July 27, with a difference of six years, twice became the day of triumph of the Russian fleet. Moreover, if the Battle of Gangaut was the first major victory of Peter the Great over the Swedes at sea, then the Battle of Grenham was the final in the Northern War.
Background
The Northern, or Twenty Years' War began in 1700 with the siege of Riga, which then belonged to the Swedes, by the troops of the Saxon elector and the Polish king. Both of these monarchs were part of the Northern Alliance, of which Russia and the Danish-Norwegian kingdom were also members.
The main goal of Russia's entry into the war was to gain access to the Baltic Sea, since it was difficult and costly to conduct trade relations with European countries through Arkhangelsk alone. Peter the Great's official entry into the Northern War occurred after the Treaty of Constantinople was signed in the summer of 1700.
The reason for the start of military action against the Kingdom of Sweden, which was ruled by a very young Charles the Twelfth, was declared to be “grievances and untruths,” including the cold reception given to the Russian Tsar when he visited Riga.
Already on August 24, the troops of Peter the Great set out on a campaign, the main goal of which was to capture Narva. In case of victory, according to the agreement concluded with the king of Poland, Russia received territories within the borders of the modern Leningrad region.
War at sea
In 1700, the Swedish navy was the fourth largest in the world in terms of the number of frigates and ships of the line equipped with heavy weapons. Russia, which did not have access to the Baltic, could not compete with it. The main force of the Allies at sea was the Danish fleet. However, it was inferior to the Swedish in the number of ships.
In parallel with waging war on land, Peter the Great did everything to ensure that Russia had a powerful fleet. At the cost of incredible efforts, the goal was achieved, and by 1711 the Swedes were already opposed by 3 battleships, 10 frigates, 4 ships, about 15 boats and many other small ships. All of them were recently launched and equipped with the most modern weapons of their time. Things were completely different for the Swedes. As a result of a long land war, the treasury of the Kingdom of Sweden was devastated, and in ten years only one new warship was built in this country. In addition, the condition of the fleet of Charles the Twelfth was most deplorably affected by the defeat from the Danes in Keg Bay.
Battle of Gangut
Before talking about the Battle of Grenham, it is worth mentioning another naval battle, which allowed Russian sailors to believe in their ability to win at sea.
On July 27, 1714, the Baltic Fleet under the command of Peter the Great and Admiral General Fyodor Apraksin attacked the Swedish ships off Cape Gangut. At the same time, the king proved himself not only to be a brilliant strategist, but also personally participated in the boarding attack. As a result of the decisive actions of the Russian sailors and their commanders, 29 Swedish ships were sunk, fell into disrepair or were captured, and the enemy's losses in manpower amounted to 360 people killed and almost as many wounded.
In 1995, August 9 (July 27, old style) in honor of the victory of the Russian fleet in the Battle of Gangut was proclaimed the Day of Military Glory.
Political situation in Northern Europe by 1720
By the time the Battle of Grenham took place, the war, which affected the territory of the modern Baltic states, parts of Little Russia, the western regions of Russia, Poland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, had already lasted two decades. In all these countries, a generation of young people grew up who did not know what a peaceful life meant.
In addition, after the Battle of Gangut there were other victories at sea. Year by year, the young Russian fleet became more and more powerful, and its sailors and commanders acquired the experience necessary to successfully conduct combat operations with any enemy.
All this could not escape the attention of the government of England, which was extremely concerned about the victories of Peter the Great. London politicians for the first time realized the threat posed to their power on the seas and decided to do everything to moderate Russia's ardor. To this end, the British government began to negotiate with Sweden. They ended with the creation of a new military alliance. This alliance was intended to force Peter the Great to make peace on terms unfavorable for Russia, which would end the protracted Northern War.
Battle of Grenham: balance of power
In the first half of 1720, the joint Anglo-Swedish squadron headed for Revel. This action was aimed at intimidating Peter the Great, but it did not have any result. Therefore, after a short wait for retaliatory action, the Allies had to retreat to the shores of Sweden. As for the Russian fleet, which at that time was commanded by Mikhail Golitsyn, it, consisting of 61 galleys and 29 boats, was sent to the Åland Islands.
How did the Grenham naval battle take place?
On July 26, the Baltic Fleet reached its destination. Intelligence reported that the Swedish squadron was located between the islands of Fritsberg and Lemland. However, a strong wind blew in the Russians' faces, making the attack impossible. Then Field Marshal Golitsyn decided to go to the island of Grengam and take a convenient position among the skerries.
