Battle of the island of Corfu. Assault on the impregnable sea fortress of Corfu. Holidays in Greece

09.07.202327.05.2017

100 great battles Myachin Alexander Nikolaevich

Assault on the island of Corfu (1799)

The revolutionary wars of the French Republic against the coalition of England, Austria and Prussia, which began in 1792, soon turned into aggressive ones, waged in the interests of the big French bourgeoisie.

In 1796–1797, thanks to the stunning victories of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French government established its dominance in Northern and Central Italy. Then Belgium was annexed to France. In 1798, the French entered Switzerland, establishing a regime there dependent on Paris. In the spring of 1799, the famous General Bonaparte landed in Egypt.

In 1798, the so-called second coalition formed against Republican France, which included England, Austria, Russia, Turkey, the Kingdom of Naples and other countries. In the upcoming war, England and Austria set themselves the main task of eliminating the growing dominance of the French Republic in Europe. These countries also sought to resolve some territorial issues through war. So, England hoped to establish itself on the island. Malta, Ionian Islands and Egypt. Austria sought to return the Netherlands, lost in the Peace of Campoformia of 1797, to its possessions, as well as to acquire new lands in Italy.

All feudal-monarchical states that joined the anti-French coalition hated France as the country of the victorious Revolution. The spread of rebellious ideas, the “breeding ground” of which was France, caused panic among the crowned heads of Europe. It was this circumstance that largely determined Russia’s entry into the coalition and its participation in the military events of 1799. In addition, France's seizure of the Ionian Islands created the threat of military aggression on the Balkan Peninsula and the strengthening of France's influence on Turkey, which was always hostile to Russia. In addition, in the upcoming war the position of Prussia was not clear, which could join France and oppose the coalition countries, and this created a real threat on the northwestern borders of Russia. “Thus, national tasks were to some extent intertwined in the policy of the Russian government towards France.” (Zolotarev M. N., Mezhevich M. N., Skorodumov D. E. For the glory of the Russian Fatherland. M. 1984. P. 159.)

According to a mutual agreement, Russian troops, together with the Austrian ones, were supposed to act against the French on land in Northern Italy. To operate at sea, the British sent a squadron under the command of Admiral G. Nelson to the shores of Italy. Bonaparte's landing in Egypt forced Turkey to turn to Russia for help, which was very beneficial for the latter. Russia quite rightly feared that a French squadron might appear in the Black Sea. So, even at a time when Bonaparte’s squadron was supplied with everything necessary in the ports of France and the purpose of his expedition was not clear, Vice Admiral F. F. Ushakov was ordered to hastily prepare the Black Sea Fleet for the start of the campaign, and until it was fully ready to organize observation at coast of Crimea.

In July 1798, Ushakov received an order to be sent to Constantinople to join the Turkish fleet. It is not surprising that the choice of squadron commander fell on Ushakov. "Heroes who achieved several remarkable naval victories on the Black Sea, the invincible Ushak Pasha, famous throughout the East, had no rivals among the Russian admirals at that moment.” (Tarle E.V. Selected works. T.4. Rostov n/D., 1994. P. 127.)

Having received the highest decree on August 4, Ushakov began immediate preparations and already on the 13th of the same month went to sea with a squadron consisting of 6 battleships, 7 frigates and 3 messenger ships, having 792 guns and 7,406 crew members. On board the squadron there were 1,700 landing troops from the soldiers of the Sevastopol garrison.

On August 23, 1798, the Russian squadron approached the Bosphorus, and the next day entered Constantinople. On August 26, the Russians received permission to freely use the Black Sea straits, and the Russian admiral was announced that the Porte was committed to providing support to Russian ships in everything.

On August 28-30, at the first and second Constantinople conferences of the allies, Turkey pledged to join the Russian squadron with an equivalent Turkish one, and by general agreement, Vice Admiral Ushakov was appointed commander of the combined fleet, to whom the Turks, with respect for his talent and high-profile victories, completely entrusted their fleet. It was decided that the combined squadron would direct its forces to the liberation of the Ionian Islands, since the French, having owned them, controlled the situation throughout the Mediterranean. No wonder Bonaparte said that the Ionian Islands are more important for France than all of Italy.

Fighting The liberation of the islands began on September 28, 1798. Between October 1 and November 1, the French garrisons were driven out of the islands of Tserigo, Zante, Kefalonia and Saita Mavra. Thus, the first stage of the campaign was completed in the shortest possible time. As a result of the victories of the Russian sailors, the French lost 4 islands and 1,500 people killed, wounded and captured. (See Ovchinnikov V.D. Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov. M. 1995. P. 64.) Now Ushakov intended to throw all his forces against the largest and well-fortified island of the archipelago - Corfu.

The city of Corfu (or the main fortress) was located between two fortresses: the Old - Venetian, located at the eastern end of the city, and the New - in the west, - extremely fortified and converted by the French. This fortress consisted of three separate powerful fortifications, connected by mined underground passages. The main fortress was separated from the shore by two ramparts, a dry ditch and housed 650 fortress guns and 3 thousand garrison soldiers. From the sea, the main fortress was covered by the well-fortified island of Vido, whose mountainous hills dominated the city and fortress of Corfu. Five coastal batteries and a garrison of 500 men were located on Vido Island. In the harbor between Corfu and Vido there were 2 enemy ships, 2 galleys and 4 half-galleys.

It was very difficult to take such a fortress on the move. Therefore, it was decided to blockade Corfu. On November 8, 1798, the ships of the united squadron surrounded the island on all sides and began a siege, which was led personally by the commander-in-chief.

The siege lasted about three and a half months. During this time, the garrison of the fortress became convinced of the decisiveness of the actions of the allies, who intended to take the fortress of Corfu at any cost. The hardships of the siege fell not only on the French. The cold winter, with a piercing wind and rain, mowed down the ranks of the besiegers more than the pool and cannonballs of the enemy. However, the Russian sailors and grenadiers of the landing courageously endured all adversity and did not lose their fortitude. They boldly repelled the attacks of the besieged, inflicting moral and physical damage on them.

