Admiral Senyavin Dmitry Nikolaevich: biography, naval battles, awards, memory. The secret tragedy of "Admiral Senyavin" Promotion

"Admiral Senyavin"

Historical data

Total information

Booking

Armament

Artillery

12 - 152 mm/57.

Flak

12 - 100 mm/56 universal guns;
32 - 37 mm/67 gun mounts.

Torpedo weapons

2x5 533 mm TA.

Same type ships

"Admiral Senyavin"- Soviet light cruiser of Project 68-bis. He spent most of his service in the Pacific Fleet. In 1966-1972, she was rebuilt into a control cruiser under Project 68-U2, and served in this capacity until decommissioned in 1989.

General information

The ship of the "68-bis" project, in comparison with the "68-K" project, was distinguished by increased weight and size characteristics, an all-welded hull, an extended forecastle, improved habitability conditions, slightly increased power of steam turbine engines at full speed, quantitatively more powerful auxiliary and anti-aircraft caliber artillery, the presence special artillery radar stations in addition to optical means of aiming guns at the target, more modern navigation and radio equipment and communications equipment, increased autonomy (up to 30 days) and cruising range (up to 9000 miles). Project 68-bis was the “basic project” for subsequent modifications: Project 70-E and control ships of projects 68-U1 and 68-U2.

History of creation

Predecessors

The predecessors of the Project 68-bis cruisers were the Project 68-K light cruisers, laid down before the Great Patriotic War.

Training cruiser "Komsomolets" project 68-K on the Neva, early 1970s

Having entered service in the early 1950s and being at that time the largest and most modern artillery ships of the USSR Navy, Project 68-K cruisers served in the Northern, Baltic and Black Sea fleets - they participated in exercises, long voyages and foreign visits of USSR officials. The last of the cruisers of this type, Komsomolets, outlived all of its brothers, serving as a training cruiser until 1979.

Construction and testing

October 31, 1951 - laid down at Shipyard No. 189 (“S. Ordzhonikidze Plant”), Leningrad. During construction, the cruiser received serial number 437.

Modernization and refurbishment

In connection with the qualitative and quantitative improvement of communications, the USSR Navy began to need headquarters ships that would allow the full organization of communications and coordination of numerous squadrons anywhere in the world's oceans. Carrier cruisers of the "Kyiv" type, originally conceived, among other functions, to serve as flagships and headquarters ships, were still just being designed by the end of the 1960s, so the idea arose of converting several artillery cruisers of the 68-bis project into headquarters ships. The Zhdanov was the first to be modernized according to project 68-U1. The rear main caliber turret was dismantled on the ship and a helipad was installed on the poop deck, and in place of the removed turret a superstructure with an Osa-M air defense system was installed. Anti-aircraft weapons were also reinforced with four twin 30-mm AK-230 assault rifles with an automatic guidance system. In addition, the ship received a significantly expanded range of communications equipment, and a third mast (mizzen) was added to accommodate antenna posts.

"Admiral Senyavin" began modernization later than "Zhdanov" (at the end of 1966) and was rebuilt according to the modified project 68-U2. According to it, the cruiser lost both rear main-caliber turrets, as well as six B-11M assault rifles, but the superstructure added in their place also housed a hangar for the permanent deployment of the Ka-25 helicopter, and the number of 30-mm turret installations was increased to eight. Otherwise, the conversion was similar to Zhdanov.

Launch of the Osa anti-aircraft missile from the same type of Zhdanov

To solve the main tasks (control and communications) of the control ship on the cruiser "Admiral Senyavin", during its re-equipment, a set of posts for the flagship command post of the fleet commander (operational squadron commander) was provided. The composition of the complex included: a group headquarters operational post, designed to provide control of fleet forces (squadron), as well as interacting forces in preparation for and during the conduct of an operation; intelligence and communications headquarters posts, as well as the placement of an operational planning group for preparing materials and performing operational-tactical calculations when planning operations and an operational rear group for developing measures for logistical and special support of fleet forces (squadron).

The group headquarters operational post (post No. 51 according to the factory numbering) included control posts for fleet forces (squadrons), submarines, anti-submarine forces, missile-artillery and landing ships, ships and support vessels, means of combating enemy electronic means, coastal missile in parts, situation posts (main combat information post), aviation, air defense, mine defense and navigation support, protection against weapons of mass destruction and others.

The working space of the fleet commander (squadron commander) and the chief of staff with a conference room was equipped on platform II (under the wheelhouse), increasing the bow of the superstructure in front of the situation post. The premises of the operational planning group were located on site I, next to one of the new cockpits. The posts of the flagship command post complex were equipped with external and intra-ship communications equipment, remote navigation aids, tablet tables and vertical tablets. The situation post also had special air and surface situation tablets, as well as an external all-round visibility indicator.