On July 27, the Swedish fleet, whose ships had 156 guns, unexpectedly attacked Russian ships ready for defense. Thus began the Battle of Grenham (1720).
The commander of the Swedish fleet, K. G. Sheblad, ordered his gunners to conduct a massive bombardment. To avoid losses, Golitsyn decided to retreat to shallow waters and lure Swedish ships there. His trick was a success, and the more maneuverable Russian ships, going on the attack, boarded four enemy frigates. Then the rest of the fleet under the command of K. G. Sheblad retreated. According to the testimony of the participants in the battle, only the flagship was able to avoid capture, which was saved from its pursuers by the appearance on the horizon of several Swedish ships rushing to the rescue.
Consequences
The results of the Battle of Grenham played a decisive role in ending the Northern War. King Frederick the First, who reigned on the Swedish throne after the death of his brother-in-law Charles the Twelfth, having learned about the defeat of his fleet, summoned the Russian envoy A.I. Rumyantsev and proposed to begin negotiations. Within a few months, Russia and Sweden signed the Nystadt Peace Treaty on terms that completely suited Peter the Great.
The results of the Battle of Grenham include the discreditation of England, which abandoned its ally to the mercy of fate. In addition, the Russian victory in the Baltic put an end to Sweden's unchallenged dominance in the North Seas.
The victory at Grenham was celebrated by the whole of St. Petersburg. For three days, Peter the Great organized feasts and illumination in his new capital. The king generously rewarded all participants in the battle. Prince Mikhail Golitsyn received from the hands of the emperor a sword studded with diamonds, on which the inscription “For a good team” was engraved, and an expensive cane. Officers were awarded gold medals with chains, and privates were awarded silver medals. They were engraved with the words: “Diligence and courage surpass strength.” For taking war trophies, the tsar gave 8,960 rubles as reward to the ship's crews.
M. M. Golitsyn
The Battle of Grenham (its date is July 27, 1720) forever inscribed in the annals of military history the names of many Russian sailors, midshipmen and captains who proved themselves to be skilled sailors capable of carrying out even the most complex maneuver.
If during the Battle of Gangut the main decisions were made by Peter the Great himself, in the battle that took place in 1720, all the credit for choosing the right strategy and tactics of combat goes undividedly to Mikhail Golitsyn.
At the time when the Battle of Grengam took place (the sequence of events that occurred on July 27, 1720 is briefly presented above), he had already distinguished himself in the battles of Narva and Poltava, earning the recognition of the tsar and becoming a recipient of many military awards. In addition, he had experience commanding one of the ships that took part in the famous battle of Cape Gangut.
After the victory in the Battle of Grengam, Michal Golitsyn made a brilliant career as a courtier. Thanks to his ability to carefully calculate his steps, he held the highest government positions at different times. Moreover, even in the era of palace coups, he always managed to balance between rival parties and always came out on top.
K. G. Sheblad
Talking about Golitsyn, it is worth saying a few words about his opponent. Vice Admiral K. G. Sheblad was a brave warrior. Before the Battle of Grenham, he was confident in the support of the English fleet. However, even when it became clear that the allies were not going to participate in the battle, he did not retreat and boldly attacked the enemy. Moreover, when, thanks to the cunning of Russian sailors, his ships fell into a trap, the vice admiral performed a complex maneuver and took the flagship into the open sea.
Now you know which naval battles brought the end of the Northern War closer. The historical significance of the Gangut and Grengam battles for our country is difficult to overestimate. They ensured the transformation of Russia into one of the leading maritime powers on the planet, and also contributed to the development of its economic potential and political weight on the world stage.
Battle of Grengam: the last major battle of the Northern War
On July 27 (August 7), 1720, a battle took place between the Russian and Swedish fleets near the island of Grengam
Exactly six years after the brilliant victory of the Russian fleet over the Swedes in the Battle of Gangut, another victory was won in the battle of Grengam Island.
The initiative, intercepted in the battle of Gangut, remained in the hands of the Russians, the Swedes ceased to be the rulers of the Baltic Sea.
This strengthening of Russian positions greatly worried the British, the actions of British diplomacy were directed against Russia: in 1717 England split the Northern Alliance, in 1719 it tried to create an anti-Russian bloc, constantly interfered in Russian-Swedish negotiations, and in 1720 it signed agreements beneficial for itself under the terms of an agreement with Sweden to provide it with military assistance.
