220 years since the capture of the Corfu fortress by the united squadron of Admiral Ushakov.

On March 1, 1799, the combined Russian-Turkish squadron under the command of Fyodor Ushakov launched an assault on the French fortifications on the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea, as a result of which the French garrison capitulated.

The assault on the fortress on Corfu was a vivid example of well-planned and coordinated actions of ships and landing forces.

The capture of Corfu and other Ionian Islands was of great military and political importance. On the islands under the protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of Seven Islands was formed. Russia acquired a military base in the Mediterranean Sea, which it successfully used in the war.

The actions of Admiral Ushakov provided significant assistance to the army of Alexander Suvorov in Northern Italy.

Military historians of the Ministry of Defense have prepared interesting material about this great battle:

A. M. Samsonov. Assault on the island of Corfu. 1996

An important strategic point of the Ionian archipelago in the Mediterranean - the island of Corfu was occupied by French troops in early June 1797.

The island lay parallel to the Albanian coast and was separated from it by a fairly wide strait. The city where the fortress was located was located on a narrow cape of the strait. Since ancient times, Corfu was considered the key to the Adriatic and everyone tried to take possession of it, therefore, over its centuries-old history, it was well fortified. Its bastions were considered impregnable. They consisted of a double fortress fence with dry ditches.

The main fortress of Corfu, defended by a garrison of three thousand, had 650 fortress guns. Two others adjoined the main fortress: to the east - the old one, to the west - the new one. From the side of the coast, the main fortress was covered by the forts of Abraham, San Salvador, the right flank of which adjoined the sea, and the redoubt of St. Rocca, covering the approaches to both forts. At the tip of a cape with a high and steep cliff, there was a citadel, separated from the city by a deep and wide moat.

From the sea, the fortress was covered by the well-fortified island of Vido, on which five batteries were located. The island's garrison consisted of 500 people. On the approaches to Vido from the sea, booms with iron chains were placed. In the harbor between Corfu and Vido there stood the 74-gun ship Genere, which survived the Battle of Abukir, the 50-gun captured English ship Leander, the frigate Brunet, a bombardment ship, two galleys and four half-galleys.

Map of Corfu Island

The forces of the united Russian-Turkish squadron in the Mediterranean Sea under the general leadership of Vice Admiral F. F. Ushakov consisted of ten battleships, 13 frigates, seven small ships and 14 gunboats.

Before the arrival of the united squadron on the islands, the Commissioner General of the French Executive Directory in the Ionian Archipelago, Dubois, ordered the transfer of a significant part of the troops from the islands of Zante, Kefalonia, Tserigo and St. Maura to Corfu, where he intended to defend himself “to the very extreme.”

It was not possible to take such a fortress right away, since this required significant forces and special training. Therefore, Captain 1st Rank I. A. Selivachev, who arrived at Corfu on October 24 (November 4), 1798 with a detachment of five ships and three frigates entrusted to him, decided to organize a blockade of the island in order to prepare for the decisive assault.

In early November, Ushakov, having personally arrived at Corfu, began to pull additional forces to the island from the already liberated islands and on November 6 began a methodical siege. As with the capture of Zante and St. Mavra, two detachments were landed on the shore: from the north - 128 people under the command of Captain Kikin and from the south - 19 people under the command of Lieutenant M.I. Ratmanov (later vice admiral). With the assistance of local residents, from whom a detachment of 1.6 thousand people was formed, they managed to build siege batteries.

For a closer blockade and preparation for the assault, Ushakov did not have enough ground troops. In the meantime, while waiting for the promised 17 thousand Albanians, the Russian admiral could only count on his own strength and the help of the Greeks. The Corfiots were ready to put 10–15 thousand people at his disposal, but they were frightened by the presence of Turks on the squadron, whose atrocities were well known to them.

On this occasion, F. F. Ushakov wrote with bitterness to Paul I:

If I had with me only one regiment of the Russian ground army for the landing, I would certainly hope to take Corfu together with the inhabitants, who ask only for the mercy of not using any other troops except ours.

The ships of the united squadron blocked all exits from the Gulf of Corfiot: from the south with the forces of three ships and a frigate, from the north - with a ship and three frigates. On November 14 (25), a landing force of 128 naval soldiers and artillerymen under the command of Captain Kikin was landed on the northern shore, who the next day set up a battery of nine guns against the fortification of St. Abraham. On November 18 (29), a landing force of 13 soldiers and six artillerymen was landed on the southern part of the island.

Due to the impossibility of resisting the naval forces of the united squadron, the French began to take active action against coastal batteries. On November 20 (December 1), they successfully captured the southern battery. The attempt to capture the northern battery ended in failure. Having suffered heavy losses, they were forced to return to the fortress and abandon active operations, relying on powerful bastions and the arrival of troops from Ancona.

Indeed, three former Venetian 64-gun ships left Ancona with several transport ships, on board of which there were 3,000 landing troops. But, having learned about the state of affairs in Corfu, they took the opposite course. Thus, the French garrison remained completely cut off from the outside world.

But the situation was difficult for the united squadron. According to the agreements of the allied powers, it was supposed to be supplied by the Turkish side, but contrary to these agreements, the Turks, in essence, sabotaged deliveries, as a result of which the squadron suffered "extreme need" in literally everything.

On this occasion, F. F. Ushakov wrote to the Russian Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Minister to Constantinople, Privy Councilor V. S. Tomar:

From all ancient history I don’t know and I don’t find examples of when any fleet could be in the distance without any supplies and in such an extreme situation as we are now.

The situation was complicated by the unusually cold weather for these places, due to which the blockade had to be carried out in unbearable conditions. But even in this difficult situation, the Russian sailors, infinitely trusting their beloved admiral, did not lose heart . “Our servants,” wrote Fyodor Fedorovich, “out of their jealousy and wanting to please me, performed extraordinary activities at the batteries: they worked in the rain, and in the wet, or frostbitten in the mud, but they patiently endured everything and tried with great zeal.” .

By the end of the year, two 74-gun ships and three auxiliary ships arrived from Sevastopol to Corfu under the command of Rear Admiral P.V. Pustoshkin, and, thus, the united squadron already consisted of 12 ships of the line and 11 frigates.

On January 23 (February 3), 1799, the installation of new batteries began on the south side of the island, which consisted of 13 large and three smaller guns and seven mortars of various calibers.

Observing the intensive preparations of the Russian-Turkish troops, the besieged began to lose hope of help. Then the commander of the French ship Genereux, Captain Lejoille, who had repeatedly made attempts to fight his way out of the fortress, again volunteered to break the blockade and go to Ancona for reinforcements. For this purpose, on the night of January 26 (February 6), the French made a diversionary attack. At this time, the Genereux with “blacked out” sails, accompanied by a galley, left the port, broke through the real-bey detachment from the northern side of the bay and went to sea.

