877 July 23 (11) - the battle of the steamship "Vesta" under the command of Lieutenant Commander N.M. Baranov with the Turkish battleship "Fethi-Buland".
1878 The medal “In memory of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878” was established. For lower ranks, a medal “For Bravery” was established (since 1913 it was called the St. George medal). The first use of torpedo weapons by boats in history.
1881 A new shipbuilding program was adopted, which provided for the construction of 8 squadron battleships, 2 cruisers and 19 destroyers for the Black Sea within 20 years.
1895 Sevastopol again becomes the main base of the Black Sea Fleet. All major naval institutions are being transferred here from Nikolaev.
1896 Testing of the system in Sevastopol telephone communication for divers, which was then adopted throughout the fleet.
1899 Radio inventor A. S. Popov and his assistant N. K. Rybkin, having arrived in Sevastopol, installed radio stations on the battleships “George the Victorious”, “Three Saints” and on the mine cruiser “Captain Saken”.