To demonstrate their power, the Anglo-Swedish fleet entered and stood at Revel at the end of May, but its arrival at the well-fortified Russian fortress was in vain. Without significant ground forces, the British and Swedes had nothing to do here.
While the allies were toiling and did not know how else to scare the Russians, a Russian landing force landed on the Swedish coast, penetrating 30 miles into enemy territory. This action, carried out behind the back of the united squadron, showed the worthlessness of the Anglo-Swedish alliance and joint military operation - the Russians still dominated the Baltic. The British did not help the Swedes in the battle of Grengam Island; the Russian squadron consisting of 61 galleys and 29 ships with almost 11 thousand troops, heading to the Åland Islands, was met by the Swedes alone.
The first meeting with enemy ships took place on August 6, 1720 near the islands of Lemland and Frisberg, but stormy weather prevented the attack and boarding of the ships. The attack and capture of enemy ships was postponed to the next day. This was the plan of squadron commander Mikhail Golitsyn.
The Swedish command: Vice Admiral Sjöbland and Wachmeister had their own plan. They decided to take advantage of their sailing ships over the Russian rowing ships. The next morning they moved towards our galleys approaching Grengam and subjected them to massive fire. Golitsyn ordered to retreat to the strait between the islands.
The advantage of mobile galleys was on their side; the low-maneuverable Swedish frigates in a narrow strait with reefs and shoals were helpless. Having lined up in battle formation, the galleys met the enemy with fire, after which they began a boarding battle. As a result, 4 Swedish frigates and 407 crew members were captured; the Swedes lost 103 people killed.
A skillful and desperate maneuver by the flagship frigate on which Sjöblad was located allowed him to slip out of the strait and into the open sea. The rest of the ships of the enemy fleet also took advantage of the fresh tailwind; the wind really became an advantage for the escape of the Swedish sailing ships and saved them from complete defeat.
We lost 82 people killed and 246 wounded in this battle. We must give credit to the Swedes, the damage that 43 galleys received turned out to be incompatible with their further use, they could not be repaired, and they had to be burned.
But the most important thing happened: the Grenham victory once again confirmed the superiority of the Russian fleet in the waters of the Baltic and showed the insignificance of the Anglo-Swedish alliance. The military victory became a diplomatic victory and accelerated the signing of the Nystadt Peace Treaty.
In honor of the victory, a medal was knocked out with the inscription: “Diligence and courage surpasses strength,” according to ancient Russian tradition, in honor of the victory over the enemy, the temple of the holy martyr Panteleimon was erected in St. Petersburg, the Gangut and Grengam victories were won on the day of his memory.
Kirill Bragin
http://rusplt.ru/wins/grengame-poslednee-krupnoe-30400.html
Named after the small harbor of Grengam on one of the Åland Islands. Prince M.M. Golitsyn, the commander-in-chief of the Russian forces in Finland, having learned that the Swedish fleet was between the Åland Islands, moved with a rowing fleet from Helsingfors and occupied the island of Fliseberg on the morning of the 27th. The enemy, wanting to take advantage of the sailing fleet over the rowing fleet on the open sea, moved towards our galleys approaching Grenham. Golitsyn hastened to return to Fliseberg and, when the Swedish fleet, carried away by the pursuit, entered the narrow strait behind him, attacked him. After a stubborn battle, the Russians captured 4 frigates. This victory accelerated negotiations for peace, which were concluded in 1721 in Nystadt.
BATTLE AT GRENGAM ISLAND
The battle off the island of Grengam (Granhamnsholm) between a detachment of ships of the Russian rowing fleet and a Swedish squadron of sailing ships on July 27, 1720 was of great importance during the Northern War. At the end of July 1720, by order, a Russian detachment (52 galleys, 14 boats, 52 guns, 11 thousand soldiers ready for landing) arrived in the Åland Islands in the Gulf of Bothnia under the command of General M.M. Golitsyn. He was given the task of expelling the Swedes from the area.
The Swedish squadron of Vice Admiral K. Sheblad (52-gun battleship, 4 frigates, 9 small ships, 156 guns, over 1 thousand soldiers) tried to attack the Russian fleet in transit. Golitsyn managed to take a position advantageous for the battle in the narrow Flisesund Strait, placing the ships in a semicircle. The Swedish battleship and 4 frigates, carried away by the pursuit of the Russian detachment, entered the shallow strait, where 2 frigates ran aground, hampering the actions of the remaining ships.