The equipment installed on the cruiser during modernization made it possible to create more than 60 radio communication channels operating simultaneously in the entire frequency range, providing all possible types of work: auditory telephony and telegraphy, letterpress printing, phototelegraphy, ultra-high-speed communications, automatic reception of high-speed transmissions and satellite space communications.

New superstructure with anti-aircraft guns on the Admiral Senyavin after modernization according to project 68U2, 1972

The equipment of the long-distance communication post provided multi-channel communication via wire and radio relay lines when stationed at the fleet base. The reliable communication range between the ship and the shore reached 8 thousand kilometers, and when using a repeater - 12 thousand km. On space communication lines it was possible to communicate with any region of the World Ocean via satellites.

The possibility of further development and improvement of communication lines was envisaged, for which premises, masses, power supply capacity, etc. were reserved on the ship. During testing, the cruiser had stable and reliable radio communication with many communication centers (the General Staff of the country's Armed Forces, the General Staff of the Navy and fleet headquarters, and so on).

The operation of the communications equipment was ensured by more than 60 antennas, placed taking into account the simultaneous operation of various radio communications equipment. To do this, the receiving and transmitting antennas were installed at the maximum possible distances: transmitting in the stern, receiving in the center and on the forecastle. Due to the difficulties of placing such a number of antennas on the ship, a third mast was installed on it at a distance of about 25 m aft from the main mast, which had a height of about 32 m from the waterline, with antennas for the Elm HF station and Tsunami space communications. To increase the reliability of communication, decoupling devices and broadband antenna amplifiers were used, ensuring the operation of several radio receivers on one antenna.

Radio communication equipment was located in seventeen posts. A significant increase in the composition of transmitting communications equipment required an increase in the area of the transmitting radio center available on platform I on the starboard side by more than 35%; a transmitting radio center was installed on the lower deck in the same compartment on the left side. On the forecastle, in the middle part of the ship, due to the lengthening of the superstructure, government, long-range and radio relay posts were placed.

A special communications command post was equipped to guide, organize and control communications. Due to the significant increase in energy consumption, the installed capacity of the generators had to be increased by 30% with a corresponding expansion of the power plant premises. The placement of combat posts and personnel, the equipment of residential, medical, cultural and welfare, industrial and sanitary facilities, sanitary systems and devices that ensure habitability and conditions for the duties of the ship's crew at combat posts met the requirements of the Navy. In particular, the superstructure added at the stern provided a crew quarters and a powerful printing house.

When re-equipping the ship, they used a then progressive single-channel low-pressure air conditioning system in residential areas, providing the supply of cooled and dehumidified air. The system of aero-refrigeration of combat posts and ammunition cellars, and the cooling of all control posts in the engine rooms with cooled air ensured the creation of normal watchkeeping conditions for personnel at elevated outside temperatures in the areas where the ship was operating.

Replenishment of fresh water during the entire period of autonomy of its voyage based on provisions (30 days) was ensured by the operation of high-performance desalination and evaporation plants.

In 1977, the ship again underwent repairs and modernization at Dalzavod. During the modernization, the Kristall and Karat-M complexes were installed on the cruiser.

Characteristics of the cruiser after modernization according to project 68-U2

After modernization under Project 68-U2, the basic data of the cruiser changed.

The displacement was: full 17210, standard 13900 tons; machine power 2 x 55,000 l. With.

Armament: 2 x 3 152-mm MK-5-bis turrets, 6 x 2 100-mm SM-5-1 and 16 x 2 37-mm V-11 anti-aircraft guns, 8 x 2 30-mm automatic anti-aircraft guns AK- 230, 1 x 2 launchers of the Osa-M air defense missile system.

Description of design

Frame

For the first time in the practice of Soviet cruiser construction, an all-welded hull made of low-alloy steel (instead of riveted) was implemented.

Structural underwater mine and torpedo protection includes: a double hull bottom (length up to 154 m), a system of side compartments (for storing liquid cargo) and longitudinal bulkheads, as well as 23 main waterproof autonomous hull compartments formed by transverse sealed bulkheads. A significant role in the general and local strength of the ship is played by the mixed system of hull construction - mainly longitudinal - in the middle part, and transverse - in its bow and stern ends, as well as the inclusion of an “armored citadel” in the power scheme of the hull. The location of service and living quarters is almost identical to the Chapaev-class cruiser (Project 68-K).

Displacement 14700/16300 tons.

Dimensions 210/205x22/21/4x6.76/7.26 m

Booking

Reservation - the thickness of the armor belt from the 32nd to the 170th frame was 100 mm, at the ends - 20 mm.

Lower deck - 50 mm and 20 mm at the ends; bow traverse - 120 mm, stern - 100 mm.

Conning tower: side - 130 mm, deck - 30 mm and roof - 100 mm, reserve command post - 10 mm.