By mid-February, thanks to firm demands and at the same time subtle diplomatic activity, Ushakov managed to get the Turkish rulers to deliver 4,250 Albanian soldiers. Although this was only a quarter of what was promised, the commander nevertheless began intensive preparations for the decisive assault on the fortress.

On February 14 (25), Ushakov began the final preparations for the assault. He gave the order to train sailors and soldiers in techniques for overcoming various obstacles and storming fortifications. Assault ladders were produced in large quantities. The commander himself developed 132 conventional signals to control ships and troops during an assault.

On February 17 (28), when the preliminary preparations were completed, F. F. Ushakov on “St. Pavle" assembled a council of flagships and captains. At the council, specific tasks were set and the order for the assault on Corfu was read out, indicating the landing sites. According to the order, a specially designated detachment of ships was supposed to neutralize the actions of French ships to deliver reinforcements from Corfu to Vido and direct the main attack to Vido with the fleet, since it was the key to the main fortress. The ground forces, supported by naval and coastal artillery, were to take the forward fortifications by storm.

And so on February 18 (29), with the first favorable wind, as determined by the order, the assault began. At seven o'clock in the morning, following a signal from the flagship ship, the united squadron weighed anchor and, under full sail, began to approach the coastal batteries of Vido Island, firing at them continuously. The frigates “Kazan Mother of God” and “Herim-Captain” were the first to enter the battle. Approaching grapeshot range to the battery located on the northwestern tip of the island, they rained down a hail of cannonballs on it. Then the other ships of the squadron approached the remaining four batteries and, standing on the spring, began shelling them. Thus, the ships and frigates took their places according to disposition and formed two lines, the first of which was occupied by Russian ships.

Clearly tracing the course of the battle that had begun, Ushakov, being on the “St. Pavle,” accompanied by a frigate, walked around the entire formation and, coming close to the shore, began shelling the most powerful battery of Vido Island. At the same time, shelling of the main fortress began from coastal batteries installed in the northern and southern parts of Corfu.

According to the master plan, the ship of captain 1st rank D. N. Senyavin “St. Peter" and the frigate "Navarahia", remaining on the move, came close to the port and started a firefight with the ship "Leander" and the frigate "Brune" stationed there. With accurate fire from Russian ships, the French ships were practically disabled, and several galleys with the troops on them, intended to reinforce the Vido garrison, were sunk.

By 10 o'clock in the morning the attack of the combined forces became general, and by 11 o'clock the cannonade from the French batteries had noticeably weakened. Here is how participant in the events Yegor Metaksa describes 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.

At the same time, the signal was raised on the flagship ship for the landing of troops, which were boarded in advance on rowing ships. Under the cover of naval artillery, the galleys went to two opposite sides of Vido. Despite the stubborn resistance of the besieged and the fire of small ships standing off the shore, the landing force of 2,172 people entrenched themselves between the batteries and moved further to the middle of the island.

The Turks, who were part of the landing force, embittered by the stubborn resistance of the French, began to slaughter everyone, not even sparing the prisoners, whose defense the Russian officers stood up for.

By 2 p.m., Vido Island was taken. 422 people were captured, including 20 officers and the commandant of the fortress, Brigadier General Pivron. However, the capture of Vido did not end the assault on Corfu. The center of the battle moved to the main fortress, the shelling of which continued from the southern and northern batteries, as well as from five ships. At first, the Albanians attacked the outer fortifications of Corfu, but the besieged survived. Then Russian-Turkish troops rose to attack and ousted the French, forcing them to take refuge in the main fortress.

The capture of Vido, the fortifications of St. Abraham and Salvador decided the fate of the remaining fortresses of Corfu. The commander of the French garrison, General Chabot, having lost about 1 thousand people and seeing the futility of further resistance, sent a message to Ushakov:

Mr Admiral! We believe that it is useless to endanger the lives of several hundred brave Russian, Turkish and French soldiers in the struggle for the possession of Corfu. As a result, we offer you a truce for the period that you find necessary to establish the conditions for the surrender of this fortress.

Chabot's message was delivered to the Russian flagship by a boat flying French and Russian flags. The adjutant of the French general with two officers handed it over to Ushakov. Immediately after this, Fyodor Fedorovich gave the order for a ceasefire for 24 hours and sent his adjutant Lieutenant P.I. Balabin (later Major General, commander of the 1st Gendarme District) to Chabot with the terms of surrender. As a result, on February 20 (March 3) “on the Russian admiral ship “St. Paul" the act of surrender of the fortress of Corfu was signed. The document was signed by: from the French side - Gruvel, Dufour, Karez, Wirth, and from the allies - Vice Admiral Ushakov and Kadyr Bey. “The above-signed capitulation has been ratified and accepted in the name of the French government by the undersigned: Commissioner General of the Executive Directory of the French Republic Dubois and Divisional General Chabot. Seals are attached: Kadyr Bey, Vice Admiral Ushakov, Dubois and Chabot.”

According to the terms of capitulation, the French, having surrendered the fortress of Corfu, along with all the ships, stores, arsenals and other supplies that were with it, pledged on their word of honor not to serve against Russia and its allies for 18 months. At noon on February 22 (March 5), French troops numbering 2,931 people left the fortress and, laying down their arms and banners in front of the Russian-Turkish troops, began to prepare to be sent to Toulon. This, however, did not affect the 100 captured Jews who, together with the French, defended Corfu. They were sent by the Turks to Constantinople. Losses on the part of the Russian-Turkish troops were insignificant.

Lieutenant Ratmanov brought the French banner and the keys to the fortress to the flagship and handed it to the commander, where only Russian sailors entered. In the fortress, the winners received 105 mortars, 21 howitzers, 503 cannons, 4,105 rifles, 1,224 bombs, 105,884 cannonballs, 620 nipples, 572,420 rifle cartridges, 2,574 pounds of gunpowder. In the port of Corfu, the battleship "Leander", the frigate "Brune", a polak, a bombardment ship, two galleys, four semi-galleys and three merchant ships were taken.

It was the day of the great triumph of Admiral Ushakov, the triumph of his military talent and strong will, supported by the courage and skill of his subordinates, their confidence in their victorious leader and his confidence in their unshakable courage. It was a day of triumph of the Russian spirit.

The assault on Corfu was an example of a thoroughly thought out and logically completed naval operation. And, of course, this grandiose victory could not have become a reality without the selflessness with which the Russian sailors blocked and stormed the bastions of Corfu. Despite all the hardships and hardships, Russian soldiers survived and won.