In mid-February 1799, having replenished his forces with soldiers sent by the Turkish rulers from the shore, Ushakov began intensive preparations for a decisive assault. The sailors learned to overcome various obstacles. IN large quantities ladders were made, conditioned signals were developed to control ships and landing forces.

On February 17, a military council was held on the flagship St. Paul, at which the immediate mantle of the operation was developed. It consisted of using naval artillery to silence the enemy's coastal batteries, landing troops and storming the advanced fortifications. The main blow was to be delivered to Fr. Vido. The main role in the developed plan was given to the ships of the allied fleet, which, according to Ushakov, were supposed to replace his 50 thousand ground troops. The leading role in the entire operation was given to the Russian squadron and its landing force, so the hope for the Turks and auxiliary troops was too small.

At dawn on February 18, at 7 o'clock in the morning, a conventional shot rang out from the flagship - a signal for the coastal batteries located on the northern and southern parts of the island to open fire on the main fortress. “At the first signal, a shine like lightning appeared on the batteries, a terrible thunder followed, the guns roared, bombs and cannonballs flew into the fortifications.” (Admirals of the Russian Fleet. St. Petersburg - 1995. P. 266.) At the same time, the united squadron weighed anchor and rushed to the island with all sails. Vido.

The frigates “Kazan Mother of God” and “Herim-Captain” were the first to enter the battle with the French batteries. They came within shot range of enemy battery No. 1 on the northwestern tip of the island and rained down a barrage of fire on it. At the same time, the frigate “Nikolai” and the ship “Mary Magdalene” approached battery No. 2, they stood on the spring and also opened artillery fire.

According to the operation plan, a certain group of ships operated against each French battery. Flagship "St. Pavel" showed the entire squadron examples of fearlessness and courage. Ushakov ordered to stand on the spring at the western cape of the island and destroyed two enemy batteries at once with both sides. The position occupied by the admiral allowed him to vigilantly monitor the progress of the battle and determine in time the moment of landing.

The terrible roar of hundreds of guns and explosions resounded around the islands of Vido and Corfu. Acrid gunpowder smoke, mixed with the smoke of fires, obscured the sky. Cannonballs and grapeshot rained down on the French from all sides. The besieged defended themselves desperately. They responded to the Allied cannonade with shots from their batteries, but could not compete with the attackers. The shell fire demolished trees and tore rocks to pieces. The signal for landing went up on the captain's ship. Under the cover of naval artillery, special rowing ships with landing forces attacked the defenders. Of the officers, 15 were captured, including the commandant of the Criminal Code. After the fall of Vido, the key to Corfu was in the hands of Ushakov. The landing party continued the offensive and broke into the fortifications. Seeing the impossibility of containing the attack, the French, having riveted the cannons and blown up the powder magazines, prepared for the sinking of St. Salvador, which they decided to blow up. Russian soldiers rushed in on the shoulders of those retreating and, using hand-to-hand combat, also took possession of it. After some time, the last forward outpost New fortress- the fortification of St. Abraham fell under the onslaught of the attackers.

Such a quick occupation of well-fortified positions showed the French that the end would come very soon. Fall o. The sight and advanced fortifications of the New Fortress, the relentless firing of allied cannons and the bold assault did their job. The morale of the French garrison was broken. Seeing the futility of further resistance, the commander of the French troops, General F. J. Chabot, sent three officers to Ushakov on February 19 with a proposal to accept the surrender of the garrison and begin negotiations. Ushakov agreed with him and gave the order for a ceasefire. On February 20, the act of surrender was signed. According to its terms, the French surrendered the fortresses of Corfu with all the trophies in them and pledged not to fight against Russia and its allies for 18 months.

The military trophies of the winners were: 114 mortars, 21 howitzers, 500 cannons, 5500 rifles, 37,394 bombs, 137 thousand cannonballs, etc. In the port of Corfu, the ship Leander, the frigate Brunet, a bombardment ship, 2 galleys, 4 half-galleys, 3 merchant ships and several other ships. (Ovchinnikov F.D. Decree, op., p. 7 amp;.)

Thus, on February 20, 1799, the strongest naval fortress with a large and brave garrison fell. The capture of Corfu completed the complete victory of Ushakov - the liberation of the Ionian Islands from the rule of the French. The grandiose victory at Corfu and the liberation of the entire Archipelago was of great military and political significance. On the liberated islands, under the temporary protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of the Seven Islands was created with a democratic constitution, the foundations of which were proposed by Ushakov. Russia acquired in the Mediterranean military base, which was successfully used in the war of the 3rd coalition of European powers against France.

The capture of Corfu was a triumphant conclusion to the military path of the Russian navy in the 18th century and, as it were, summed up the first century of its existence.

1. Military encyclopedia. - St. Petersburg, Ed. I. D. Sytina, 1913. - T.13. pp. 207–209.

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3. Marine atlas. Descriptions for cards. - M., 1959. - T.Z, part 1. - pp. 399–400.

4. Marine Atlas / Rep. ed. G. I. Levchenko. - M., 1958. - T.Z, part 1. L. 20.

5. Mordvinov R. N. Naval art of Admiral F. F. Ushakov // Russian naval art. Sat. Art. / Rep. ed. R. N. Mordvinov. - M., 1951. S. 121–142.

6. Snegirev V.L. Russian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Campaign of Admiral Ushakov (1798–1800). - M., 1944.

7. Soviet military encyclopedia: In 8 volumes / Ch. ed. commission N.V. Ogarkov (pred.) and others - M., 1977. - T.4. - pp. 378–379.

8. Tarle E. V. Admiral Ushakov on the Mediterranean Sea (1798–1800). - M., - 1948.

9. Encyclopedia of military and naval sciences: In 8 volumes / edited by. ed. GA. Leera. - St. Petersburg, 1891. - T 5. - P. 485–486.

On March 3, 1799, Fyodor Ushakov’s squadron liberated the island of Corfu, besieged by the French. “Why wasn’t I at least a midshipman at Corfu?” he said about the brilliant victory of the Russian sailors. Contrary to the opinions of military theorists, the powerful fortress was taken by the fleet alone.