Wire protection pipe - 50 mm.

The posts inside the tower-like mast below the conning tower are 10 mm, the control tower is 13 mm, the rangefinder housings are 10 mm, the stabilized aiming post (SPN-500) and its barbettes are 10 mm. Armored channels - 10 m.

Grate bars and grates of machine-boiler fan shafts - 125 mm.

The steering and tiller compartments had 100 mm walls and 50 mm protection on top.

Main power plant

The main ship power plant (GPU) of cruisers of Project 68-bis is, in general, similar to the main power plant of cruisers of the Chapaev type (Project 68-k). It consists of two autonomous echelons located in eight compartments. The design weight of the power plant was 1911 tons. Includes: six main vertical, water-tube steam boilers of the triangular type KV-68, with natural circulation (one in the boiler room), equipped with a system of forced fan air pressurization into the boiler rooms, steam capacity of each, at full speed (taking into account 15 percent overload) - 115000 kg/h, operating steam pressure - 25 kgf/cm², superheated steam temperature - 370°±20°C, evaporating heating surface - 1107 m², specific gravity - 17.4 kg/hp; Two main turbo-gear units (TZA) - type TV-7, rated power of each - 55,000 hp, total maximum design power of full forward speed - 118,100÷128,000 hp, reverse - 25,270 hp. (25200÷27000 hp), each TPA rotates one shaft line, the length of the shaft line on the starboard side is 84.9 meters, on the left side (from the aft engine room) - 43.7 meters, propeller shafts with a diameter of 0.5 m, rotated two brass screws with a diameter of 4.58 meters and a mass of 16.4 tons each, with a rotation speed of 315 rpm; Auxiliary mechanisms, devices, pipelines, systems and fittings.

The main boilers of the KV-68 type, built by shipyards, no longer corresponded to the level of development of boiler technology in the 1950s (they had a relatively large specific gravity and low steam parameters)... The Project 68-bis cruisers were the last ships equipped with boilers of the KV-68 type, on Soviet ships of the new generation did not install these boilers.

The main TPA type TV-7, produced by the Kharkov Turbine Generator Plant (KhTGZ), in order to increase reliability, is equipped with adjustable guide vanes (guide vanes) at the inlet of the active stage, which ensured a reduction in the level of fatigue stresses in working blades with active profiles.

Each TPA worked on its own shafting (propeller shaft speed - 315 rpm). The length of the shafting on the starboard side is 84.9 m, on the left side (from the aft engine room) - 43.7 m. Propeller shafts with a diameter of 0.5 m rotated two brass propellers with a diameter of 4.58 meters and a mass of 16.4 tons every.

Two auxiliary boilers of the KVS-68-bis type with a steam capacity of 10.5 t/h provided heating and household needs for the crew in the parking lot. Electricity generation was provided by five TD-6 type turbogenerators and four DG-300 type diesel generators with a power of 300 kW each.

The design weight of the power plant was 1911 tons.

Composition of the main boiler-turbine power plant (GEM):

Six main steam boilers of the KV-68 type;

Two auxiliary boilers type KVS-68-bis;

Two main turbo gear units, TV-7 type, total power - 118,100 hp. (86,800 kW).;

Five turbogenerators of the TD-6 type;

Four diesel generators type DG-300.

Armament

Artillery:

12 (4×3) × 152 mm (B-38 guns in MK-5bis turrets)

Flak:

12 (6×2) × 100/56 mm

32 (16×2) × 37 mm (MZA V-11M)

Torpedo:

2 × 5 - 533 mm (PTA-53-68).

Service history

Light cruiser "Admiral Senyavin" in 1956 at the parade

On September 7, 1955, after crossing the Northern Sea Route from Severomorsk to the Far East, it became part of the KTOF.

In May 1960, she was sent for mothballing to Novik Bay as part of the 82nd DBK. In February 1961 it was reactivated.

From December 31, 1966 to July 24, 1972 - modernized and rebuilt at Dalzavod in Vladivostok into a control cruiser according to project 68-U2.

In 1977, the ship again underwent repairs and modernization at Dalzavod.

June 13, 1978 - during test firing on the ship, a fire and explosion occurred in the first bow tower of the main battery, killing 37 people.

PACIFIC TRAGEDY

On June 13, the Pacific Fleet celebrated a sad date - the 25th anniversary of the explosion in the main gun turret of the cruiser Admiral Senyavin.

The cruiser "Admiral Senyavin" - the flagship of the Pacific squadron - went to sea on June 13, 1978 to carry out artillery firing with the main caliber. That year, after the visit of the Pacific Fleet and this ship by the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee Leonid Brezhnev, many sought to get on the flagship. Well-known cultural workers, who arrived shortly before the start of the exercises from Moscow and Leningrad, did not fail to visit the cruiser. Some of them went out to sea to shoot.

