Battleship "Potemkin" was launched in September 1900, the stocks of Nikolaev.At that time he was considered the most powerful navy in the Black Sea.The creation of this ship was a landmark for the process of transition from the now obsolete technical solutions to the more modern.
project development and construction engineer engaged E. Schott - pupil of the famous shipbuilder NE Kuteynikova.
Battleship "Potemkin" had elevated forecastle, allowing it to reduce wave sweeping bow in a storm, and different opportunity to raise up to seven and a half meters above the water axis guns.It was first established with the centralized management of artillery fire, to carry out the post, located in the wheelhouse.
In addition, the battleship "Potemkin" - this is the first ship with new boilers, which are in the construction of water-tube assemblies were used for liquid fuels.It the first time the Black Sea Fleet were installed cranes for lifting boats and boats.
summer of 1902, is a modern ship that's been floating only two years old, was sent to the completion and upgrading.The initial term of return to duty were disrupted due to a fire the boiler room.The damage was substantial.As a result, it was necessary to replace the boilers, adapting them for solid fuels.There are defects in the turret armor.As a result, the return of the ship into service was delayed until 1904.
Battleship "Potemkin" had a displacement of 12.9 tons, the length of its body was 113 meters, width - 22 at draft 8.4.The ship was moving at full speed of 16.7 knots with a fuel capacity 1,100 tons.
battleship team has been formed since his favorites.Specially for it was formed 36 th naval crew of divers from the ship's specialists: gunners, machinists, minelayers.When, in 1905, "Potemkin" was finally launched on board served 731 people, of whom 26 were officers.
The crew literally from the beginning of construction of the ship began a close contact with the revolutionary-minded dockers of Nikolayev.On board even spread Bolshevik literature.Probably, therefore it was decided to carry out the completion of Sevastopol.
At this time, the navy began to create circles of social democrats under the leadership of the Bolsheviks Yahnovskogo, Gladkov, Petrova.It is composed of an employee and to "Potemkin" Vakulenchuk artillery officer, is in constant communication with the local revolutionary organizations in many ports of Russia.
the autumn of 1905 in the Navy planned an armed rebellion which was to be decisive for public performances.However, the battleship "Potemkin" uprising which broke out months earlier, ahead of the planned events.The charges stemmed from the violence that commanders wanted to inflict on the rebellious crew members refused to eat rotten meat.The answer to the repression was the disarmament of the officers and sailors firing.The commander of the ship, as well as several senior officers' ranks were killed.The rest were taken into custody.
This Vakulenchuk, who was originally opposed to the uprising on the battleship "Potemkin-Tauride" broke apart from the general movement, nevertheless took command of the ship itself.Soon, however, in the course of general insurrection, he was killed, and led by the revolutionary mood of the ship got a Bolshevik Matiushenko.They were joined by the destroyer N 267 standing on Tenderovskom raid.Imperial battleship "Potemkin" was the ship of the revolution.
However, on 18 June, he was surrounded by a powerful squadron of eleven warships, who intended to destroy it.When rebellious decided to ram the ship, shots of destroyers was not followed: their team mates standing on the side, came on deck, shouting "Hurrah."
Battleship on board there was no provision of water and tried to dock in the port of Odessa, and after - Feodosia, where he was waiting for the royal army.I had to go to Constanta and surrender to the Romanian authorities that the ship returned to Russia.
In an effort to erase from memory even renamed its name battleship and command him to stay in Romania as political refugees.