In a fierce boarding battle, the Russians captured all the Swedish frigates. Only the flagship managed to escape. The Swedes lost 103 people killed and 407 prisoners; – 82,236 wounded. At Grengam, the rowing fleet in the skerry area was skillfully used, reconnaissance was organized to select positions for battle, as well as the moment of a decisive attack on enemy ships from different directions. The victory at Grenham allowed the Russian fleet to strengthen the zone of the Åland archipelago, which was important for actions against the enemy’s sea communications.
The victory at Grengam, which coincided with the day of victory at Gangut (July 27, 1714), became an important event.
VICTORY OF THE RUSSIAN FLEET OVER THE SWEDES AT GRENGAM Island
After Gangut, this was the second most important victory of the young Russian fleet during the Northern War. Its importance lies in the fact that it occurred at a time when Sweden was hoping for help and protection from a strong English squadron, which entered the Baltic Sea and began joint operations with the Swedish sailing fleet.
Negotiations to end the war had already begun earlier, but ended in failure in 1718. The Swedes did not want to cede the lands conquered by the Russians along the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Then Peter I decided to use “strong action”. In the summer of 1719, a 26,000-strong landing force under the command of Apraksin landed on Swedish territory. Without touching the inhabitants, our troops devastated the vast territory of Eastern Sweden. The glow of the fires was clearly visible even in Stockholm, from which the advanced Russian detachments were no more than 10 miles away. Queen Ulrika-Eleanor of Sweden, who ascended the throne after the death of Charles XII, asked Peter I to suspend hostilities.
At this moment, the countries were very close to concluding peace, but then England intervened. The English king entered into an alliance with Sweden and promised it military assistance. In the spring of 1720, the English squadron entered the Baltic Sea and linked up with the Swedish fleet. The combined squadron of 35 ships approached Revel on May 30.
The Russians were well prepared to meet the enemy. The defense of Kotlin, Revel and other Russian strongholds on the shores of the Gulf of Finland was significantly strengthened. Knowing the treachery of the British, they also strengthened the defense of Arkhangelsk. Peter I was determined. “We will not create an unhelpful peace!” - he said and decided to repeat the raid on Swedish territory.
The commander of the Russian troops in Finland at that time was General Prince M.M. Golitsyn is an experienced military leader and one of the closest associates of Peter I. In 1687, at the age of 12, Golitsyn began military service as a drummer in the Semenovsky regiment. He took part in all the military campaigns of Peter I. From 1714 he commanded troops in southern Finland, took part in the naval battle of Gangut and won a victory over the Swedish troops at Nappo. In 1725 he was promoted to field marshal general, and under Tsarina Anna Ioannovna he fell into disgrace and died in 1730.
In the spring of 1720, Golitsyn concentrated the galley fleet and landing forces on the western islands of the Åland archipelago. As soon as ice conditions allowed, he sent 35 galleys with a landing party of 6 thousand people to Swedish territory. This detachment, under the command of Brigadier Mangden, marched 30 miles deep into the territory, burned two cities and 41 villages, and captured several coastal ships. Terror again seized Sweden. An urgent distress signal was sent to the combined Anglo-Swedish fleet, which immediately weighed anchor, left Revel and hurried to the shores of Sweden.
However, the English sailors were not at all eager to fight, so only the squadron of the Swedish Vice Admiral Sheblat, consisting of one battleship, 4 frigates and 9 small ships (156 guns), approached the Åland Islands. The Russian landing force returned safely to Finnish territory near the city of Vasa, and Golitsyn, having received a message about the approach of the Swedish squadron, hurried to meet it. His flotilla had 61 galleys and 29 boats (52 guns in total).
It should be noted that the detachment of galleys of the flotilla was commanded by the commander’s full namesake - also M.M. Golitsyn. Peter I personally assigned him to naval service and sent him to study first at the Navigation School, and then to undergo an internship on ships of the Dutch fleet. Since 1717 this M.M. Golitsyn participated in the Northern War, and then successfully promoted. In 1748 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the fleet, and in 1756 he was promoted to admiral general.
On the morning of July 27, the Russian flotilla moved to the island of Grengam (in the southern group of the Åland Islands) to take an advantageous starting position and, with a favorable wind, attack Sheblat's squadron. However, the Swedish admiral decided to attack the Russian ships himself. Our galleys turned back and began to retreat into the narrow strait between the islands of Grengam and Fliss. The Swedes began to pursue and, when their ships were drawn into a narrow strait, replete with shoals and underwater rocks, the Russian galleys suddenly rushed to attack. Artillery entered the battle first. But this time the Swedish gunners acted skillfully and disabled 42 Russian galleys.