The creative team included Alim Keshokov, Mark Zakharov, Lyudmila Shchipakhina, Leonid Rudny, Alexander Nikolaev, head of the Pravda department Sergei Koshechkin and the permanent correspondent of the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on the Pacific Fleet, poet Leonid Klimchenko.

The ships of the squadron weighed anchor and headed for the training ground. In the wake of the Admiral Senyavin was followed by another cruiser, the Dmitry Pozharsky.

The guests were informed that first there would be preparatory firing with the main caliber, followed by test firing. Soon commands were heard, and the cruiser shuddered with its entire hull - the main gun fired.

It was lunch time. All the guests gathered in the wardroom, except for the permanent correspondent of “Red Star” Leonid Klimchenko. Like a true military journalist, he headed to the first main caliber turret to describe everything that happened during the test firing “from the inside.” Salvo, second... The guests perked up and began to climb onto the navigation bridge. After the eighth salvo, something suddenly boomed. The cruiser shook more than usual. Smoke came out of the right barrel in a strange way, enveloping both the barrel and the turret. Screams were heard: “Protracted shot...”, “Explosion in the tower...” At the same time, an emergency alarm sounded...

The official version of the investigation into the causes of the explosion on the cruiser Admiral Senyavin was the commission’s conclusion that when the electrical signal was given to fire the ninth salvo, the right gun of turret No. 1 did not fire. Another shell was sent to the loaded gun by mistake. As a result, the charge in the gun chamber ignited. A powerful jet of gases ignited the charges prepared for firing. A fire broke out in the tower and instantly spread to the upper transfer compartment. There was a strong explosion...

37 people died in this terrible tragedy. Here are their names:

captain 2nd rank Klimchenko Leonid Leonidovich,

senior lieutenant Ponomarev Alexander Vasilievich,

Lieutenant Beluga Alexander Vladimirovich,

Lieutenant Mardanov Valery Yasavievich,

foreman 1st article Bikbov Rashid Kutuzovich,

foreman 1st class Kurochkin Anatoly Ilyich,

foreman 2nd article Anikin Ivan Iosifovich,

foreman 2nd class Shikabutdinov Ramil Samatovich,

foreman 2nd article Podolko Sergey Nikolaevich,

foreman 2nd class Ponomarev Viktor Fedorovich,

foreman 2nd class Akulichev Viktor Sergeevich,

foreman 2nd class Dadonov Alexander Fedorovich,

foreman 2nd class Vinogradov Viktor Mikhailovich,

foreman 2nd class Budakov Alexander Petrovich,

senior sailor Kulunov Viktor Vasilievich,

sailor Gilaziev Farid Garievich,

sailor Galkin Gennady Nikolaevich,

sailor Borodin Alexey Vasilievich,

sailor Boldyrev Alexander Evgenievich,

sailor Yudin Anatoly Borisovich,

sailor Zolotarev Viktor Vasilievich,

sailor Ortikov Mahamadali Abdullaevich,

sailor Svinin Alexander Romanovich,

sailor Suleymanov Nail Mansurovich,

sailor Chergushevich Yuri Mikhailovich,

sailor Arkhipenko Valery Nikolaevich,

sailor Anufriev Alexander Nikolaevich,

sailor Shutov Leonid Semenovich,

sailor Pinchuk Alexander Stepanovich,

sailor Lomaev Nikolai Alexandrovich,

sailor Kostylev Viktor Antonovich,

sailor Matrenin Anatoly Mikhailovich,

sailor Noskov Vladimir Vasilievich,

sailor Pronichev Nikolai Pavlovich,

sailor Prudnikov Ivan Vasilievich,

sailor Sergey Dmitrievich Skorobogatov,

Studying in the building

In his old age, Senyavin will describe his early years in idyllic form. The naval service “from the time of Ochakov and the conquest of the Crimea” was beautiful: “... the people were cheerful, rosy-cheeked, and they smelled of freshness and health, - but now look at the front, - what will you see - pallor, bile, despondency in the eyes and one step to hospital and cemetery." Until the end of his life, the son of those glorious times supported Suvorov’s spirit and his “science of winning.” According to biographer Bronevsky: “Senyavin, modest and meek in disposition, strict and exacting in his service, was loved as a father, respected as a fair and just-hearted boss. He knew the absolutely important art of acquiring love for oneself and using it solely for the common benefit.”

Dmitry Nikolaevich Senyavin

Conflict with Ushakov and Potemkin’s prophecy

Senyavin came to this campaign having already had service experience. In 1780-1781, he was part of a squadron off the coast of Portugal that supported the armed neutrality of Russia during the War of Independence of the United States. However, most of Senyavin’s sea voyages were associated with actions in the Black and Mediterranean Seas. In 1782 he was transferred to the corvette Khotin, which was in the Azov Fleet. As Admiral Mekenzie's closest assistant, he participates in the construction of the new Russian naval base of Sevastopol, where he is noticed by the Governor-General of Novorossiya, Prince Potemkin.