At the end of the 18th century, France pursued an active policy of conquest. In 1797, the Ionian Islands were captured, which allowed the French to extend influence not only to the Balkans, but also to Egypt, Asia Minor and the Black Sea possessions of Russia.

These events prompted Turkey, Russia and England to unite in the fight against French expansion.

The country signed an alliance treaty in December 1798, but even before its conclusion - in August 1798 - it was decided that the joint Russian-Turkish squadron would direct its forces to the liberation of the Ionian Islands.

Thus, the forces of the vice admiral (six battleships, seven frigates, three advice notes and a landing party), who by general agreement was appointed to command the united fleet, were joined by the Turkish squadron of Vice Admiral Kadyr Bey (four battleships, six frigates, four corvettes and 14 gunboats).

By October 1798, Russian sailors liberated the islands, which allowed them to actually control the waters of the archipelago: Kythira, Zakynthos and Cephalonia; in early November, the French garrison was driven out of Lefkas.

Now Ushakov intended to throw all his forces against the largest and most well-fortified island of the archipelago - Corfu.

The French covered Corfu from the nearby islands of Vido and Lazaretto. Vido had about 800 soldiers and five artillery batteries under the command of Brigadier General Pivron. In Corfu, in the Old and New Fortresses, the garrison numbered 3,000 soldiers and 650 guns under the command of General Chabot. In addition, in the harbor between Corfu and Vido there was a 74-gun ship "Genere", a 50-gun captured English ship "Leander", a frigate "La Brune", a bombardment ship "La Frimer", a brig and four auxiliary vessels.

It was almost impossible to get through such a powerful defense, so they decided to blockade Corfu. It began on October 24, 1798 with the arrival of a detachment of ships under the command of Captain 1st Rank I. Selivachev to the island. “Stop all communication with that island,” Ushakov set him the task. Later, the ships of the detachment of captain 2nd rank I. Poskochin, the main forces of the squadron led by Ushakov himself, and the detachment of captain 1st rank D. Senyavin approached Corfu. The French forces were opposed by 12 battleships and 11 frigates, a team of 1,700 naval grenadiers, 4,250 Turkish soldiers, as well as about 2,000 residents of Corfu.

Despite all the difficulties - the cold winter and the lack of proper supplies, which fell on Turkey's shoulders - Ushakov managed to organize a tight blockade of the island, which lasted four months.

The French garrison was deprived of the opportunity to receive outside help, and in order to prevent the French from obtaining provisions for themselves by robbing the local population, a small landing force with artillery landed on Corfu and two batteries were built. Ushakov’s sailors organized another battery at Lazaretto, which the French abandoned without a fight.

Throughout the blockade, clashes between Allied and French forces systematically occurred both on land and at sea.

It was supposed to be the joint efforts of the Russians and Turks to storm the fortress, but the Turkish command delayed the dispatch of the promised landing force. Despite this, Ushakov still continued to prepare for the offensive, which, according to his plan, included a simultaneous attack on Corfu and Vido.

The assault began on the morning of March 2, 1799. Ushakov’s squadron settled down according to a strictly thought-out disposition, and several ships immediately hit Vido’s batteries with grapeshot. The island responded with powerful gunfire.

Here is how participant in the events Yegor Metaksa described this moment:

Continuous, terrible shooting and the thunder of large guns set the entire surrounding area in awe. Vido, one might say, was completely blown up by buckshot, and not only the trenches... there was not a tree left that was not damaged by this terrible iron hail. At eleven o'clock the guns from the French batteries were shot down, all the people defending them died, while others, fearful, rushed from bush to bush, not knowing where to hide.

The artillery duel lasted about four hours. The French frigates Leander and La Brune tried to come to the aid of the besieged, but received serious damage under the fire of St. Peter" and "Navarahia", they were forced to retreat. After the cannonade from the French batteries weakened, troops landed on the shore of Vido, secured themselves between the batteries and went further to the middle of the island. The Turks, who were part of the joint landing, enraged by the stubborn resistance of the French, carried out a massacre, not even sparing the prisoners, whose defense the Russian officers stood up for.

By 2 p.m., Vido Island was taken. 200 French soldiers were killed, more than 400, including the commandant of the fortress, General Pivron, were taken prisoner.

In parallel with the assault and capture of Vido, Russian ships fired at the fortifications on Corfu, primarily the strongest of them, the fortress of Salvador. The landing force landed on Corfu after the fall of Vido and quickly rushed to attack the outer defenses of the fortress. The first attack was repulsed by the French, and only the second attack, delivered after the arrival of reinforcements, was successful.

The French commandant Chabot, seeing the hopelessness of the situation, sent Ushakov a letter asking for a truce for 24 hours, during which he undertook to sign the surrender. The next day, March 3, the French officially capitulated.

Contrary to the opinions of military theorists, the powerful fortress was taken by the fleet alone. As for the role of the Turkish squadron in the capture of Corfu, it is negligible.

In a letter to Kadyr Bey in March 1799, Ushakov wrote directly: “Even though some of your squadron was sent to the northern and southern parts of the strait with ours when attacking the island, they were always anchored in battle against the enemy ships never entered, and during the assault on the island of Vido they were far from it, except for one frigate...”

Ushakov himself was promoted to admiral for this victory, and the population of the islands warmly thanked the Russian sailors for their liberation and newfound independence.

On the archipelago, under the temporary protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of the Seven Islands was created with a democratic constitution, the foundations of which were proposed by Fyodor Ushakov. The Republic was headed by Count John Kapodistrias, later the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, and even later the first president of independent Greece.

Russia acquired a military base in the Mediterranean Sea, which it successfully used during the war of the third coalition of European powers against France.

February 20 (March 3), 1799 - capture by the Russian-Turkish squadron under the command of Vice Admiral F.F. Ushakova fortress of Corfu. It was one of the most powerful and well-fortified European fortresses with a large and experienced French garrison, which had not yet known defeat.

