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220th Anniversary of Admiral Nakhimov, the Seamanship Fanatic

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220th Anniversary of Admiral Nakhimov, the Seamanship Fanatic

11.07.2022

Svetlana Smetanina

Admiral Pavel Nakhimov. Photo credit: histrf.ru

Admiral Pavel Nakhimov's name was lettered in the history of the Russian Navy with gold, and with his own blood into Sevastopol's history. Russian admiral has became the symbol of Sevastopol-city heroic defense during the Crimean War of 1853-1856. It was under his leadership that the city managed to stand for almost a year, and the persistent resistance of Sevastopol defenders did not allow the enemy to advance further into Russia.

“He serves 24 hours a day.”

The military history of Russia knows many names of dignified commanders with an impressive list of victories in their arsenal. However, Admiral Pavel Nakhimov's name holds a special place even here. The phrase "he gave his life serving his Fatherland" is about him, about Nakhimov. They used to say that he served 24 hours a day.

"Never did his associates blame him for having a desire to seek favor, they rather believed in his appeal and devotion to the cause. His subordinates always saw that he worked harder than them, and therefore they did the heavy work without complaining and with confidence that should they do it or assist in something, the commander would not forget it," wrote one of his comrades-in-arms. Yevgeny Tarle, a Russian historian academician, wrote: "He knew no life besides the naval service, and did not want to know. He was a seamanship fanatic according to unanimous reports of eyewitnesses and observers.

And this fanatical devotion to his primary purpose in life, which was devoted service to his Fatherland in the military field, makes him similar to another great Russian combat leader Alexander Suvorov. These two outstanding personalities also have other traits in common. Spartan lifestyle and even asceticism, disdain for luxury and comfort, personal humbleness, and the sincerest decency. However, the main thing is his attitude toward those who served by his side and were his subordinates. Pavel Nakhimov was a mentor to his comrades-in-arms and a bearer of goodness to the sailors and their families. However, being a good-natured and modest person in everyday life, Nakhimov was a very demanding commander during his service on the ship. None of his friends could count on indulgence for the slightest omission or lack of zeal. Moreover, he did not have any mercy toward himself.

Ivan Aivazovsky. Parade of the Black Sea Fleet (1886)

Ship's commander at 26

Pavel Nakhimov was born into the family of a not very wealthy landowner in Smolensk Governorate. His passion for the sea was apparent quite early. It is interesting that all of his four brothers were also associated with seamanship: the three elder brothers taught at the Naval Cadet Corps, and the youngest one was promoted to vice-admiral. Nevertheless, it was Pavel Nakhimov who is remembered in Russian history.

Midshipman Nakhimov finished the Naval Cadet Corps in 1818. As early as 1821, he was assigned to the Kreiser frigate under the command of the Captain and future Admiral Mikhail Lazarev.

Lazarev was an iconic character of his time. He participated in the Finnish War of 1808, which resulted in Russia's annexation of Finland. He was one of the discoverers of Antarctica. In 1819, he discovered the new continent together with Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen. It is not surprising that a lot of young officers wanted to join Lazarev's expedition. They could get both experience and a great opportunity to excel and then climb the career ladder. The midshipman Nakhimov’s eagerness and determination to be the best in the service affairs were noticed by the experienced navigator Lazarev and he selected the young officer.

V. Volkov. Discovery of Antarctica by the sloops Vostok and Mirny (2008)

The three-year voyage around the world turned out to be a true school for Pavel Nakhimov and provided him with valuable experience. No wonder Nakhimov became a ship's commander at the age of 26. One of his contemporaries described him as follows, "He was of big stature, a bit stoop-shouldered and not stout. He was always neat as external cleanliness represented his high moral standards. His lively face with prominent cheekbones always revealed his state of mind, and his soft blue eyes always shone with goodness and wisdom."

Nakhimov's reputation in the Navy was extremely positive. At different times, he commanded various ships, including the Navarin corvette, the Pallada and Silistria frigates. And all those ships were regarded as models that everyone strove to emulate. And the appreciation received from Nakhimov was regarded as a reward.

Victory in the Battle of Sinop

Pavel Nakhimov was in the rank of vice-admiral when the Crimean War of 1853-1856 started. His order on the Tsar's proclamation of the war had the following lines, "Hereby I notify Messrs. commanders that in the event of an encounter with the enemy forces that exceed us in strength, I will attack them with the absolute confidence that each of us will accomplish his task."