Nevertheless, showing exceptional heroism and tenacity, the Russians rushed to board. The fierce battle lasted about four hours and ended in our complete victory. Four Swedish frigates surrendered to the mercy of the winner. The remaining Swedish ships managed to escape. The Swedes lost 103 people killed and 407 people were captured. Russian losses amounted to 82 killed and 203 wounded.
The captured Swedish frigates were brought into the Neva. All of St. Petersburg celebrated this victory for three days. Peter I awarded all participants in the battle a specially embossed medal: officers - gold, sailors - silver with the inscription “Diligence and courage surpass strength”, and Golitsyn - an expensive sword with the inscription “for a good team”.
This outstanding victory of the Russian rowing fleet over the Swedish sailing fleet was convincing evidence of the superiority of Russian naval art. It weakened the Swedish fleet, made a strong impression on European states, especially England, and accelerated the start of peace negotiations. Peter I was especially proud of the fact that at Grenham the Russian fleet proved its ability to take Swedish ships prisoner, even when they were supported by the powerful English squadron of Admiral Norris. But Norris came to the Baltic Sea in 1720 with 18 battleships, three frigates and other vessels. “It’s true,” the Emperor wrote to Menshikov, “no small victory can be due, and most importantly, in the eyes of the English, who equally defended the Swedes, both their lands and the fleet.” This battle, as well as the subsequent events of 1720–21. showed the complete collapse of England's anti-Russian policy in the Baltic, carried out during the last years of the Northern War.
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Naval battle of Grenham 1720
Historians call the Battle of Grengam or the victory at Grengam in 1720 the victory of the Russian galley flotilla won off the island of Grengam (part of the Åland Islands) over a Swedish detachment of sailing ships. It was this historical event that became the final point in the end of the Northern War, which lasted twenty-one years.
Background to the Battle of Grenham
Soon after the defeat, the new monarch of Sweden, Frederick the First, told the envoy of the Russian Empire in Stockholm, Rumyantsev, about the desire of the Swedish side to begin peace negotiations. And a few months later, the so-called Nystad Peace Treaty is signed between the states - a document very beneficial for the Russian side.
The whole paradox of the Battle of Grenham was that this battle took place at a time when the Swedish troops hoped to receive the protection and assistance of the English squadron, which entered the Baltic Sea and began a joint operation together with the Swedish sailing fleet. In fact, victory over the Swedish squadron meant not only a blow to the prestige of the powerful English fleet, but also discrediting England in relation to Russia and Sweden. After all, the Northern War itself could have ended earlier if England had not intervened in it.
1718
In 1718, negotiations to end the Northern War between Russia and Sweden ended without reaching an agreement. The latter did not agree to give to the Russian Tsar Peter the territories conquered by his army along the coastline of the Gulf of Finland. Peter the Great had no choice but to go on the offensive.
1719
In the summer of 1719, a twenty-six thousandth landing force, commanded by Apraksin, landed on Swedish territory. After this, the destruction and burning of the territories of Eastern Sweden by troops begins. Contemporaries note that the glow from the fires could be observed even in Stockholm.
Seeing the strength of Peter's army, the Queen of Sweden, who ascended the throne after the death of Charles the Twelfth, asks Peter the Great to stop the military operation. During this period, both countries were closer than ever to signing peace. But then England intervened in the war, entering into an alliance with Sweden and promising it enormous military power.
Progress and results of the Battle of Grenham
In the spring of 1720, the Swedish fleet and the English squadron united in the Baltic Sea. In total, there were thirty-five ships in the combined squadron, which approached Revel on the thirtieth of May.
However, the Russian Tsar took into account the risks and prepared to meet the enemy. Peter's troops significantly strengthened the defense of Revel, Kotlin, as well as other strongholds located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Anticipating the treachery of the English side, the defense of Arkhangelsk was also overpowered.
In the spring of 1920, all forces were concentrated on the western islands of the Alad archipelago. After the melting ice allowed operations to begin, thirty-five galleys with a landing force of six thousand approached the Swedish coast. This detachment of Mangden goes thirty miles deep, burning forty-one villages and two cities behind it. Coasting boats were also seized. The Queen sends a signal for help to the combined fleet of England and Sweden, which hastened to the Swedish shores, leaving Rovel.