Memorial plaque with bas-relief of F.F. Ushakova on the island of Corfu. photo: A. Podkolzin

After 4 months of siege, she surrendered to the courage and military skill of the Russians. For the first time in the history of naval art, such a seemingly completely impregnable fortress was taken primarily by naval forces. By this time, Ushakov had already won a number of brilliant victories over the Turkish fleet. Read about one of them in the article Battle of Cape Tendra.

View from the Corfu fortress to the Ionian Sea. Photo: A. Podkolzin

All European states closely followed the actions of Ushakov's squadron, realizing that the future of the entire continent depended on it. The decisive capture of the strongest naval fortress of Corfu and the liberation of all the Ionian islands, which were of the greatest strategic importance in the Mediterranean, made a huge impression. “All friends and enemies have respect and respect for us,” noted F.F. Ushakov. As a result of this, Russia acquired not only great international authority, but also a military base, as well as convenient ports for the development of trade in this region.

The situation in the Mediterranean

In 1796-1797, France established control over Northern Italy, annexed the Ionian Islands and part of the coast of Albania. The French expeditionary force then captured Malta and landed in Egypt. The English squadron of Admiral Nelson was unable to intercept the French fleet on the way to Egypt and defeated it at Abukir Bay, but only after the landing of the expeditionary force. Turkey, which at that time belonged to Egypt, turned to Russia and England for help.

Map of military operations and campaigns of F. Ushakov

Thus, to counteract Napoleon’s plans, an alliance of Russia, England and Turkey was formed. Paul I ordered Ushakov's squadron to cruise in the Dardanelles region to provide assistance to Turkey. In Constantinople, at a meeting of representatives of the three allied powers, at the suggestion of Ushakov, it was decided to first liberate the Ionian Islands, which made it possible to control the entire Adriatic Sea. Russian sailors already had to fight in this area during the First Archipelago Expedition. Read more here. But then the fighting was carried out against Turkey, and now together with Turkey against France.

Admiral Ushakov's squadron in the Bosphorus. Artist M. Ivanov, 1799

For joint actions, Türkiye allocated Kadyr Bey’s squadron to Ushakov’s command. The fighting to expel the French from the islands began on September 28, 1798, and by November 1, the islands of Tserigo, Zante, Kefalonia and Santa Mavra were liberated. Next was Corfu. It was impossible to take such a strong fortress on the move. Therefore, on October 24, 1798, Ushakov sent a detachment consisting of three battleships and three frigates under the command of Captain 1st Rank I.A. to Corfu. Selivachev, giving him the task of blockading the island.

Blockade of Corfu

During their stay, the French re-equipped and well fortified the fortress, on the bastions of which there were 650 guns, and the garrison numbered up to 3,000 people. From the land side it was covered by three powerful forts, and from the sea by five coastal batteries of Vido Island. In the harbor between Corfu and Vido there were 2 French ships and several other ships, armed with up to 200 guns. In mid-November, the main forces of the squadron approached the island. Ushakov immediately decided to begin preparing the assault.

Map of the Old Fortress of Corfu

The siege of Corfu lasted over three months. Exhausting the forces of the besiegers, the French carried out forays and artillery attacks day after day. Added to this were other difficulties. A cold winter set in with biting winds and rains, and due to poor supplies, the Russian sailors did not have decent clothing, many had no shoes at all, and people were starving. In such conditions, it was necessary to carry out the most difficult work - digging trenches and installing guns. The naval command in St. Petersburg did not show the slightest concern for the health, food and clothing of the squadron crews.
There was no help from the Turkish side either. Contrary to its obligations to fully provide the squadron, Türkiye practically stopped supplying it. Ushakov received neither the ground forces, nor artillery, nor ammunition necessary for the siege. Turkish sailors refused to participate in heavy siege work, and their admiral Kadir Bey, not wanting to risk his ships, tried to refrain from participating in military clashes. Ushakov wrote about this: “I protect them like a red egg, and I don’t let them into danger... and they themselves are not keen on it.”

Luck of the enemy and intrigues of the ally

Despite all the difficulties, preparations for the assault were successful, but on the night of January 26-27, an event occurred that caused great displeasure of Emperor Paul I. That night, the French 74-gun ship Genereux, which was blocked in the harbor, managed get away from our ships. Given the experience of several unsuccessful attempts, the ship's crew painted the sails black, while a large detachment of French infantry staged a demonstration sortie in the coastal zone. This ensured the success of the breakthrough. They say that it was because of this incident that Paul I was so stingy with awards to sailors.

Old Corfu/ Manduchio 1841

Admiral Nelson, who commanded the Mediterranean squadron of our allied England at that time, closely monitored Ushakov’s actions. The successes of Russian sailors near the Ionian Islands worried him very much. After all, he himself could neither prevent the landing of French troops in Egypt and the subsequent return of General Napoleon Bonaparte to France, nor liberate Malta from the French (the island was taken by the British after Nelson left for his homeland).

Assault on the Corfu fortress

When the Russian squadron began blockading Corfu, Nelson realized that he was late in his plans to take the Ionian Islands on his own. Then he began to actively oppose Ushakov with outwardly “allied” relations. Through diplomatic channels and through influential people he knew, Nelson sought to fragment the forces of the Russian squadron, insisting that Ushakov be ordered to send detachments of ships to Alexandria, Crete and Messina. However, F.F. Ushakov resolutely rejected such demands.

Capture of Vido Island

In February 1799, the position of the Russian squadron improved somewhat. The ships sent earlier at the insistence of Paul I to carry out other tasks returned to Corfu, and then Turkish and Albanian ground units arrived. Intensive final preparations for a decisive assault began. The sailors learned to overcome various obstacles. They made ladders in large numbers and worked out signals for communication between the ships and the landing force. It was decided to strike the main blow on the island of Vido, which Ushakov considered the “key of Corfu.”

The Corfu fortress still seems impregnable today. Photo: A. Podkolzin

At 7 o'clock in the morning on February 18, 1799, two cannon shots were heard from the flagship - this was a signal for the coastal batteries to begin shelling the French forts, and for the ships to weigh anchor and go to Vido Island. The commandant of the island, General Pivron, ordered the fire of his guns to be concentrated on Ushakov’s ship. But the flagship steadily walked at the head of the squadron. Our ships surrounded Vido Island in a semicircle and began shelling its batteries. At first the enemy responded with heavy fire, but by 11 o'clock its intensity had decreased significantly.