The great Russian commander A.V. Suvorov, having learned about the victory at Corfu, exclaimed:

Our great Peter is alive! What did he say after the defeat of the Swedish fleet at the Aland Islands in 1714, namely: “Nature produced only one Russia; She has no rival! - and now we see. Hooray! Russian fleet! I now say to myself: “Why wasn’t I at least a midshipman at Corfu?”

British Admiral Horatio Nelson also congratulated Ushakov:

I earnestly congratulate Your Excellency on the victory of Corfu. I assure you that the glory of the weapon of a faithful ally is as flattering to me as the glory of my sovereign.

The news of the capture of Corfu reached Constantinople on March 5 (March 16). The joyful news with the keys to the fortress and other trophies was delivered to the capital by real-bey Fettah. At the same time, this news spread throughout the city, "producing universal joy with praises for Vice Admiral Ushakov."

At the same time, Fettah Bey did not stop praising Russian soldiers and sailors everywhere for their discipline and courage, “adding that through the treatment of Turkish sailors they were quite accustomed to obedience.”

Two days later, a conference was held at the house of the Reiz Efendi with the participation of the Russian envoy V. S. Tomara. After the usual greetings, the Reiz Efendi happily informed the Russian envoy that “the good news about the surrender of the fortresses of Corfu and the seizure of the important posts of Vido and El Salvador by storm and the great services rendered by Vice Admiral Ushakov in that made universal pleasure and respect for him.”

Then Atif-Ahmet unfolded the scroll with the message of the Sultan and handed it over to the translator. It said:

Jealousy and service rendered by the Russian Admiral Ushakov in common with certain of my superiors during the conquest of the former Venetian Islands and especially the fortress of Corfu, are very pleasing to us. May the Lord bless Him with happiness!

R. Efendi must express my pleasure to G. Envoy so that he especially informs the All-Russian Emperor about it. May the Almighty allied powers always bless their weapons with victories over their enemies.

To commemorate the services rendered by Vice-Admiral Ushakov to the public, the Sultan sent him a diamond cheleng, a sable coat and 1,000 chervonets for petty expenses, and 3,500 chervonets for the team.

Cheleng (golden feather studded with diamonds), gifted by the Turkish Sultan
F. F. Ushakov

Vasily Stepanovich Tomara, expressing pleasure for such a flattering assessment of the merits of Vice Admiral Ushakov, presented the reiz effendi with a letter from Ushakov to the Supreme Vizier, in which Fyodor Fedorovich noted the diligence in the service of Kadyr Bey and the efficiency of the patron bey.

After thanking the Russian envoy, Reiz Efendi continued to “attribute great praise” to Ushakov for his enterprise and knowledge. At the same time, he asked Tomara to send, through the Russian admiral, a plan of all the fortifications of the island of Corfu, “because many who knew them considered the capture of the island of Vido to be a difficult task, and Salvador - impossible. After which Izmet Bey recounted various unsuccessful enterprises on the part of the Ottoman Empire to capture the fortresses of the island of Corfu, that after that they were still fortified by the Venetians, and then more by the French, and that their capture would not be believed at first in Europe.”

In response, Tomara noted, not without pleasure:

There are many respects that should make us very pleased with this acquisition. Firstly, this is the smallness of the funds used for this, because here it turns out that one of the strongest fortifications in Europe was taken by force without an army, without siege artillery, without opening trenches and, in a word, without everything that is considered necessary in the attack of fortresses, even the most mediocre ones.

On the other hand, in a ten-year war, this is the first conquest of a region that forms part of a single and indivisible republic. This actually proves that where there is direct military courage and unanimity, defeating the French is not only not difficult, but also easy.

As a token of gratitude to the Russian admiral, the Supreme Vizier, by order of the Sultan, sent a firman with praise, which was publicly read out in the Turkish squadron. And even Kapudan Pasha Kyuchuk-Hussein, who was beaten by Ushakov, “praised” his exploits in every possible way and said that if he were in Kadyr Bey’s place, he “would set an example of obedience to the commander of the Russian squadron.”

Accept, my dear sir, my most sincere congratulations, expressed to you with the feelings of a subject of the same Sovereign and son of the same Fatherland. The victory you have won will confirm the hope of all well-meaning Europe that our weapons will overcome both the forces and the machinations of the monsters who are bent on enslaving the human race.

And in fact, the conquest of the Egean Islands, completed by you without an army, without artillery and, what’s more, without bread, represents not only a famous military feat, but also the first rejection of an entire member of the Republic, called one and indivisible, in such a long war...

Vice Admiral Ushakov did not suffer the usual fate due to Greek affairs. Both the Turks and foreigners, present at the capture of the fortresses and knowing the small means and shortcomings of the united squadron, extol his vice admiral with praise and put the bravery of our troops as the main emphasis on the deeds in this war.

Medal minted in honor of F. F. Ushakov in Greece. Central Naval Museum

He also wrote about the famous victory to the Russian envoy in Vienna, A.K. Razumovsky, noting that “the importance of this acquisition and the image that followed it aggravates the pleasure of every son of the Fatherland.”

However, despite this, there was a clear underestimation of it by the Russian emperor. Still having no news of the capture of the island, Paul I c. in his rescript dated March 14 (25) addressed to Ushakov, he wrote:

The whole fleet must now be in motion and action, without being occupied only with one unimportant point of attacking Corfu.

Therefore, it partly becomes clear why the emperor, for such a noble victory, limited himself to issuing a decree of the Admiralty Board on awarding F.F. Ushakov with the rank of admiral.

After the brilliant victory, Fyodor Fedorovich wrote with bitterness:

We do not want any reward, if only our ministers, who serve so faithfully and zealously, would not be sick and starving.

Each of them was a hero, and no one was forgotten by their commander.
Unlike the Russian monarch, in Europe "they were very amazed" by the fall of the fortress that was considered impregnable. Therefore, the capture of Corfu by a united squadron had a great political resonance, which significantly strengthened the confidence of the countries of the anti-French coalition in the overall success.

Thus, the conquest of Fr. Corfu completed the liberation of the Ionian Islands from the French and allowed the coalition forces to fully control the situation in the Mediterranean. In addition, the assault on the seaside fortress, which was considered impregnable, is inscribed in red in the history of the national school of naval art.

