Presidential Library highlights Admiral Ushakov’s contribution to the development of the Russian Navy

The 275th anniversary of the birth of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov (1744–1817) will be marked on February 24, 2019. The Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a righteous warrior, unprecedentedly brave defender of the Fatherland, and unsurpassed naval tactician. The Presidential Library releases rare books, which shed light on the history of victorious naval battles of the celebrated naval commander.

The book “Admiral Ushakov” authored by V. Antsiferov (1940) tells a story of the severe and ascetic youth of a cadet, son of a sergeant of the Preobrazhensky Lifeguard Regiment, who entered the Naval Cadet Corps in St. Petersburg. The internal regulations were neglected there at that time. Officials did not take much care of their students. Cadets had to steal firewood to keep warm in unheated bedrooms. After classes students were left on their own. His natural wit and academic achievements won the respect of his peers and officials. Two years after entering the corps, Fyodor Ushakov was promoted to midshipman (‘garde-marine’). After graduation from the Naval Corps in May 1766, Ushakov attained the rank of ‘michman’ (warrant officer) and joined the Baltic Fleet.

The book “History of Sevastopol as a Russian Port” by historian V. Golovachyov (1872) highlights the time when the successful sailor was transferred from the Baltic to the south, where he contributed to the development of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and the construction projects in Sevastopol.

“Having received the right to act independently, F. F. Ushakov became one of the celebrated Russian sailors,” the book by M. Lyalina “Exploits of Russian Admirals” (1900) reads in part. “Until now, Russian admirals preferred defensive tactics, Ushakov made the difference.”

The book by V. Ilinsky “Admiral F. F. Ushakov in the Mediterranean Sea. 1799” (1914) reads about unexpected military victories of France in the late 18th century. With an unprecedented speed within a short space of time the French occupied the Netherlands, territory of the present-day Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the Ionian Islands along the Adriatic’s western coast, which were part of Venice. They occupied part of Albania, Malta, Egypt, and conquered Spain.

As part of Russia’s efforts to protect Orthodox Christians in the East, Paul I lent a helping hand to the Orthodox population of the Ionian Islands. Fyodor Ushakov left Sevastopol, and on August 25, 1798 he dropped anchor in Buyuk Dere, a military port near Constantinople.

The military operation by a joint Russian and Turkish fleet to take control of the fortress of Corfu was launched on February 18, 1799. Russian sailors came under fire from five French batteries. Our ships returned fire and destroyed the French ships. By 10 o'clock the gunners of the two enemy batteries left their positions and Russia’s landing troops could join the fight. 1500 Russian soldiers as well as a detachment of the Turkish army entered the battle. The French had to give up the fortress. And just a while ago European newspapers reported that it was impossible to seize Corfu from the sea ...

Fyodor Ushakov entered the history of the Russian fleet as the only admiral who did not lose a single battle.