At the same time, the English sailors did not want to start a battle and were playing for time. As a result, only the squadron of K.G. approaches the Åland Islands. Sheblada of nine small ships, four frigates and one battleship. However, by this time the Russian landing force was able to return to Finnish soil. Having received a message about the approach of the Swedish squadron, Commander Golitsyn came out to meet it with sixty-one galleys and twenty-nine boats.
On the morning of the twenty-seventh of July, the Russian fleet moves towards the island of Grengam to occupy a favorable position and attack the Sheblad squadron. At the same time, the Swedish admiral decides to attack first, exaggerating the power of his squadron. Golitsyn had to retreat to a narrow strait between the islands of Flise and Grengam, where galleys could fight much more successfully than sailing ships.
Carried away by the pursuit, the Swedish admiral did not notice how his ships entered a narrow strait, which was replete with underwater rocks and shoals. At this time, the Russian galleys rushed to attack. The first two frigates did not have enough space to turn around and were thrown aground, after which they were immediately surrounded by galleys. After that, the Swedish admiral realized that he had fallen into a trap and his ship managed to go to sea.
The Swedish gunners acted more experienced and strategically. They managed to disable forty-three Russian galleys. Showing tenacity and heroism, the Russian troops rushed to board. The battle at Grengam lasted approximately four hours and ended with a complete defeat of the Swedes.
Due to strong winds, some Swedish ships managed to escape. In this battle, the Russians received cannonballs, guns, ammunition and gunpowder. About five hundred Swedes were taken prisoner.
Outline map: Battle of Cape Grenham 1720
Outline map: Grenham naval battle 1720
During the reign of Peter I (1682–1725), Russia faced two difficult problems related to access to the seas - the Black and Baltic. The Azov campaigns of 1695–1696, which ended with the capture of Azov, did not completely resolve the issue of access to the Black Sea, since the Kerch Strait remained in the hands of Turkey.
Peter I's trip to the countries of Western Europe convinced him that neither Austria nor Venice would become Russia's allies in the war with Turkey. But during the “great embassy” (1697–1698), Peter I realized that a favorable situation had developed in Europe for solving the Baltic problem - getting rid of Swedish rule in the Baltic states. Denmark and Saxony, whose elector Augustus II was also the Polish king, joined Russia.
During the Northern War of 1700–1721. Russia fought against Sweden for the return of lands seized by Sweden and access to the Baltic Sea. The first years of the war turned out to be a serious test for the Russian army. The Swedish king Charles XII, having a first-class army and navy in his hands, brought Denmark out of the war and defeated the Polish-Saxon and Russian armies. In the future, he planned to capture Smolensk and Moscow.
In 1701–1705 Russian troops gained a foothold on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, in the Baltic states. Peter I, anticipating the advance of the Swedes, took measures to strengthen the northwestern borders from Pskov to Smolensk. This forced Charles XII to abandon his attack on Moscow. He took his army to Ukraine, where, counting on the support of the traitor Hetman I.S. Mazepa, intended to replenish supplies, spend the winter, and then, joining the corps of General A. Levengaupt, move to the center of Russia. However, on September 28 (October 9), 1708, Levengaupt’s troops were intercepted near the village of Lesnoy by a flying corps (corvolant) under the command of Peter I. In order to quickly defeat the enemy, about 5 thousand Russian infantrymen were mounted on horses. They were assisted by about 7 thousand dragoons. The corps was opposed by Swedish troops numbering 13 thousand people, who guarded 3 thousand carts with food and ammunition.
The Battle of Lesnaya ended in a brilliant victory for the Russian army. The enemy lost 8.5 thousand people killed and wounded. Russian troops captured almost the entire convoy and 17 guns, losing more than 1,000 people killed and 2,856 people wounded. This victory testified to the increased fighting strength of the Russian army and contributed to the strengthening of its morale. Peter I later called the battle at Lesnaya “the Mother of the Poltava Battle.” Charles XII lost much-needed reinforcements and convoys. Overall, the Battle of Lesnaya had a great influence on the course of the war. It prepared the conditions for a new, even more majestic, victory of the Russian regular army near Poltava.
The march of the main forces of the Swedish army, led by Charles XII, into Russia ended in their defeat in the Battle of Poltava on June 27 (July 8), 1709. Then Russian troops expanded their conquests in the Baltic states, drove the Swedes out of part of the territory of Finland, and together with the Poles pushed the enemy into Pomerania, and the Russian Baltic Fleet won brilliant victories at Gangut (1714) and Grengam (1720). The Northern War ended with the Peace of Nystadt in 1721. Victory in it provided Russia with access to the Baltic Sea.