Assault on the Corfu fortress
From a painting by artist A.M. Samsonova

Then Ushakov ordered the troops to be brought in. Behind a short time 2,160 people were landed on the island. Despite fierce enemy resistance and a large number of defensive structures, our paratroopers soon captured the island. At about 12 o'clock, seeing the hopelessness of their situation, the French officers and soldiers began to surrender. General Pivron was captured. And then the Turks began brutal reprisals against the prisoners. Our soldiers and sailors were forced to defend their recent enemies.

Assault on the outer forts

The fall of Vido predetermined the outcome of the struggle for Corfu, since the dominant heights were now in the hands of the Russians. But the French command hoped that the Russians would not be able to take the advanced forts. From the very morning, the batteries built on the island of Corfu and the ships allocated for this carried out intensive shelling of the fortress in order to prevent it from providing assistance to the defenders of the island of Vido. This lasted until 5 pm, then our paratroopers, Turks and Albanians rushed to storm the outer fortifications of the fortress. The area in front of them was mined, but one of the local residents showed safe passages.

Corfu Island. Old fortress. View of the Ionian Sea. Photo by A. Podkolzin

The French opened strong rifle fire, threw grenades and shot with grapeshot. However, the sailors managed to go down into the ditch and, having reached the very walls, fearlessly set up ladders. Hand-to-hand fighting had already broken out on the walls of the forts, but the French managed to repulse the first attack. Then an additional detachment of sailors was sent from the squadron. With the arrival of reinforcements, the attack on enemy positions was resumed. This time the attackers managed to capture all three forts. Now the ships, coastal batteries and artillery of the captured forts rained fire on the main fortress.

Old fortress. Corfu Island. Photo: A. Podkolzin

This rapid development of events stunned the French and broke their morale. The Chief Commissioner of the Directory, Divisional General Dubois, and the commandant of the fortress, General Chabot, proposed to begin negotiations on surrender. The act on this was signed on February 20, 1799. The winners received the fortress and forts of Corfu with artillery, military equipment, food and other property, as well as all the ships in the roadstead.

Monument to Admiral F.F. Ushakov at the foot of the Corfu fortress. Photo: A. Podkolzin

CORFU, Kerkyra (Italian Corfú, Greek Kerkyra), is a Greek city and port on the island of the same name from the group of Ionian islands. In the 14th-18th centuries, the Corfu fortress belonged to Venice. In 1797 it was captured by France and was its main base for the invasion of the Middle East. During Ushakov's Mediterranean campaign of 1798-1800, on October 24, 1798, Russian ships from the squadron of Admirad F. F. Ushakov began a blockade of Corfu. There was a French garrison in the fortress (3,700 people, 636 guns) under the command of General Chabot. From the sea, the fortress was covered by the fortified islands of Vido and Lazaretto; a French squadron was stationed in the port (2 battleships, 1 frigate, 1 bomber ship, etc.). On November 9, Ushakov arrived at Corfu and the siege began. The French garrison stubbornly defended itself. In December - January, the forces of the Russian-Turkish squadron increased to 12 battleships, 11 frigates, 2 corvettes, etc. Ushakov was able to intensify his actions. On February 18, 1799, with the support of powerful fire from ships, a 2,000-strong landing force was landed on the island of Vido, which forced the French troops to surrender. On the same day, airborne units (about 900 people), who had been besieging Corfu for 2 months, captured the forward fortifications of the fortress from land. The French commandant, seeing the hopelessness of resistance, capitulated on February 19. The capture of the strong sea fortress of Corfu in a short time in the absence of siege artillery and a sufficient number of troops was possible thanks to the high combat training and heroism of the Russian troops and the military art of Ushakov, who provided a classic example of organizing the interaction of landing forces and artillery of the squadron ships. In 1806, ships of the admiral squadron were based in Corfu D. N. Senyavina .

F. Krinitsyn. Moscow.

Soviet historical encyclopedia. In 16 volumes. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1973-1982. Volume 7. KARAKEEV - KOSHAKER. 1965.

Revolutionary wars that began in 1792 French Republic against the coalition England, Austria and Prussia soon turned into predatory ones, carried out in the interests of the big French bourgeoisie.

In 1796-1797, thanks to the stunning victories of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French government established its dominance in Northern and Central Italy. Then Belgium was annexed to France. In 1798, the French entered Switzerland, establishing a regime there dependent on Paris. In the spring of 1799, the famous General Bonaparte landed in Egypt.

In 1798, the so-called second coalition formed against Republican France, which included England, Austria, Russia , Türkiye, Kingdom of Naples and other countries. In the upcoming war, England and Austria set themselves the main task of eliminating the growing dominance of the French Republic in Europe. These countries also sought to resolve some territorial issues through war. So, England hoped to establish itself on the island. Malta, Ionian Islands and Egypt. Austria sought to return the Netherlands, lost in the Peace of Campoformia of 1797, to its possessions, as well as to acquire new lands in Italy.

All feudal-monarchical states that joined the anti-French coalition hated France as the country of the victorious Revolution. The spread of rebellious ideas, the “breeding ground” of which was France, caused panic among the crowned heads of Europe. It was this circumstance that largely determined Russia’s entry into the coalition and its participation in the military events of 1799. In addition, France's seizure of the Ionian Islands created the threat of military aggression on the Balkan Peninsula and the strengthening of France's influence on Turkey, which was always hostile to Russia. Moreover, in the upcoming war, the position of Prussia was not clear, which could join France and oppose the coalition countries, and this created a real threat on the northwestern borders of Russia. “Thus, national tasks were to some extent intertwined in the policy of the Russian government towards France.” (Zolotarev M.N., Mezhevich M.N., Skorodumov D.E. For the glory of the Russian Fatherland. M. 1984. P. 159.)

