F. F. Ushakov is an admiral, one of those whose name is associated with the formation of the Russian fleet. He played the same role in the development of the country's naval forces that Suvorov played for the ground forces.
The beginning of life's journey
The biography of Admiral Ushakov begins on February 13, old style (February 24), 1745 in the village of Burnakovo, belonging to the Yaroslavl province. His parents were nobles belonging to an ancient but impoverished family.
From childhood, Fedor Ushakov strove for the sea, so he joined the Naval Cadet Corps. After graduation, he served in the B altic Fleet, and three years later, along with other best officers, he was transferred to Azov on the Black Sea.
The biography of Admiral Ushakov contains many glorious events that left a significant mark on Russian history. First, he became one of the youngest officers who was entrusted with the leadership of the frigate, and later - the captain of the battleship Viktor. Ushakov actively participated in the construction of Sevastopol as the main point where the newly created Black Sea Fleet was based.
In 1785, he supervised the construction of ships inKherson. Here Ushakov received his first award - the Order of St. Vladimir IV degree. But he was awarded it not for military exploits, but for success in the fight against the plague in the city.
Ushakov during the Russian-Turkish war
Ushakov's naval skills were first noticed and appreciated during the Russian-Turkish war. He was not afraid to break the already existing traditions of naval combat. Previously, the ships moved only parallel to each other and fired at the enemy from the side. But Ushakov did not adhere to these orders, he preferred to disrupt the formation of enemy ships, to make the flagship the main target. Having disabled it, Ushakov sowed panic among the enemy, who was left without command. As a result, ships rushing about in disarray, unable to maintain battle order, turned out to be defeated.
Like everything new, this naval battle tactic also met with strong resistance from the fleet command. But the brilliant victories of Ushakov convinced even the most stubborn opponents of the correctness of his actions. This played a significant role in his appointment as squadron commander.
Successes on the Black Sea
In this post, Ushakov again proved himself to be a competent naval commander. Near the island of Fidonisi, he managed to suppress the enemy's coastal batteries with the fire of the cannons of the forward detachment of ships, which was of great importance in the outcome of the battle. This battle became the baptism of fire of the Sevastopol squadron and the first naval battle of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1792. And the successful start of hostilities instilled self-confidence in the Russian naval forces.officers and sailors.
By the time Ushakov became commander of the Black Sea Fleet, the admiral earned respect even from the Turks, who began to call him Ushak Pasha. Victories in the Battle of Kerch and the Battle of Tendra added to the military glory of the Russian fleet. And in the battle of Kaliakria, the Turkish fleet was so squeezed between Ushakov's ships that they could not shoot because of the risk of hitting their own.
War in the Mediterranean
Even more impressive victories were won by Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov in the Mediterranean during the war with France. The Russian squadron liberated the Greek Ionian Islands, adhering to the tactics of shelling coastal fortifications and subsequent landings. In 1798, the island of Corfu, which was considered impregnable, was finally conquered from the French. These battles can be considered the starting point for the birth of the Russian amphibious assault.
The Russian victory at Corfu was so brilliant that it made the legendary Suvorov regret that he did not participate in this battle!
On the Ionian Islands, after the liberation, the first independent Greek state was created - the Republic of the Seven Islands. Ushakov also took an active part in its political arrangement. The admiral drew up the Constitution of the new state and achieved the conclusion of an agreement beneficial to both Russia and the Greek government.
At the Italian coast captured by the French, the Russian squadron again won impressive victories. After failing to hold Naples, the coastal fortresses were surrenderedFrench command in order to avoid heavy casu alties.
In 1800, Ushakov's squadron returned to Sevastopol in triumph.
Ushakov's innovation in naval affairs
During these actions, the scheme worked out by Ushakov for the joint actions of sea and land forces proved to be excellent. Subsequently, all textbooks on tactics were written about her. Naval combat maneuvers were also worked out in detail by Ushakov, who distributed the objects of fire and the route of each ship.
Under him, the mining of enemy ships was also used for the first time. This made it possible to bring discord and confusion into the ranks of the enemy, especially when the flagship was disabled at the very beginning of the battle. After that, the rest of the enemy ships were destroyed.
Ushakov is an admiral who developed a new system for training ship crews. For the first time, shooting training and land combat techniques were included in it. These principles of training naval officers and sailors were preserved even with the advent of steam ships.
All tactical moves of Ushakov during the naval battles he conducted were studied by naval commanders in subsequent years. Their significance and innovation were noted, for example, by the English admiral Nelson crowned with laurels. By his own admission, he owed Ushakov his victories at the Battle of Abukir and at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Retired
Unfortunately, all the merits of the illustrious admiral before Russia were forgotten as soon as he retired and left the capital. Even the naval department did not remember him. Butit was Ushakov who put the most effort into the creation and development of a combat-ready Black Sea Fleet.
Admiral F. F. Ushakov ended his life in October 1817 on his estate. They buried him in a monastery near Temnikov. The modest grave was almost invisible by the end of the century.
In the last years of his life, the great naval commander led a modest and secluded life in the village of Alekseevka, doing charity work. He did not like to draw attention to his person. And this, coupled with the efforts of enemies, caused the name F. F. Ushakov was practically forgotten.
Only in 1983 did an armadillo named after Admiral Ushakov appear in the Russian Navy.
Return of the glorious name
There was not a single lifetime portrait of the admiral, according to which one could imagine his appearance. Oddly enough, its appearance was restored only in the 40s of the XX century. Then a special commission established the exact burial place of Ushakov. And the famous sculptor-anthropologist M. M. Gerasimov, using his own technique, reconstructed the appearance of the admiral from the skull. The biography of Admiral Ushakov was also restored according to the documents preserved in the archives and the memoirs of contemporaries.
During the Great Patriotic War, the name of the famous naval commander was a symbol of selfless struggle against the enemy for sailors. In 1944, Admiral Ushakov's awards were established. Distinguished naval officers were awarded an order with two degrees. And the sailors for personal courage and heroism were awarded a medalUshakova.
In 1953 director Mikhail Romm filmed the feature film "Admiral Ushakov". The film received well-deserved recognition from moviegoers, becoming a powerful tool for patriotic education. The role of Ushakov was played by the famous Ivan Pereverzev. Excellent acting, vivid battle scenes, fascinating historical events, amazing combined shooting - all this became the key to the success of the film.
Named after the admiral
After the film was released, many objects bearing the name of Admiral Ushakov appeared on the screen. Metro, streets, educational institutions, ships of the military, merchant and fishing fleets began to be named after him.
Most of all such memorable places are in Sevastopol, a city closely associated with the name of the great naval commander. Ushakov Square with a monument near the Sailor's Club is always crowded. Near the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia there is another sculpture of the admiral, created at the expense of the sailors.
It is symbolic that the Naval Academy, the graduate of which was the famous naval commander, is located on the embankment named after him. And for the excellent work in training she was awarded the Order of Ushakov I degree. One of the bridges across the Neva is also named after the admiral.
There is Admiral Ushakov Boulevard in Moscow, next to it is the metro station of the same name.
In different cities of our country there are monuments to Ushakov, including in Saransk, in his homeland. But his memory is also honored in Greece and Bulgaria, who owe him their liberation from the Turkish yoke. Monuments erected on the island of Corfu, where every yearRussian Week is held, and at Cape Kaliakria.
The Russian Orthodox Church canonized Ushakov and ranked among the saints. The righteous warrior Theodore of Sanaksar has been the patron saint of the Russian navy since 2000, and the strategic air force since 2005.
The memory of the great son of the Russian people - Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov - is carefully preserved by descendants.