Attack of the Turkish fleet by the squadron of Rear Admiral A. Greig - a picture from the book by V. B. Bronevsky “Notes of a Naval Officer”

The Russian-Turkish War, which began in 1787, contributed to the rapid growth of his career. Senyavin showed himself brilliantly during the storm of September 9-11, 1787 and in the battle of Fidonisi Island on July 3, 1788. He was honored to personally inform the Empress about it, after which he was appointed adjutant general under Potemkin with the rank of captain 2nd rank. In the autumn of the same year, he took part in actions to support the siege of Ochakov from the sea, for which he received George of the 4th degree, and in 1791, as a ship commander, he distinguished himself in the battle of Kaliakria, where, according to the head of the Russian squadron Ushakov, “he rendered courage and courage."

Senyavin at the Monument “1000th Anniversary of Russia” in Veliky Novgorod

However, Senyavin will have a conflict with Fedor Fedorovich. Dmitry Nikolaevich will accuse Ushakov of being overly cautious. Fyodor Ushakov accused him of sabotage, because instead of “completely healthy sailors,” he sent sick and untrained to the newly built ships in Kherson and Taganrog. Potemkin, maintaining the chain of command, stripped Senyavin of the rank of adjutant general, removed him from his post as commander of the ship and placed him under arrest. The conflict was resolved thanks to the generosity of Ushakov, who, at a conciliatory meeting with Senyavin, “...with tears in his eyes, hugged him, kissed him and from the bottom of his heart forgave him for everything that had happened.” Pleased with the reconciliation, Potemkin, in a letter to Ushakov, foreshadowed Senyavin’s glorious fate: “He will eventually be an excellent admiral and may even surpass you!” Ushakov agreed.

View of the island and Tenedos fortress

Mediterranean campaign. Zenith career

The Napoleonic Wars provided a wide range of opportunities for commanders in chief. In 1805-1807 a Mediterranean expedition was undertaken. The naval commander of Revel was Dmitry Senyavin. He was promoted to vice admiral and sent to Corfu, the location of a Russian military base in the Mediterranean Sea.

Corfu was the main of the seven Ionian islands. They once belonged to the Venetian Republic, and after its liquidation as a result of Napoleon’s first Italian campaign, they were given to France. During the Mediterranean expedition led by Ushakov, the French were expelled. Over the islands, which received the status of a republic with its own constitution, the nominal sovereignty of the allied Turkey was established, but under the auspices of Russia. During 1804−1806. The Russian military presence in the region was rapidly increasing, and by the time Senyavin arrived there were 10 battleships, 4 corvettes, 7 auxiliary ships, 12 gunboats, 1,200 artillery pieces, 8,000 ship crews and 15,000 marines.

Battle of the Dardanelles

In the second half of 1806, the influence of France on the government of the Ottoman Empire increased, which led to the start of another Russian-Turkish war. The Russian plan for the start of the campaign provided for the creation, with the help of the Montenegrins and the rebel Serbs of the Belgrade Pashalik, of a continuous front line from the Adriatic to the Danube to quickly force the Porte to peace and restore an alliance with it directed against France. Senyavin's squadron, first of all, was supposed to strike Constantinople together with the English fleet and with the support of the Black Sea fleet. For many reasons, including differences with London in views on the planned “new order” in the Balkan region and the Eastern Mediterranean, this plan was not implemented. However, Senyavin managed to blockade the Dardanelles and defeat the Turkish fleet in the battle in this strait on May 10 (22) - 11 (23) and in the Battle of Athos on June 19 (July 1), 1807. However, after the conclusion of the Treaty of Tilsit, all Russian armed forces in the Mediterranean were evacuated.

USSR postage stamp, 1987

Russian ships in storage in England

The ships under Senyavin’s leadership failed to quickly return to their homeland. Due to a strong storm, Senyavin's ships entered Lisbon. Portugal had by that time been liberated by the British. Russia has reconciled with their enemy. Not wanting to fight on the side of Napoleonic France, Senyavin achieved an agreement to transfer his squadron “for the safekeeping of the English government” (the sailors were able to return to their homeland earlier - in 1809), which demonstrated the admiral’s diplomatic skill, since the aggravation of the conflict between St. Petersburg and London was to his advantage only Napoleon. And yet, this episode became the reason for the tsar’s disgrace (so that the Decembrists even thought about Senyavin’s entry into the revolutionary government), which was replaced by mercy only under the next emperor. The admiral met preparations for a new Russian-Turkish war as commander of the Baltic Fleet, although he hoped to become the head of the Black Sea group. And the last voyage of the admiral was the farewell in 1827 of a detachment of ships setting off for operations in the Mediterranean Sea and then taking part in the Battle of Navarino, to Portsmouth, the former place of “storage” of his squadron.