According to a mutual agreement, Russian troops, together with the Austrian ones, were supposed to act against the French on land in Northern Italy. For operations at sea, the British sent a squadron under the command of Admiral G. Nelson. Bonaparte's landing in Egypt forced Turkey to turn to Russia for help, which was very beneficial for the latter. Russia quite rightly feared that a French squadron might appear in the Black Sea. So, even at a time when Bonaparte’s squadron was supplied with everything necessary in the ports of France and the purpose of his expedition was not clear, Vice Admiral F. F. Ushakov It was ordered to hastily prepare the Black Sea Fleet for the start of the campaign, and until it was fully ready to organize surveillance off the coast of Crimea.

In July 1798, Ushakov received an order to be sent to Constantinople to join the Turkish fleet. It is not surprising that the choice of squadron commander fell on Ushakov. “The hero who won several remarkable naval victories in the Black Sea, the invincible Ushak Pasha, famous throughout the East, had no rivals among the Russian admirals at that moment.” (Tarle E.V. Selected works. T.4. Rostov n/D., 1994. P. 127.)

The fighting to liberate the islands began on September 28, 1798. Between October 1 and November 1, the French garrisons were driven out of the islands of Tserigo, Zante, Kefalonia and Santa Mavra. Thus, the first stage of the campaign was completed in the shortest possible time. As a result of the victories of the Russian sailors, the French lost 4 islands and 1,500 people killed, wounded and captured. (See V.D. Ovchinnikov, Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov. M. 1995. P. 64.) Now Ushakov intended to throw all his forces against the largest and well-fortified island of the archipelago - Corfu.

The siege lasted about three and a half months. During this time, the garrison of the fortress became convinced of the decisiveness of the actions of the allies, who intended to take the fortress of Corfu at any cost. The hardships of the siege fell not only on the French. A cold winter, with a piercing wind and rain, mowed down the besiegers more than the bullets and cannonballs of the enemy. However, the Russian sailors and grenadiers of the landing courageously endured all adversity and did not lose their fortitude. They boldly repelled the attacks of the besieged, inflicting moral and physical damage on them.

In mid-February 1799, having replenished his forces with soldiers sent by the Turkish rulers from the shore, Ushakov began intensive preparations for a decisive assault. The sailors learned to overcome various obstacles. Staircases were made in large quantities, and conditioned signals were developed to control ships and landing forces.

On February 17, a military council was held on the flagship St. Paul, at which an immediate plan for the operation was developed. It consisted of using naval artillery to silence the enemy's coastal batteries, landing troops and storming the advanced fortifications. The main blow was to be delivered to Fr. Vido. The main role in the developed plan was given to the ships of the allied fleet, which, according to Ushakov, were supposed to replace 50 thousand ground troops. The leading role in the entire operation was given to the Russian squadron and its landing force, since the hope for the Turks and auxiliary troops was too small.

At dawn on February 18, at 7 o'clock in the morning, a conventional shot rang out from the flagship - a signal for the coastal batteries located on the northern and southern parts of the island to open fire on the main fortress. “At the first signal, a shine like lightning appeared on the batteries, a terrible thunder followed, the guns roared, bombs and cannonballs flew into the fortifications.” (Admirals of the Russian Fleet. St. Petersburg, 1995. P. 266.) At the same time, the united squadron weighed anchor and rushed to the island with all sails. Vido.

The frigates "Kazan Mother of God" and "Herim-Captain" were the first to enter the battle with the French batteries. They came within shot range of enemy battery No. 1 on the northwestern tip of the island and rained down a barrage of fire on it. At the same time, the frigate "Nikolai" and the ship "Mary Magdalene" approached battery No. 2, they stood on the spring and also opened artillery fire.

According to the operation plan, a certain group of ships operated against each French battery. The flagship ship "St. Paul" showed the entire squadron examples of fearlessness and courage. Ushakov ordered to stand on the spring at the western cape of the island and destroyed two enemy batteries at once with both sides. The position occupied by the admiral allowed him to vigilantly monitor the progress of the battle and determine in time the moment of landing.

By 11 o'clock in the morning, almost all the guns from the French batteries had been shot down. The signal for landing went up on the flagship ship. Under the cover of naval artillery, special rowing ships with landing troops rushed from the ships to the island. Apparently, they began the landing from both sides. In total, more than 2 thousand people were landed on the shore, who in a single assault rush went to the middle of the island. Knocking out the fiercely resisting French from their trenches and shelters, the soldiers made their way to the central redoubt and, after a three-hour battle, captured it. During the battle, Russian soldiers and sailors did not forget about mercy towards the vanquished. The Turks, who participated together with the Russians, and their allies, embittered by the stubborn resistance of the French, killed everyone who got in their way, including the wounded and those who surrendered. By order of the officers, dense ranks of soldiers were formed around the French prisoners, who were ordered to open fire if the Turks tried to attack the prisoners.

By 2 p.m., Vido Island was taken and allied flags were raised above it. Of the 800 people who defended the island, 422 were captured. The rest were killed. Of the 21 officers, 15 were captured, including the commandant. Russian losses were significantly less. They amounted to 125 people killed and wounded. The Turks and Albanians who participated in this operation lost 180 people killed and wounded. (Tarle E.V. Op. cit., p. 180.)

After the fall of Vido, the key to Corfu was in the hands of Ushakov. Russian batteries located on the captured island opened fire on the fortifications of the New and Old fortresses. But still, the most difficult task remained to be solved - to capture these fortresses. The ground forces landed in advance were already ready to storm the advanced fortifications of the New Fortress - St. Abraham, St. Roc and St. Salvador.

At the prearranged signal, the Albanians rushed to storm the bastion of St. Rok, but they were soon repulsed by the besieged. Then Russian-Turkish forces went into action. The French opened heavy fire on the attackers with rifles, shot with grapeshot, and bombarded them with grenades. However, the Russians did not flinch and, dragging along the timid Turks and Albanians, under enemy fire they crossed the ditch, approached the walls and, using ladders, broke into the fortifications. Seeing the impossibility of containing the attackers, the French, having riveted the cannons and blown up the powder magazines, retreated to the fortification of St. Salvador, which they decided to desperately defend. But Russian soldiers rushed in on the shoulders of those retreating and, after half an hour of fierce hand-to-hand combat, also took possession of it. The French retreat from this line occurred so hastily that they did not even have time to rivet the cannons. After some time, the last advanced outpost of the New Fortress, the fortification of St. Abraham, fell under the onslaught of the attackers.