Monument to Admiral F. F. Ushakov in Kerkyra (Corfu Island, Greece). The author of the memorial composition is Russian sculptor V. Aidinov

During the 2nd coalition war, the Russian fleet operated in the Mediterranean for the second time in its history. The Corfu Fortress, built by the Venetians, was considered one of the key and most powerful French fortresses in the Ionian Islands. The garrison under the command of Brigadier General Chabot numbered more than 3.5 thousand people. The blockade of Corfu by Russian ships began in November 1798. Capturing a fortress with a strong garrison required lengthy siege work, so actions were carried out in several directions: on land, where Russian and allied Turkish units carried out siege work, building several batteries, and at sea with the organization of a blockade in order to prevent the delivery of reinforcements to the fortress. The blockade was carried out in conditions of winter storms and constant food shortages. In addition to supply problems, relations between the commander of the Russian squadron and allies in the anti-French coalition were not easy. Ushakov himself noted that the British “wish to separate us from all real affairs and, simply put, force us to catch flies, and so that they instead enter those places from which they are trying to separate us.”

It was no easier with the official representative of the Porte, Ali Pasha, who constantly played a double or even triple game and, at the first opportunity, demonstrated who was the real master of the Balkans. Much later, the image of this undoubtedly bright man, far from reality, will be depicted by Alexandre Dumas in the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It is no coincidence that Ushakov, in a report to Paul I, characterized Ali Pasha’s actions in the following way: “His correspondence to me is always polite with encouragement, but in reality the correct correspondence is not noticeable, except for the lure of his intricate enterprises.”

Landing at Corfu. (evgenykorneev.ru)

Let us note that the events in Corfu were one of the very few episodes of Russian-Turkish military cooperation, which was far from ideal. The 2.5 thousand Albanians sent by Ali Pasha to help Ushakov caused many problems for the Russian admiral in the future. As ground forces, they turned out to be useless, but they required significant forces to keep them in obedience in order to avoid robberies.

The winter passed in small skirmishes, the end of the siege was not in sight. The garrison of Corfu still did not experience a shortage of food and ammunition, but the oppressive atmosphere, periodic shelling, and the state of uncertainty and monotony had a depressing effect on the French. The situation changed only in February 1799, when the reinforcements promised by the Turks finally arrived at Ushakov. But even these were clearly not enough for a frontal assault on the fortress. As a result, a bold and unusual decision was made: the main blow was to be delivered by an amphibious assault on the key defense point - Vido Island. Landing troops on a coast occupied by the enemy has at all times been considered the most difficult military enterprise. It is known that Ushakov’s English colleague in the Mediterranean campaign, Horatio Nelson, received two of the most serious wounds with the loss of an arm and an eye injury not in a naval battle, but during unsuccessful landing attempts.

Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov. (territaland.ru)

The landing on March 1, 1799 was preceded by a short but intense bombardment of the fortress by Russian ships; Turkish ships, with the exception of one frigate, remained in the role of extras. The initial success of the Russian gunners, who suppressed part of the enemy batteries, was almost nullified by the actions of the allies, when a significant part of the Albanian troops refused to participate in the landing. Now, contrary to the original plan, the main force of the landing was to be Russian sailors and grenadiers. In addition to weapons, the paratroopers had pre-prepared ladders and planks necessary for the assault and crossing numerous streams and ditches on the shore. The landing itself (2,159 grenadiers and sailors) on Vido was carried out at three points outside the range of most French batteries in such a way that the landing force, avoiding a frontal attack, could attack enemy positions from the flanks and act using the rugged terrain. The subsequent battle consisted of the sequential capture of French batteries. The success of the operation was ensured by powerful artillery support from ships and the correct choice of landing site, which captured the enemy fortifications without serious losses.

Scheme of the attack of the Corfu fortress. (ocean-media.su)

Having occupied Vido, Ushakov began an assault on the New Fortress, in which almost all available forces took part. After the fall of the fortification of St. Roch, the French sent envoys with a proposal to conclude a truce and begin negotiations on the surrender of the fortress. In a letter to Ushakov, Commissioner Dubois and General Chabot said: “Mr. Admiral! We think that it is useless to sacrifice the lives of brave Russian soldiers. Turkish and French for mastering Corfu. Therefore, we offer you a truce for as long as you decide to establish conditions for the surrender of this fortress.” On the same day, Ushakov’s response letter to the commandant of the fortress was delivered to the fortress: “According to your honorable letter about the agreements concerning the surrender of the fortresses of Corfu, I will immediately talk with the commander of the Turkish squadron, and for this I will deliver an answer, so as not to shed the blood of people in vain , I always agree to pleasant treaties and meanwhile I will send to all places to stop hostilities for 24 hours.”

On March 3, the Corfu fortress was surrendered under conditions of honorable surrender. A total of 2,931 people were captured in Corfu and Vido, including four generals. The French garrison was evacuated to Toulon on ships chartered by the Russian side, with a promise not to participate in hostilities against Russia and Turkey for 18 months. As trophies, the Russian and Turkish troops received all the supplies and artillery of the fortress, a battleship and a frigate. The assault on Corfu completed the liberation of the Ionian Islands from French troops, and the Russian fleet received a convenient military base in the Eastern Mediterranean. The political resonance of the victory was also noticeable. Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov gave a high assessment of the capture of Corfu: “Hurray for the Russian fleet. Now I say to myself: why wasn’t I at least a midshipman at Corfu.”

The assault on the Corfu fortress took place on February 18, 1799. France captured large territories in Italy and Switzerland, as well as the island of Corfu, part of the Ionian Islands archipelago. The islands occupied an important strategic position and served Napoleon as a good base for continuing his campaigns of conquest.

The operation to capture the Corfu fortress was carried out by Russia, together with Turkey. The operation was commanded by Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov. Ushakov divided his squadron into 3 parts. The first was led by Captain Senyavin with 4 ships, which quickly captured the island of Mavra.

The second part was led by Selivachev, who had 6 ships under his command. Five more ships, under the leadership of Captain Poskochin, attacked the island of Kefalonia and took it without firing a single shot. On October 26, 1798, the siege of Corfu began.

The citadel stood on a large steep cliff, and the city adjacent to it was protected from the sea by a rocky coast and high ramparts, with an endless number of bastions and ditches. Casemates were carved into the rocks, connected by underground passages.

The garrison of the Corfu fortress numbered 4 thousand bayonets and had 636 guns. The approach from the sea was protected by a garrison of 500 French soldiers on Vido Island. A French squadron of ships, consisting of 9 sails, was hiding in the strait.

A parliamentarian was sent to the commandant of the Corfu fortress, who invited the French to lay down their arms. The French refused... Some of the Russian paratroopers were landed on the island, and a squadron of ships entered the port of Gouvi, which was located north of the fortress. The Russians set up a camp here and set up firing points.

The inhabitants of one of the local villages begged Ushakov for three guns for self-defense. Within a day, local residents built a battery and began shelling the fortress. The French responded in the same way with cannon fire, and even destroyed the village battery. The commandant of Corfu led soldiers to Russian batteries, but they were not captured. The siege of Corfu lasted more than three months. The French made forays and inflicted damage on the Russian army.