Dmitry Senyavin was born on August 6, 1763 in the village of Komlevo, Borovsky district, Kaluga province. In February 1773, a ten-year-old boy was identified with the help of A.N. Senyavin to the Naval Gentry Cadet Corps. For the first three years, the cadet did not bother himself with his studies, but the instructions of his uncle, a naval commander, and his older brother, already an officer, forced the teenager to come to his senses. In 1777, Senyavin was promoted to midshipman. The following summer, he sailed for the first time from Kronstadt to Revel and back; in 1779, in the squadron of Rear Admiral Khmetevsky on the ship Preslava, he went out to protect neutral shipping. On May 1, 1780, a graduate of the corps, midshipman Senyavin, on the ship “Prince Vladimir” went with the squadron to the Atlantic to protect shipping; Based on the results of his 2-year voyage, the command noted his “excellent zeal in service.” After returning home in 1782, the promising officer was assigned to the Mediterranean squadron, but before leaving, he was sent to the Azov flotilla along with 15 other midshipmen. Senyavin served on the ship “Khotin”, on the new frigate “Crimea”. In April 1783, the frigate moved to Akhtiar Bay, where Sevastopol was founded. The intelligent Dmitry Senyavin was a flag officer and adjutant to the commander of the Sevastopol port, Rear Admiral Mackenzie, and after his death in 1786 - M.I. Voinovich. In the summer he went to sea every year, in the winter he participated in the construction of the Sevastopol port, and went through a good drill and administrative school.

In 1786, the officer was appointed commander of the packet boat "Karabut", which delivered diplomatic mail to Constantinople for the Russian ambassador in Turkey. The position of commander of a special vessel connected him with Prince G.A. Potemkin, who in the summer of 1788 included an experienced sailor in his retinue, making him an officer on special assignments. The young officer gained sufficient experience to prepare instructions for the sailors of the squadron, but continued to intensively expand his knowledge. Senyavin performed well in the storm, which scattered the squadron that left Sevastopol in September 1787. In the battle of Fidonisi, the sailor served under Voinovich, and the rear admiral noted the courage, fearlessness and agility of his flag captain. In addition to the ship commanders, Voinovich nominated only him for the award. For Senyavin, the battle was a school in squadron management. Potemkin sent the captain-lieutenant to the queen with the news of the victory over the Turkish fleet. Catherine II “for the joyful and long-awaited news” awarded the sailor a golden snuff-box, sprinkled with diamonds and filled with chervonets.

After his return, Potemkin appointed Senyavin as his adjutant general. The sailor received the rank of captain of the 2nd rank. He didn't stay on the shore for long. In the fall, commanding the ship "Polotsk" and a detachment of armed ships, Senyavin destroyed 11 Turkish transports off the coast of Anatolia, attacked Turkish ports, burned a warehouse on the shore, took prisoners, for which he received the Order of St. George, 4th degree.

In March 1790 D.N. Senyavin was appointed commander of the ship "Navarchia Ascension of the Lord"; in the battle of Kaliakria, according to F.F. Ushakov, “showed courage and bravery.”

Senyavin, in his youth, believed that Ushakov was too cautious, and expressed these thoughts in society. The rear admiral endured until the captain of the 2nd rank violated the order by sending untrained sailors to the new ships. Potemkin severely punished Senyavin, deprived him of the rank of adjutant general, command of the ship and placed him under arrest, threatening to demote him to sailor. Only at the request of Ushakov was Senyavin returned to duty. Potemkin, having learned about the reconciliation of the two sailors, wrote to Ushakov: “Fyodor Fedorovich! You did well by forgiving Senyavin: in time he will be an excellent admiral and, perhaps, even surpass you!”

The next year, Senyavin became the commander of the ship "St. Alexander Nevsky". For four campaigns he cruised in the Black Sea. In January 1796, Dmitry Nikolaevich was promoted to captain of the 1st rank and given “command” of the 74-gun ship “St. Peter”. Senyavin as part of the squadron F.F. Ushakova went to the Mediterranean Sea and participated in all hostilities in the Archipelago. For the capture of the fortress of St. Mavra, he received the Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree. "St. Peter" fired at one of the batteries of the island of Vido during the capture of Corfu. After the squadron returned to its homeland, Senyavin in 1800 was promoted to captain of the rank of major general and headed the Kherson Admiralty and port, then received the rank of rear admiral and was transferred as chief commander of the port to Sevastopol.