Such a quick occupation of well-fortified positions showed the French that the end would come very soon. Fall o. The sight and advanced fortifications of the New Fortress, the relentless firing of allied cannons and the bold assault did their job. The morale of the French garrison was broken. Seeing the futility of further resistance, the commander of the French troops, Gen. L.F.J. On February 19, Chabot sent three officers to Ushakov with a proposal to accept the surrender of the garrison and begin negotiations. Ushakov agreed and gave the order for a ceasefire. On February 20, the act of surrender was signed. According to its terms, the French surrendered the fortresses of Corfu with all the trophies in them and pledged not to fight against Russia and its allies for 18 months.

The military trophies of the winners were: 114 mortars, 21 howitzers, 500 cannons, 5,500 rifles, 37,394 bombs, 137 thousand cannonballs, etc. In the port of Corfu, the ship "Leander", the frigate "Brunet", a bombardment ship, 2 galleys, 4 half-galleys, 3 merchant ships and several other ships were captured. (Ovchinnikov F.D. Op. cit., p. 70.)

Thus, on February 20, 1799, the strongest naval fortress with a large and brave garrison fell. The capture of Corfu completed the complete victory of Ushakov - the liberation of the Ionian Islands from the rule of the French. The grandiose victory at Corfu and the liberation of the entire Archipelago was of great military and political significance. On the liberated islands, under the temporary protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of the Seven Islands was created with a democratic constitution, the foundations of which were proposed by Ushakov. Russia acquired a military base in the Mediterranean Sea, which it successfully used in the war of the 3rd coalition of European powers against France.

The capture of Corfu was a triumphant conclusion to the military path of the Russian navy in the 18th century and, as it were, summed up the first century of its existence.

Materials used from the book: “One Hundred Great Battles”, M. “Veche”, 2002.

Read further:

The whole world in the 18th century (chronological table).

Literature

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2. History of naval art / Rep. ed. R.N. Mordvinov - M., 1953. - T.I. - pp. 255-259.

3. Marine atlas. Descriptions for cards. - M., 1959. - T.Z part 1 - P. 399-400.

4. Marine Atlas / Rep. ed. G.I. Levchenko. - M., 1958. - T Zch 1 - L. 20.

5. Mordvinov R.N. Naval art of Admiral F.F. Ushakova // Russian naval art. Sat. Art. / Rep. ed. R.N. Mordvinov. - M., 1951. S. 121-142.

6. Snegirev V.L. Russian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Campaign of Admiral Ushakov (1798-1800). - M., 1944.

7. Soviet military encyclopedia: In the 8th volume / Ch. ed. commission N.V. Ogarkov (prev.) and others - M., 1977. - T.4. - pp. 378-379.

8. Tarle E.D. Admiral Ushakov on the Mediterranean Sea (1798-1800). - M., 1948.

9. Encyclopedia of military and maritime sciences: In the 8th volume / edited by. ed., G.A. Leera. - St. Petersburg, 1891. -T 5.-S. 485-486.

The revolutionary wars of France at the end of the 18th century led to the fact that many key points in the Mediterranean Sea, including the Ionian Islands, control over which allowed them to extend their influence to the Balkans, were captured by the French. The Black Sea squadron of Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov, with the support of a small Turkish flotilla led by Kadyr Bey, was tasked with taking control of the Ionian Islands, which they managed to capture by the beginning of November 1798. All that remained was to take the well-fortified island. Corfu.

POSITION AND PLANS OF THE PARTIES

The French covered Fr. Corfu from Apparently, after protracted artillery duels, they hoped to force the Russian-Turkish fleet to leave for the open sea. Total on about. There were about 800 soldiers and 5 artillery batteries under the command of Brigadier General Pivron, on the island. Corfu in the Old and New Fortresses housed 3,000 soldiers with 650 guns under the command of General Jabot.

Ushakov planned to take Fr. Vido, and then, placing artillery batteries on it, begin shelling about. Corfu, concentrating grapeshot fire against the enemy’s artillery positions. In Ushakov's flotilla there were 12 battleships and 11 frigates, a team of sea grenadiers of 1,700 people, Turkish soldiers of 4,250 people, as well as 2,000 Greek patriots. Moreover, by January 26, 1799, Russian sailors managed to build on the island. Corfu has two batteries - opposite Fort San Salvador and the Old Fortress, and also restore the battery at St. Panteleimon." It is from these positions that the landing force will attack the island. Corfu.

PROGRESS OF THE STORM

On February 18 at 7 o'clock in the morning, Ushakov begins the assault on Corfu. The ships “Kazan Mother of God” and “Herim-Captain” began firing grapeshot at battery No. 1 on the island. Vido. A little later, all the ships blocking Vido joined in the shelling. After a 4-hour shelling, all batteries were suppressed, and a landing force of 2,160 people landed on the island. Two French frigates, Leander and La Brune, tried to come to the aid of the besieged, but they, however, received significant damage under the fire of the battleship Blessing of the Lord and were forced to retreat. After a 2-hour battle, 200 Vido defenders were killed, 420 French soldiers, and with them 20 officers and the commandant of the island, General. Pivron is captured. About 150 people managed to swim to Corfu. The Russians lost 31 people killed and 100 wounded, the losses of the Turks and Albanians amounted to 180 people killed and wounded.

Simultaneously with the assault and capture of Fr. Apparently, Russian ships fired at the fortifications of the Old and New fortresses on the island. Corfu. At about 14.00 the Albanians tried to capture the bastion “St. Rock", but were repulsed. The very next Russian-Turkish joint attack forced the French to retreat to the fortress. The assault on the Old and New Fortresses was scheduled for February 19, but in the evening the French surrendered on honorable terms.