The opportunity to attack the enemy exceeding in strength came soon. Turkish Admiral Osman Pasha entered the Black Sea with a squadron of 14 military ships. At that time, there were three ships under the command of Nakhimov. The Turkish squadron had to anchor in Sinop Bay because of the bursting storm. Nakhimov and his three ships blocked their way out. A few days later five more Russian ships joined Nakhimov's fleet. Nevertheless, the Turkish fleet was still in a better position since it was supported by six coastal batteries.

Ivan Aivazovsky. The Battle of Sinop (1853)

The day when the Russian ships under Nakhimov's command attacked the Turkish fleet was utterly horrible in terms of weather conditions. There was a squall wind blowing and heavy rain. When coastal batteries saw the enemy, they started the fire. The ship with Nakhimov on board got 60 holes. And still, its fire forced the Turks' flagship and then their cannon frigate to run aground. It was all over by evening. The entire Turkish fleet and the coastal batteries were destroyed. More than 3,000 Turks were killed. The losses of the Russians were limited to one officer and 33 lower ranks. At the same time, the Russian sailors also saved the wounded Turkish Admiral Osman Pasha, who fell overboard.

Interestingly, even then the British press made attempts to downplay the victory of the Russian fleet as much as possible by printing numerous fakes. The Russians were accused of having a great advantage and even of sailing... under the British flag to mislead the enemy.

Nicholas I of Russia said that the brilliant victory in Sinop Bay was "the embellishment of the Russian fleet's annals." Pavel Nakhimov was awarded the Order of Saint George, second class, bypassing the third class.

“The Soul of the Defense of Sevastopol”

Nevertheless, his most important battle was still to come. It was the defense of Sevastopol. After the defeat of the Turkish fleet, Britain and France declared war on Russia. It happened in March 1854. First, the Anglo-French squadron bombarded Odessa. However, the fire of coastal batteries prevented them from storming ashore. Then they focused on Sevastopol. The Russian fleet was blocked. There were 89 ships of the enemy against 26 ships of the Black Sea Fleet. Later another 350 enemy ships came from Varna. Going into the battle in such circumstances was equivalent to a suicide mission. Vice-Admiral Vladimir Kornilov suggested that they should die honorably in an open battle but then the city would have been left without any defense at all. A painful decision was made to sink the ships in the bay to keep the enemy from approaching and send the entire crew of sailors and officers to defend Sevastopol.

The Defense of Sevastopol (panorama) by Franz Roubaud, fragment (1904)

On the very first day, Vice-Admiral Kornilov who was in charge of the city's defense was mortally wounded as a result of heavy bombardment. Nakhimov was also slightly wounded. Nevertheless, it did not stop him. On the contrary, Nakhimov showed his fearlessness and power of spirit in every way. It enabled his contemporaries to consider him the "Soul of the defense of Sevastopol".

Eduard Totleben, his friend and a military engineer, wrote about him, "Nakhimov daily walked along the defense line despising all the dangers. His presence and example raised the spirit of the sailors who had a profound respect for him, as well as of the land forces, which soon realized what kind of person Nakhimov was. He was always looking out for saving people's lives, yet the admiral never spared himself. He was always the first to appear at the most dangerous places where the presence and guidance of the leader were most needed. Wounded officers and lower ranks not only found support and protection in him, they also could always count on help from his own modest wallet.”

Nakhimov was appointed commander of Sevastopol port and provisional military governor of the city in March 1855/ At the same time, he was promoted to admiral. However, in July he was mortally wounded in the head on the Malakhov Kurgan.

Nakhimov often said that he would fight for Sevastopol to the last drop of blood and expressed his desire to be buried next to Admiral Lazarev, his teacher in seamanship.

Sevastopol, the opening ceremony of the monument to Nakhimov in 1898

All residents of the city attended the hero's funeral. No one was afraid of shelling. The enemy suddenly became quiet. The hostile ships even lowered their flags to honor Nakhimov.

Nevertheless, almost a year-long defense of Sevastopol accomplished the most important task. Having been convinced of the strong resistance of the Russians who had retreated to the northern part of Sevastopol, the enemy did not dare to go further and continue the battle. The price to pay for the victory was too high. And if not for that heroic defense of Sevastopol, the terms of the peace agreement for Russia could have been much more painful.

Well, the memory of Admiral Nakhimov is immortalized in Russia. Ships, streets, avenues, and naval colleges have been named after him. There are monuments to the admiral in many cities. And the Order of Nakhimov, established in 1944, is bestowed not only to servicemen but also to military units and ships. 

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