Battle of Poltava June 27 (July 8), 1709 – Day of Military Glory (victory day) of Russia
The Battle of Poltava June 27 (July 8), 1709 - a general battle between the Russian and Swedish armies during the Northern War of 1700–1721.
During the winter of 1708–1709. Russian troops, avoiding a general battle, exhausted the forces of the Swedish invaders in separate battles and clashes. In the spring of 1709, Charles XII decided to resume the attack on Moscow through Kharkov and Belgorod. In order to create favorable conditions for carrying out this operation, it was planned to first capture Poltava. The city garrison under the command of the commandant Colonel A.S. Kelina numbered only 4.2 thousand soldiers and officers, who were supported by about 2.5 thousand armed townspeople, the cavalry that approached the city, Lieutenant General A.D. Menshikov and Ukrainian Cossacks. They heroically defended Poltava, withstanding 20 assaults. As a result, the Swedish army (35 thousand people) was detained under the walls of the city for two months, from April 30 (May 11) to June 27 (July 8), 1709. The persistent defense of the city made it possible for the Russian army to prepare for a general battle.
Peter I at the head of the Russian army (42.5 thousand people) was located 5 km from Poltava. In front of the position of the Russian troops stretched a wide plain, bordered by forests. On the left there was a copse through which the only possible path for the Swedish army to advance passed. Peter I ordered the construction of redoubts along this route (6 in a line and 4 perpendicular). They were quadrangular earthen fortifications with ditches and parapets, located one from the other at a distance of 300 steps. Each of the redoubts housed 2 battalions (more than 1,200 soldiers and officers with 6 regimental guns). Behind the redoubts there was cavalry (17 dragoon regiments) under the command of A.D. Menshikov. Peter I's plan was to exhaust the Swedish troops at the redoubts and then deal them a crushing blow in a field battle. In Western Europe, Peter's tactical innovation was applied only in 1745.
The Swedish army (30 thousand people) was built in front at a distance of 3 km from the Russian redoubts. Its battle formation consisted of two lines: the first - infantry, built in 4 columns; the second is cavalry, built in 6 columns.
Early in the morning of June 27 (July 8), the Swedes went on the offensive. They managed to capture two unfinished forward redoubts, but were unable to take the rest. During the passage of the Swedish army through the redoubts, a group of 6 infantry battalions and 10 cavalry squadrons was cut off from the main forces and captured by the Russians. With heavy losses, the Swedish army managed to break through the redoubts and reach the open. Peter I also withdrew his troops from the camp (with the exception of 9 reserve battalions), who prepared for the decisive battle. At 9 o'clock in the morning, both armies converged and hand-to-hand combat began. The right wing of the Swedes began to press the center of the combat formation of the Russian troops. Then Peter I personally led a battalion of the Novgorod regiment into battle and closed the emerging breakthrough. The Russian cavalry began to cover the Swedes' flank, threatening their rear. The enemy wavered and began to retreat, and then fled. By 11 o'clock the Battle of Poltava ended in a convincing victory for Russian weapons. The enemy lost 9,234 soldiers and officers killed and 19,811 captured. The losses of Russian troops amounted to 1,345 people killed and 3,290 people wounded. The remnants of the Swedish troops (more than 15 thousand people) fled to the Dnieper and were captured by Menshikov’s cavalry. Charles XII and Hetman Mazepa managed to cross the river and leave for Turkey.
Most of the Swedish army was destroyed on the Poltava field. The power of Sweden was undermined. The victory of Russian troops near Poltava predetermined the victorious outcome of the Northern War for Russia. Sweden was no longer able to recover from the defeat.
In the military history of Russia, the Battle of Poltava rightfully ranks with the Battle of the Ice, the Battle of Kulikovo and Borodino.
Russo-Turkish War (1710–1713)
Russo-Turkish War 1710–1713 took place during the Northern War of 1700–1721. Russia with Sweden and ended unsuccessfully for Russia (see Prut campaign of 1711). Russia was forced to return Azov to Turkey and demolish the fortifications on the Azov coast.
Prut campaign (1711)
The Prut campaign of 1711 was undertaken by the Russian army under the leadership of Peter I into Turkish possessions on the Danube during the Russian-Turkish war of 1710–1713. The Russian command hoped to approach the Danube before the Turks and capture the crossings, as well as for the local population to rebel against the Turks. The Turkish army managed to prevent the Russian troops from reaching the Prut and actually encircled them. At the decisive moment, the Turks did not dare to attack and agreed to peace negotiations. On July 12, 1711, Peter I was forced to sign the Prut Peace Treaty, which was unfavorable for Russia.