RESULTS

2,931 people (including 4 generals) surrendered in Corfu. The military trophies of the winners were: 114 mortars, 21 howitzers, 500 cannons, 5500 rifles, 37,394 bombs, 137 thousand cannonballs, etc. In the port of Corfu, the battleship Leander, the frigate Brunet, a bombardment ship, 2 galleys were captured , 4 half-galleys, 3 merchant ships and several other ships. Allied losses amounted to about 298 people killed and wounded, of which 130 were Russians and 168 Turks and Albanians. The capture of Corfu put an end to France's claims to Mediterranean dominance, and the Republic of the Ionian Islands was formed on the Ionian Islands, which for some time was the base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

CORFU

The French Revolution exploded the fragile European peace. From 1792, the continent plunged into the abyss of wars that lasted more than two decades. During this time political map Europe has undergone significant changes. This also affected the Mediterranean region, where at the very end of the 18th century a complex tangle of contradictions arose.

The successes of Napoleon's army in Italy and his capture of the Ionian Islands from powerless Venice in 1797 caused serious concern not only among European governments and Russia, but also in Constantinople, where they feared a French landing in Greece.

On the other hand, after the conclusion of the Treaty of Jassy, by the end of the 18th century, thanks to the art of diplomacy, the Russian-Ottoman Empire underwent serious improvements. It was this factor, as well as Napoleon’s attack on Egypt in early 1798, that forced the Turkish government to pursue further rapprochement with Russia - the only state with a powerful fleet ready to come to the aid of its southern neighbor. For the first time in the history of relations between these countries, a defensive alliance was concluded between them in 1799.

But even earlier, on August 23 (September 2), 1798, a squadron under the flag of Admiral F.F. Ushakova arrived on the Bosphorus. Sultan Selim III himself visited the flagship incognito, and the squadron received permission for free passage through the Dardanelles. A week later, the Ottoman Empire broke off diplomatic relations with France. Ushakov was placed at the head of the united Russian-Turkish squadron, and patron-bey (rear admiral) Abdul Kadir, an experienced and brave sailor, was given his assistance.

On September 29 (October 9) the squadron approached the island of Tserigo. The French garrison resisted bravely, but only for three days. Ushakov proved himself not only as a skilled naval commander, but also as a subtle diplomat: the prisoners were kept banners and weapons and were released “on their word of honor” - not to fight against Russia. The admiral announced to the residents of the island that he was introducing local self-government here.

On October 14 (25), the same fate befell the fortress on the island of Zante. Moreover, here the French prisoners had to be protected from embittered Greeks, outraged by the predatory morals of the invaders. Soon the islands of Kelafonia, Ithaca, and St. Maura were captured. In November 1798, Russian and Turkish flags flew over all the Ionian islands, except Corfu.

On November 20, the squadron of Ushakov and Kadyr Bey approached Corfu. Expelling the French from it was a matter of strategic importance, since the island was located directly next to the Ottoman possessions, and its possession would ensure the security of the western part of Rumelia. Ushakov, despite the opposition of the English Admiral Nelson, who sought to divert the Russian squadron from taking this French stronghold in the Mediterranean, managed to prepare and carry out one of the most brilliant operations in the history of the Russian fleet. On March 3, 1799, the four thousand strong French garrison of this first-class fortress capitulated.

To avoid heavy losses during the assault, Ushakov decided to first take the small mountainous island of Vido, whose heights dominated the surrounding area. Troops were landed and after a two-hour battle the island was taken. After the fall of Vido, the key to Corfu was in the hands of Ushakov. Russian batteries located on the captured island opened fire on the fortifications of the fortresses of Corfu.

By March 3, the commandant of the fortress, considering further resistance useless, laid down his arms. 2,931 people, including 4 generals, were captured, and on honorable terms of surrender (the French were allowed to leave the island with a promise not to participate in hostilities for 18 months). The military trophies of the winners were 114 mortars, 21 howitzers, 500 cannons, 5,500 rifles, 37,394 bombs, 137 thousand cannonballs, etc. In the port of Corfu, the battleship Leander, the frigate Brunet, a bombardment ship, 2 galleys, 4 half-galleys, 3 merchant ships and several other ships. Allied losses amounted to about 298 people killed and wounded, of which 130 were Russians and 168 Turks and Albanians.

For this assault, Emperor Paul promoted Ushakov to admiral and awarded him the diamond insignia of the Order of the Saint, the Neapolitan king - the Order of Saint Januarius, 1st degree, and the Ottoman Sultan - the Chelenk, the highest award of Turkey.

During the assault on the fortress, the persistent opinion of contemporaries - military theorists - was refuted that coastal fortresses are taken only from land, and the fleet ensures a close blockade of them. F.F. Ushakov proposed a brilliantly implemented new solution: a powerful shelling of the fortifications with naval artillery, the suppression of coastal batteries and the landing of grenadier troops. It was not for nothing that the great commander wrote in his congratulations: “Hurray! To the Russian fleet... Now I say to myself: why wasn’t I at least a midshipman at Corfu.”

The archipelago epic ended here. On the liberated islands, under the temporary protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of the Republic of the Seven United Islands was created, which for several years served as a support base for the Russian Mediterranean squadron. And in the Mediterranean Sea itself, Ushakov continued his victorious campaign, despite the fact that he did not have a good relationship with the commander English fleet Nelson. He considered the Russian squadron an auxiliary force designed to serve British interests, insisting on sending it to the Egyptian shores. It is no coincidence that the English admiral, understanding the importance for the British Empire of occupying a dominant position in the Mediterranean, did not allow Ushakov to move to the strategic island of Malta. The admiral had to go to the shores of Naples and restore the power of King Ferdinand there.

However, the successes of the Russian fleet, as well as the brilliantly carried out land operations of A.V. during this campaign. Suvorov, did not bring diplomatic benefits. Emperor Paul made a sharp turn in politics, breaking the alliance with England and Austria and began negotiations on an alliance with Napoleon Bonaparte. The next turn in Russian politics occurred on the night of March 12, 1801. Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich went out to the soldiers of the Semenovsky regiment guarding the Mikhailovsky Castle and said that his father had died of an apoplexy.