Due to the long siege, our soldiers no longer had enough food and ammunition, the situation was difficult. In February, the Russians managed to establish supplies, and Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov began to consider storming the Corfu fortress. The assault was scheduled for February 18. First, the assault on the fortifications of the island of Vido began, and a little later the Russian landing force attacked the fortress of Corfu.

Russian sailors came under fire from five French batteries. Our ships returned fire and took the French ships out of the battle. By 10 o'clock the artillerymen of two French batteries left their positions. The way was open for the Russian landing. 1,500 Russian soldiers, as well as a detachment of the Turkish army, entered the battle.

The French made very competent fortifications and the advance of the Russian troops was slow. The enemy soldiers clung to every meter; that day the French were an example of courage. Soon three more French batteries fell, and Vido Island was taken. After the capture of Vido, Russian ships rushed to the aid of the paratroopers attacking the Corfu fortress. Soon the advanced fortifications were taken, and the surviving enemy cannons also fell to the Russians.

On the morning of February 19, a parliamentarian arrived to Ushakov. The French surrendered the fortress, and after some time, laying down their arms, left the island. As trophies, Russian sailors and paratroopers received 20 different ships, 630 cannons, 4 thousand rifles, a large amount of ammunition and food.

The capture of the Krofu fortress was a remarkable victory for the Russian fleet at sea. The Europeans believed that it was impossible to take Corfu from the sea, but Ushakov proved the opposite.

As a result, another fortified area was captured, which marked the end of the military operation of the Russian-Turkish fleet against the French troops, which were well entrenched on the island. during the Mediterranean campaign of the Black Sea squadron (1778-1800), commanded byadmiral FEDOR FEDOROVICH USH AK OVA.

memorial sign MOF "COMMANDARM" from the series "COMMANDERS OF VICTORY F.F. USHAKOV"

How it all began:

RUSSIA - (as part of the 2nd coalition created at the initiative of Great Britain),

took part in hostilities against France.

This happened after the intensification of competition between European countries in

1796-1797 Then the French army under the command of the young and talented general Napoleon Bonaparte captured Northern Italy.

In May 1797, the French captured the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zante, Kefalonia, St. Maures, Tserigo and others), which belonged to the Venetian Republic, which are of great strategic importance. Control over them allows them to dominate the Adriatic Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, which did not suit the British.

And Napoleon at that time had extensive plans of conquest not only in the Mediterranean.

In 1798, Napoleon began a new campaign of conquest - the French expeditionary army headed to capture Egypt, from there he planned a “minimum program” - to capture Palestine and Syria.

And with a successful development of hostilities, the French could move further to Istanbul (Constantinople), Iran and India.

The implementation of Napoleon's plan began, the French successfully landed in Egypt.
On his way to Egypt, Napoleon captured Malta, which then belonged to RUSSIA, this factwas perceived by Paul I as an open challenge to RUSSIA.

Another reason for RUSSIA's intervention in the war soon followed. After the landing of French troops in Egypt, which was part of the Ottoman Empire, the Porte asked RUSSIA for help.

Paul I decided to oppose France, which in Russia was also considered a “breeding ground” of revolutionary ideas against the monarchy...

Thus, RUSSIA became part of the 2nd anti-French coalition, in which England and Turkey became active participants, with the support of Austria, the Kingdom of Naples, several German princes and Sweden.

December 18, 1798 Russia concludes preliminary agreements with Britain to restore the union.

On December 23, 1798, Russia and Porta signed an agreement under which the ports and Turkish straits were open to Russian ships.

Fedor Fedorovich USHAKOV, had been on a long hike for four months. Ships visited the main base only occasionally.

A courier from the capital boarded the flagship and gave USHAKOV the order of Emperor Paul I: immediately go to the Dardanelles and assist the Turkish fleet in the fight against the French.

On August 12, 1798, the squadron set out on a campaign. It consisted of 6 battleships, 7 frigates and 3 messenger ships. The landing force consisted of 1,700 naval grenadiers of the Black Sea naval battalions and 35 midshipmen of the Nikolaev naval school.

For joint operations with the Russian squadron, in agreement with the British and Turks, a squadron of Turkish ships under Vice Admiral Kadyr Bey was detached from the Ottoman fleet, which came under the command of USHAKOV.

Istanbul undertook to provide Russian ships with everything necessary.

On September 20, 1798, the combined Russian-Turkish squadron left the Dardanelles and went to the battle for the Ionian Islands. The liberation of which began with Fr. Tsergo, then Fr. Zante, where the amphibious landings were made. Thus, it can be argued that Fedor USHAKOV began to use marines in battles for the islands.

Also, with the help of an amphibious assault, under the cover of naval guns, Fr. St. was liberated from the French. Moors.

In Cephalia, the French chose to surrender without a fight.

However, USHAKOV still faced the “impossible” main task of taking CORFU, essentially a maritime area - “the key to the Adriatic.”

Therefore, everyone understood the strategic importance of the fortress, and the French decided to hold Corfu “at any cost.”

On October 24, 1798, the first to arrive on the island of Corfu was a detachment of captain Selivachev, three battleships, three frigates and several small ships.

Against the fortress of Corfu, located on the east coast in the central part of the island, consisting of a whole complex of powerful fortifications and structures.

Since ancient times, the city was considered the key to the Adriatic and was very well fortified. French engineers supplemented the old fortifications with the latest achievements of fortification science of that time.

On the eastern part, on a steep cliff, was the “Old Fortress” (maritime, Venetian or Paleo Frurio). From the main city, the Old Fortress was separated by an artificial moat. Behind the moat was the “New Fortress” (coastal or Neo Frurio). The city was protected from the sea by a steep bank. In addition, it was surrounded on all sides by a high double rampart and a ditch. There were ditches along the entire length of the rampart. Also on the land side, the city was protected by three forts: San Salvador, San Roque and Abraham Front. The most powerful was San Salvador, which consisted of casemates carved into the rocks, connected by underground passages. From the sea, the city was covered by the well-defended island of Vido. It was a high mountain dominating Corfu. On the approaches to Vido from the sea, booms with iron chains were installed.

In Corfu, the French had 3 thousand soldiers and 650 guns.

Vido was defended by 500 soldiers and 5 artillery batteries. In addition, the space between the islands of Corfu and Vido served as a stopover for French ships. A squadron of 9 pennants was located here: 2 battleships, a bombardier ship, a brig and four auxiliary ships. The French squadron had up to 200 guns.

They planned to transfer another 3 thousand soldiers from Ancona with the help of several military and transport ships, but after learning about the situation in Corfu, the ships returned.