IN AND. ABAKULOV,
Researcher at the Department of History
Kaluga Regional Museum of Local Lore

Admiral Dmitry Nikolaevich Senyavin

The Kaluga region, despite the fact that it does not border any seas and is located in central Russia, among forests and straits, has given our country many wonderful naval commanders. Our famous fellow countryman, who glorified the Russian Navy with his victories, Admiral Dmitry Nikolaevich Senyavin turns 240 years old this year. He was born on August 6, old style (17 new style), 1763 in the village of Komlevo, Borovsky district. The future admiral came from a poor noble family, famous for its maritime traditions. From the end of the 17th to the middle of the 19th century. 15 officers, representatives of this glorious family, served in the Russian fleet. Among them were five admirals (Naum Akimovich, Ivan Akimovich, Alexey Naumovich, Nikolai Ivanovich and Dmitry Nikolaevich). The Senyavins helped Peter I in creating the domestic navy.

Dmitry Senyavin spent his childhood years on a small family estate a few kilometers from the ancient city of Borovsk. In February 1773, Dmitry chose naval service for himself and entered the Naval Corps to study. After graduation, Dmitry Nikolaevich served in the Black Sea Fleet.

During the Russian-Turkish War of 1787–1791. D.N. Senyavin as part of the Russian fleet, commanded by Admiral F.F. Ushakov, took part in battles with enemy ships. He was the commander of the ships "Joseph II" and "Navarchia".

Ushakov nominated Senyavin to responsible command positions. In the summer of 1792, Dmitry Nikolaevich was appointed commander of the ship "Alexander Nevsky". Four years later, Senyavin was promoted to captain of the first rank and appointed commander of the ship "St. Peter".

Since 1798, joint actions of the Russian and Turkish fleets against Napoleonic France have been unfolding. A detachment of ships under the leadership of D.N. Senyavina captured the fortress on the island of Santa Mavra. In general, Russian troops expelled the French from the Ionian Islands. On September 12, 1800, Ushakov’s squadron, in which Senyavin served, was recalled to Sevastopol.

The 19th century began with Napoleon's wars of conquest. In 1804, Napoleon intensified his activities in the Balkans and Italy. In connection with the threat to Russian interests in the Mediterranean Sea, the Russian government sent a squadron of the Baltic Fleet there under the command of Vice Admiral D.N. Senyavin. Having occupied the Boco di Cattaro region, inhabited by the Slavs, Senyavin blocked France's path to the Balkans.

On December 18, 1806, Turkey, incited by France, declared war on Russia, trying to regain lost positions in the Black Sea and Crimea.

Senyavin's ships captured the island of Tenedos on March 10, 1807 in order to establish a close blockade of the Dardanelles Strait and begin cruising operations in the Aegean Sea, thereby depriving the Turkish capital of the supply of food from its Asia Minor possessions. A fortified base was created on the island.

On May 10, the Turks tried to lift the blockade. The Battle of the Dardanelles began. But Kapudan Pasha Seyid-Ali, who commanded the Turkish squadron, having lost three ships and 2,000 personnel, did not complete his tasks. He executed his vice admiral and two ship commanders.

After the defeat of the Turks, the blockade of the Aegean coast by Russian sailors was strengthened. Hunger riots began in Constantinople. There was even a coup d'état, as a result of which Selim III was overthrown and Mustafa IV was proclaimed Sultan. The new ruler ordered Seid-Ali to recapture the island of Tendos from the Russians. On June 15–16, 1807, the Turks made such an attempt, but it also turned out to be unsuccessful for them.

On June 19–20, the Battle of Athos took place. The Turks were far superior to the Russian squadron in numbers and armament. They had 9 battleships, 5 large frigates and 5 light ships with 1,238 guns. Senyavin's squadron consisted of 10 ships and 754 guns. The Turks' ships were new, built in French and English shipyards, had copper plating and large-caliber copper cannons. Russian ships were older and armed with cast iron cannons. At the same time, the personnel of the Turkish fleet showed extreme tenacity in battle due to fear of cruel punishments. Thus, the commander of a ship that failed before his flagship was subject to the death penalty.

Despite this, Russian sailors, led by D.N. Senyavin, showing courage and resourcefulness, managed to defeat the Turkish squadron. The Turks lost more than a third of their fleet in the Battle of Athos. On June 25, Senyavin approached the island of Tendos, which repelled the onslaught of the Turkish landing. With the appearance of Russian ships, the Turks found themselves in a difficult situation and capitulated.

The victory in the Battle of Athos ensured the Russian fleet dominance over the entire Aegean Sea. The Turkish command became convinced that it could not lift the blockade on its own. Negotiations between the Turkish Sultan and the Russian government began, ending with the signing of a truce in August 1807.