Battle of Gangut July 27 (August 9), 1714 – Day of Military Glory (victory day) of Russia
After the victory at Poltava, the Russian army during 1710–1713. expelled Swedish troops from the Baltic states. However, the Swedish fleet continued to operate in the Baltic Sea. During the Northern War of 1700–1721. Russian rowing fleet with 15 thousand. army (99 galleys; Admiral General F.M. Apraksin) followed to Abo. Near the Gangut Peninsula (Hanko), his path was blocked by the Swedish fleet (15 battleships, 3 frigates and a detachment of rowing ships; Vice Admiral G. Vatrang). Having learned that Peter I was preparing a portage, Vatrang sent a squadron (1 frigate, 6 galleys, 3 skerries) under the command of Rear Admiral N. Ehrenskiöld to Rilaksfjord.
On July 26, the vanguard of the Russian fleet (35 galleys) bypassed the Swedish fleet by sea and blocked the squadron in the fjord. After the main forces (Apraksin) broke through to the vanguard and the Swedes refused to surrender, the naval Battle of Gangut began on July 27, 1714. Skillfully using the advantage of rowing ships over the enemy's linear sailing ships in the skerry area and calm conditions, 23 scampaways under the command of Peter I defeated the enemy squadron, captured his ships and captured Ehrenskiöld.
The Battle of Gangut is the first major naval victory in the history of the Russian fleet, which ensured freedom of action for the Russian fleet in the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia, the success of troops in Finland and the occupation of the Aland Islands. Since 1995 – Day of Military Glory of Russia.
Battle of Grenham 1720
The most striking episode of the last campaign of the Northern War of 1700–1721. Between Russia and Sweden there is a naval battle off the island of Grengam in the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea.
On July 24, 1720, the Russian galley flotilla (61 galleys and 29 boats, which carried 10,941 landing troops) under the command of Chief General Prince M.M. Golitsyna went to sea, trying to reach the Åland archipelago. Two days later, near the island of Lemland, Russian ships met the Swedish squadron of Vice Admiral K. Sheblad, reinforced by the ships of K. Wachmeister's squadron, a total of 14 pennants. The Russian galleys anchored, waiting for the moment to attack. But the wind did not subside, and at the military council they decided to wait for calm weather and then give the Swedes battle.
As soon as the Russian ships began to leave the cover of Redshare Island, they were attacked by Swedish ships. Using the shallow draft of the galleys, Golitsyn began to move away from the enemy in shallow water. Four Swedish frigates, carried away by the pursuit, entered a narrow strait, where they could not maneuver and were poorly controlled. Realizing that in the excitement of pursuit the Swedes had driven themselves into a trap, Golitsyn ordered his galleys to stop and attack the enemy. The Swedes tried to turn around and retreat. Only the flagship succeeded. The frigates Wenkern (30 guns) and Shtorphoenix (34 guns) ran aground and were immediately surrounded. Neither the high sides nor the anti-boarding nets stopped the rush of the Russian sailors who captured the Swedish ships. Two other frigates, Kiskin (22 guns) and Danskern (18 guns), tried to escape to the open sea, but the unsuccessful maneuver of the flagship battleship prevented them from doing so. They were also boarded.
Trophies M.M. Golitsyn consisted of 4 enemy frigates and 407 crew members. 103 Swedes died in the battle. The Russians lost 82 people killed and 246 wounded.
The victory at Grenham had a great influence on the further course of the war. It significantly weakened the Swedish naval forces, and the Russians, having strengthened themselves in the area of the Åland archipelago, were able to successfully operate on the enemy’s sea communications.
The Swedish captured frigates were brought to St. Petersburg, and in honor of the victory a medal was struck with the inscription: “Diligence and courage exceed strength.”
The battle of the Russian rowing fleet at Gangut in 1714, the Ezel naval battle in 1719, and the victory of the Russian rowing fleet at Grengam in 1720 finally broke the power of Sweden at sea. On August 30, 1721, a peace treaty was signed in the city of Nystadt. As a result of the Peace of Nystadt, the shores of the Baltic Sea (Riga, Pernov, Revel, Narva, Ezel and Dago islands, etc.) were returned to Russia. It became one of the largest European states and in 1721 officially became known as the Russian Empire.