Fyodor USHAKOV understood perfectly well that it was not possible to successfully storm the powerful French defense complex right from the raid. Moreover, the squadron was still dispersed among the Ionian Islands and the available forces were few.

Thus began the blockade of Corfu using the existing ships of Captain Selivachev.

Three ships took up positions near the Northern Strait, the rest - near the Southern Strait.

The French were offered to capitulate, but the offer of surrender was rejected.

The ship "Generos" approached the Russian ship "Zachary and Elizabeth" and opened fire.

The Russians responded, the French did not dare to continue the battle and turned back.

In addition, Russian ships had already captured a French 18-gun brig and three transports that were trying to break through to the fortress.

On November 9, 1798, the main forces of the combined Russian-Turkish fleet gathered near Corfu. Thus, the allied squadron already included 12 battleships, 11 frigates and a significant number of small ships.

After the arrival of USHAKOV's squadron, several ships approached the port of Gouvy, located 6 km north of Corfu. There was a village with an old shipyard here. But almost all the buildings were destroyed by the French. In this harbor, Russian sailors established a coastal base. In order to prevent the French garrison from replenishing provisions by robbing local residents, Russian sailors, with the help of the local population, began to build batteries and earthen fortifications in the area of ​​​​the fortress. On the northern shore, the battery was installed on the hill of Mont Oliveto (Mount Olivet). Captain Kikin's detachment was located here.

From the hill it was convenient to fire at the advanced forts of the enemy fortress.

On November 15, 1798, the battery opened fire on the fortress. A battery was also installed south of the fortress.

Ratmanov’s detachment was stationed here. They gradually formed a militia of about 1.6 thousand people from local residents.

The French command counted on the impregnable fortifications of the fortress, and were confident that the Russian sailors would not be able to take it by storm and would not be able to wage a long siege, so they would leave Corfu.

General Chabot tried to wear down the besiegers, keeping them in constant tension, day after day he carried out sorties and artillery shelling, which required the Russian sailors to be constantly vigilant and ready to repel French attacks.

And these were the correct calculations of the French.

Time “worked” against the besiegers, whoexperienced enormous difficulties with ground forces, artillery and supplies.

But the Russian squadron was led by the ironclad Fyodor USHAKOV and the French fortress was besieged by the Russians, not the Turks, so the enemy’s calculations, as time has shown, ultimately did not come true.
However, Russian sailors bore the brunt of the siege of Corfu on their shoulders.

The help of the Turkish squadron was limited.

Kadyr Bey did not want to risk his ships and tried to refrain from direct clashes with the enemy.

Fyodor USHAKOV wrote: “I protect them like a red egg, and I don’t let them into danger... and they themselves are not keen on it.”

In addition, the Ottomans often did not fulfill the combat missions assigned to them.
The blockade of the fortress also weakened the French garrison, but it was obvious that only an assault was needed to capture Corfu.

But for the assault there were not the necessary forces or means.

As Fyodor USHAKOV noted, the fleet was located far from supply bases and was in great need.

Russian sailors were deprived of literally everything that was required even for normal military operations, not to mention the assault on a first-class fortress.

Contrary to the promises of the Ottoman command, Turkey did not allocate the required number of ground troops for the siege of Corfu.

They sent about 4.2 thousand soldiers from Albania, although they promised 17 thousand people.

The situation with siege ground artillery and ammunition was also extremely bad.

The lack of necessary ammunition hindered any combat activity. The ships and batteries were silent for a long time.

USHAKOV ordered to take care of the charges and shoot only when absolutely necessary.

The squadron also experienced great need for food.

The situation was close to disaster. For several months, the sailors lived on starvation rations; there were no supplies of provisions from either the Ottoman Empire or Russia. But the Russians could not follow the example of the Ottomans and the French and rob the already disadvantaged local population.

Fyodor USHAKOV informed the Russian ambassador in Constantinople that they were surviving on their last scraps of food and were starving. In addition, even the food supplied was of disgusting quality. So, in December 1798, the transport “Irina” arrived from Sevastopol with a load of corned beef. However, a significant part of the meat turned out to be rotten, with worms.

The sailors on the ships were undressed and needed uniforms.

Fyodor USHAKOV, at the very beginning of the campaign, reported to the Admiralty that the sailors had not received their salaries, uniforms and uniform money for the year.

During the long march, the existing uniform became unusable; there were no ways to correct the situation. Many did not even have shoes.

When the squadron received the money, it turned out that there was no use from it - the officials sent paper notes. Nobody accepted that kind of money, even with a significant reduction in its price. Therefore, they were sent back to Sevastopol.

The situation was aggravated by the fact that St. Petersburg tried to lead the squadron. Orders came, commands from Paul and senior dignitaries, which were already outdated and did not correspond to the military-political situation or the situation in the Mediterranean theater of military operations.

So, instead of concentrating all the forces of the squadron at Corfu, USHAKOV every now and then had to send ships to other places (to Ragusa, Brindisi, Messina, etc.).

This made it difficult to effectively use Russian forces.

In addition, the British, who themselves wanted to liberate and seize the Ionian Islands for themselves, sought to weaken the Russian squadron, insisting that USHAKOV allocate ships to Alexandria, Crete and Messina.

However, then USHAKOV correctly assessed the vile maneuver of the “ally” and informed the ambassador to Constantinople that the British wanted to distract the Russian squadron from real affairs, “make them catch flies,” and themselves occupy “those places from which they are trying to distance us.”

In February 1799, the position of the Russian squadron improved somewhat.

The ships that had been sent earlier to carry out various assignments arrived in Corfu. Several detachments of Turkish auxiliary troops were brought.

In the current situation, it was no longer possible to postpone the decisive assault, so USHAKOV decided to move from the siege to decisive action to storm the fortress.

Sailors and soldiers were taught techniques for overcoming various obstacles and using assault ladders, of which many were produced.
First, USHAKOV decided to take the island of Vido, which he called “the key to Corfu.”

The ships of the squadron were supposed to suppress the enemy's coastal batteries and then land an amphibious assault force. At the same time, the enemy was to be attacked by detachments located on the island of Corfu.

They were supposed to hit Forts Abraham, St. Roca and Salvador. The majority of commanders fully approved of USHAKOV's plan.

Only a few Ottoman commanders called the operation plan "a pipe dream." However, they were in the minority.

On February 17, 1798, the ships received an order to attack the enemy at the first convenient wind.

On February 18, 1799, the wind was southwest, so one could not count on a decisive attack. But in the morning the weather changed. A fresh wind blew from the northwest.

This is a chance! The signal was raised on the flagship: -

« The entire squadron prepare to attack Vido Island».

At 7 o'clock two shots were heard from the ship "St. Paul".