D.N. Senyavin was a representative of decisive offensive tactics. He sought to effectively use naval artillery in battle. The Russian naval commander also used the principle of maneuverable combat, which further contributed to the establishment of maneuverable tactics of the Russian fleet. Senyavin developed and put into practice the idea of simultaneously delivering main and auxiliary attacks on the enemy. He paid a lot of attention to the implementation of continuous leadership of the battle.

On June 27, 1807, a peace treaty was signed in Tilsit between Russia and France. Alexander I ordered Senyavin to stop hostilities in the Mediterranean Sea, and handing over the Ionian Islands and the Boco di Cattaro region to France, and return to the Baltic Sea.

In 1810–1813 Vice Admiral Senyavin served as chief commander of the Revel port. In 1825 he was appointed commander of the Baltic Fleet. A year later, Senyavin was promoted to admiral. The admiral commanded the Baltic Fleet until 1830, when he was forced to retire due to illness. D.N. died Senyavin April 5, 1831 at the 68th year of his life.

The Russian people highly appreciated the merits of their remarkable compatriot: on the ship named after Senyavin, captain-lieutenant F.P. Litke circumnavigated the world in 1828. During it, a group of coral islands was discovered in the Pacific Ocean, named the Senyavin Islands in honor of Dmitry Nikolaevich.

Unfortunately, nothing has survived from the Senyavins’ family estate in Komlevo; the church that stood in the village of Komlevo was also destroyed. Nowadays a monument has been erected in its place. And near the village there is a large pond.

The fleet is in his blood. This is exactly how one can characterize the brightest Russian naval commander and admiral. Could his fate have turned out differently, without the navy? Of course not. His family connected their lives with this difficult craft from the founding of the fleet in Russia. His grandfather served as a boatswain under Peter I and rose to the rank of rear admiral, and his brother made an equally brilliant career, achieving impressive results during the battle on Lake Ezel against the Swedes. His father, with the rank of vice admiral, served as the military governor of Kronstadt. Senyavin joined the naval corps at the age of 10, when his father, during a beer party, decided to send his son to study. Later, the famous biographer Bronevsky will write about the childhood period of training of the future general: “Dmitry Nikolaevich by nature was a simple and modest person who knew how to win over everyone around him and use their love for the benefit of the common cause. Among his friends he was known as a loving and caring father, among his colleagues - as a fair but demanding boss.”

Start of service

He began his naval service at the age of 14, and after 3 years he passed the exam for the rank of midshipman. In 1780, he made his first long voyage, when the ship went to Lisbon to maintain “armed neutrality”, due to the struggle of the North American colonies for independence. He associated most of his career with campaigns and military operations in the Black and Mediterranean Seas. In 1782, he boarded a corvette-class ship (Khotin) and became Admiral Mackenzie's closest assistant and right-hand man.

Career

In 1787, it began, which allowed the future admiral to reveal his full potential. He showed himself brilliantly during a terrible storm and in the battle of 1788 near the island of Fidonisi. He had the honor to report personally to the Empress about the results of the battle, after which he was appointed to the post of Adjutant General. In the same year, he took part in a military operation during the siege of Ochakov (his ship provided fire support from the sea). For this merit, the young general received George 4th degree. Three years later, while commanding a ship, he distinguished himself in the Battle of Kiliakria, where, according to the recollections of Ushakov (at that time the head of the Russian squadron), the young general showed a worthy example of courage and bravery. However, soon after this, a real scandal broke out between Ushakov and Senyavin. The young general accused the squadron commander of being too cautious and publicly stated this. In response to such statements, Ushakov accused his subordinate of sabotage, because, allegedly, Dmitry Nikolaevich deliberately selected a crew of inexperienced and sick sailors. Potemkin acted as the judge, who had no choice but to maintain subordination and take Ushakov’s side. In this regard, the talented general was deprived of his post and sent under arrest. The conflict was soon resolved, thanks to the nobility and mercy of Ushakov, who, according to eyewitnesses, literally hugged the injured general with tears in his eyes and showed him his forgiveness in every possible way. Potemkin also took advantage of the situation, instantly reinstating Dmitry Nikolaevich to his rank and expressing his opinion that a brilliant future awaited the young general. One of Potemkin’s diaries says: “He will become one of the greatest admirals and in time, perhaps, surpass himself.” The addressee himself agreed with this statement, who once again proved this in practice by taking the island of St. Maura, under the leadership. For this military operation, the general received Anna 2nd degree.

Subsequently, during the Mediterranean expedition of 1805-1807, Senyavin received the rank of vice admiral. We can talk about the exploits and campaigns of this great admiral for an infinitely long time. There are practically no scandalous moments in the biography of Dmitry Nikolaevich Senyavin, which speaks of his diligence. The conflict with Ushakov once again confirms his directness and openness. 3 capes and 1 peninsula, as well as streets in Makhachkala and Sevastopol, were named in his honor. He was a true sea wolf, who from childhood knew nothing but the fleet and the sea.