This was the signal for the ground forces in Corfu to begin shelling enemy fortifications. Then the ships began to move into position.

Three frigates were in the vanguard, they attacked the first battery.

The rest of the ships followed them. "Pavel" fired at the enemy's first battery, and then concentrated its fire on the second battery. The ship was positioned at such close range that all guns could be used. Other ships followed the flagships: the battleship “Simeon and Anna” under the command of captain 1st rank K. S. Leontovich, “Magdalena” captain 1st rank G. A. Timchenko; Closer to the northwestern cape of the island, the ship “Mikhail” under the command of I. Ya. Saltanov, “Zachary and Elizaveta” under captain I. A. Selivachev, and the frigate “Gregory” under captain-lieutenant I. A. Shostak occupied positions.

The ship "Epiphany" under the command of A.P. Alexiano did not anchor, firing at enemy batteries on the move.

Kadyr Bey's ships were located at some distance, not risking getting close to the French batteries.

In order to paralyze the French ships, Fyodor USHAKOV allocated the ship “Peter” under the command of D. N. Senyavin and the frigate “Navarchia” under the command of N. D. Voinovich.

They exchanged fire with the French ships and the fifth battery. They were assisted by the ship Epiphany, firing at these targets as it moved. Under the influence of Russian fire, the French ships were severely damaged. The battleship Leander received particularly severe damage. Barely staying afloat, he left his position and took refuge near the walls of the fortress. The Russian ships also sank several galleys with the troops on them, which were intended to strengthen the Vido garrison.

Initially the French fought bravely. They were sure that the batteries were impregnable against an attack from the sea. Stone parapets and earthen ramparts protected them well. However, as the battle continued, confusion in the ranks of the enemies grew. Russian ships, salvo after salvo, attacked the French batteries and had no intention of retreating. French losses were growing, gunners were dying, guns were out of action. By 10 o'clock the French batteries had significantly reduced the intensity of the fire. The French artillerymen began to leave their positions and run deeper into the island.

USHAKOV, as soon as he noticed the first signs of weakening enemy fire, ordered preparations to begin to unload the landing force. Landing groups on longboats and boats headed for the island. Under the cover of naval artillery, the ships began to land troops. The first group landed between the second and third batteries, where the naval artillery dealt the strongest blow to the enemy. The second detachment was landed between the third and fourth batteries, and the third at the first battery. In total, about 2.1 thousand paratroopers were landed ashore (about 1.5 thousand of them were Russian soldiers).

By the time of the assault, General Pivron had created a serious anti-landing defense of the island: they installed barriers to prevent the movement of rowing ships, rubble, earthen embankments, wolf pits, etc. The landing ships were fired not only from land. But also small ships standing off the coast. However, Russian sailors overcame all obstacles. Having gained a foothold on the shore, the Russian paratroopers began to push back the enemy, capturing one position after another. They moved towards the batteries, which were the main centers of resistance. First, the third battery was captured, then the Russian flag was raised over the strongest, second battery. French ships located near Vido were captured. The French soldiers ran to the south side of the island, hoping to escape to Corfu. But Russian ships blocked the path of the French rowing ships. Around noon the first battery fell. The French could not withstand the onslaught of the Russian sailors and surrendered.

By 2 p.m. the battle was over. The remnants of the French garrison laid down their arms. The Turks and Albanians, embittered by the stubborn resistance of the French, began to slaughter the prisoners, but the Russians protected them. Of the 800 people defending the island, 200 people were killed, 402 soldiers, 20 officers and the commandant of the island, Brigadier General Pivron, were taken prisoner. About 150 people were able to escape to Corfu. Russian losses amounted to 31 people killed and 100 wounded, the Turks and Albanians lost 180 people.

The capture of Vido predetermined the outcome of the assault on Corfu.

Russian batteries were placed on the island of Vido, which immediately opened fire on Corfu.

While the battle for Vido was going on, Russian batteries in Corfu had been shelling enemy fortifications since the morning.

Several ships that did not participate in the assault on Vido also fired at the fortress.

Then the landing troops began an assault on the French forward fortifications. Local residents showed paths that made it possible to bypass the mined approaches.

Hand-to-hand combat ensued at Fort Salvador. But the French repulsed the first attack.

Then reinforcements were landed from ships on Corfu. The assault on enemy positions was resumed.

The sailors acted heroically. Under enemy fire, they made their way to the walls, set up ladders and climbed the fortifications. Despite desperate French resistance, all three forward forts were captured. The French fled to the main fortifications.

The apparent ease with which the Russian sailors took Vido and the advanced forts demoralized the French command. The French, having lost about 1 thousand people in one day of battle, decided that resistance was pointless.

The next day, a French boat arrived at USHAKOV’s ship. The French commander's aide-de-camp proposed a truce.

Fyodor USHAKOV gave an ultimatum to surrender the fortress within 24 hours.

Soon the fortress announced that they agreed to lay down their arms.

Results

On February 22, 1799, the French garrison of 2,931 people, including 4 generals, surrendered. Admiral USHAKOV was given French banners and the keys to Corfu.

The trophies of RUSSIA were about 20 combat and auxiliary ships, including the battleship Leander, the frigate Labrune, a brig, a bombardment ship, three brigantines and other ships. 629 guns, about 5 thousand rifles, over 150 thousand cannonballs and bombs, more than half a million rounds of ammunition, and a large amount of various equipment and food were captured from the fortifications and arsenal of the fortress.

The allied forces lost 298 people killed and wounded, of which 130 were Russians and 168 Turks and Albanians. Sovereign Paul I promoted FEDOR FEDOROVICH USHAKOV to admiral and awarded him the diamond badges of the Order of St. ALEXANDER NEVSKY.

The Ottoman Sultan sent a firman with praise and presented a cheleng (golden feather studded with diamonds), a sable fur coat and 1000 chervonets for small expenses.

He sent another 3,500 chervonets for the team.

So, during the two and a half years of the Mediterranean campaign of FEDOR FEDOROVICH USHAKOV, the Russian squadron did not lose a single ship, but lost about 400 people.

As a result of this expedition, RUSSIA gained an important naval base in the Mediterranean, strengthened its presence, and French dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean was undermined.

The Corfu fortress had a sufficient garrison, supported by a detachment of ships, first-class fortifications, powerful artillery weapons, large reserves of ammunition and provisions, but could not withstand the onslaught of Russian sailors. “All friends and enemies have respect and respect for us,” noted Admiral USHAKOV.

The brilliant skill of the Russian sailors was also forced to be recognized by the enemies of Russia - the French military leaders. They said that they had never seen or heard anything like this before, they did not imagine that it was possible to take by storm the terrible batteries of Corfu and the island of Vido with only ships. Such courage has hardly ever been seen before.

The capture of Corfu clearly demonstrated the creative nature of Admiral USHAKOV's skill.

The Russian admiral proved that naval artillery became the main means of suppressing enemy coastal forces. In addition, much attention was paid to the marine corps, the organization of landing operations to seize bridgeheads, and the construction of coastal batteries. Russian sailors have proven that they can carry out the most difficult combat missions.

Upon receiving news of the capture of Corfu ALEXANDER VASILIEVICH SUVOROV wrote:

Hooray! To the Russian fleet!.. Now I say to myself: Why wasn’t I at Corfu, at least as a midshipman!

memorial sign MOF "COMMANDARM" series "COMMANDERS OF VICTORY F.F. USHAKOV" - I degree.

Vladimir Dergachev

Alexander Samsonov Battle of Corfu

Built by the Venetians Corfu fortress was considered the most powerful of the French citadels in the Ionian Islands. The local garrison numbered more than 3.5 thousand people.

The city of Corfu was located on the east coast of the island between the “sea” Venetian “Old Fortress” (Paleo Frourio), separated from the city by an artificial moat with sea water, and the “coastal” “New Fortress” (Neo Frourio), fortified by the French. From the sea the city was covered by the bastions of Vido Island.

"The Old Fortress" (Paleo Frurio) today


Photo by Anton Dergachev

"New Fortress" (Neo Frurio) today


Photo by Anton Dergachev

The blockade and assault on Corfu was carried out by a joint Russian-Turkish squadron consisting of 23 battleships and frigates, 1.7 thousand naval grenadiers, 4.2 thousand Turkish troops and two thousand Greek militias.

The anti-French coalition of Russia, Turkey and England was forced. Monarchies, previously not seen in military cooperation, united against the revolutionary “contagion”. Ushakov's colleague in the Mediterranean campaign was the English admiral Horatio Nelson. The temporary “marriage of convenience” was far from ideal and was accompanied not only by intrigue. Emma Hamilton, the mistress of the English admiral, also took part in this.

On March 1, 1799, after a long blockade, the Russian squadron under the command of Vice Admiral Fyodor Ushakov began the battle for the citadel of Corfu. The main force of the landing force were Russian sailors and grenadiers. The success of the operation was ensured by powerful naval artillery. The landing force captured enemy bastions on the fortified island of Vido, after which the assault on the New Fortress on Corfu began. On March 3, the French garrison capitulated. A total of 2,931 people were captured, including four generals. The trophies of the winners were warships, more than 600 cannons, 137 thousand cannonballs and other weapons. Allied losses amounted to about 300 people killed and wounded, of which 130 were Russians, 168 Turks and Albanians.

The assault on Corfu completed the liberation of the Ionian Islands from French troops, which was of great military and political significance. The assault on the bastions went down in history as a relatively rare case of the capture of an island citadel by amphibious assault forces.

The Russian fleet received a powerful military base in the Eastern Mediterranean. On the liberated islands, under the temporary protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of the Seven Islands was created, which for several years served as a support base for the Russian Mediterranean squadron.

After the successful assault on Corfu, Ushakov sent two squadrons to Ancona and the shores of the Kingdom of Naples. On May 4, 1799, a detachment of Captain-Lieutenant Gregory Belli, consisting of 550 soldiers, was landed in Brindisi, who cleared the coast of the enemy and moved to Naples, where, together with the allies, they participated in the assault on the city. Subsequently, Grigory Bellini, a Scot by birth, became a Russian rear admiral.

At the request of the Neapolitan king, 3 Russian frigates were sent to Naples to maintain order in the city. Ushakov himself with the squadron headed to Sicily in Palermo to meet with Admiral Nelson, from where on August 25 both admirals departed for Naples.

Nelson, convinced that he could not take Malta with his troops, invited Ushakov to take part in the siege. After repairing the ships in Corfu, on April 10, 1800, an order was received from St. Petersburg to assist the British in the siege of Malta. But on June 15, Austria signed an armistice with France, and Russian Emperor Paul I ordered the squadron to be led to the Black Sea. On October 26, 1800, the squadron returned to Sevastopol.

During the two and a half years of the campaign, the Russian squadron did not lose a single ship. As a result of the expedition, Russia acquired a military base in the Mediterranean Sea, strengthening its presence in this region.

Russian naval commander, Admiral Fedorov Ushakov(1745 - 1817) was the commander of the young Black Sea Fleet (1790 - 1792). After the entry of the Russian Empire, together with the Ottoman Porte, into the anti-French coalition, Vice Admiral Ushakov was entrusted with leading the Mediterranean expedition (1798 - 1800). One of the main tasks of the joint Russian-Turkish squadron was the liberation of the strategically important Ionian Islands from the French, which was achieved. The Russian squadron did not lose a single ship in battles, not a single sailor was captured. The Turks respectfully called the Russian commander “Ushak Pasha.” The admiral became the author of the first Greek constitution.

For the storming of Corfu, Ushakov was promoted to admiral by Emperor Paul the First and awarded diamond badges Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. Government Republic of the Seven United Islands for liberating them from the enemy and restoring order, she presented Admiral Ushakov with a golden sword with diamonds. The King of Naples awarded the admiral the Order of Saint Januarius, 1st degree, and the Turkish Sultan awarded him the highest award of the Ottoman Empire. This silver insignia (chaelka) for the turban was studded with precious stones and had the shape of a flower with petals, from which 13 rays extended.

On the island of Corfu there is a monument to Admiral Ushakov and there is a street named after him. Every year since 2002, Days of Remembrance of the Russian Admiral have been held. In 2013, a bronze bust of the admiral was installed on the Greek island of Zakynthos near the walls of the Church of St. Dionysius and in Messina (Sicily, Italy), where there is also the Square of Russian Sailors.

In 2001, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized the admiral as the righteous warrior Feodor Ushakov.

***
The historical and biographical fiction film series “Admiral Ushakov” and “Ships Storm the Bastions” (USSR, 1953, director Mikhail Romm) is dedicated to Admiral Ushakov.
The films were created on the initiative of the commander of the Soviet Navy, Admiral N. G. Kuznetsov, in order to state the role of Ushakov in the history of the Russian fleet and to substantiate the establishment of the Order of Ushakov as the main naval order, which caused mixed reviews among Soviet sailors. The script of the film on the foreign policy of the Russian Empire of that period was adjusted by the leadership of the Navy and the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The film "Ships Storm the Bastions" basically faithfully reproduces the storming of the French-occupied Ionian Islands and the citadel of Corfu in 1799.
Filming took place in the former Akkerman fortress in Belgorod-Dnestrovsky.