Vladimir A. Kornilov - one of the greatest Russian naval commanders of the XIX century.His life can be called an example of honest and selfless service to Russia.He has earned a reputation as a fair commander and talented organizer, and if his life is not interrupted so suddenly, perhaps the outcome of the Crimean War in Russia could be quite different.
Children and youth
future hero of the Crimean War, was born in 1806 in the family estate near Tver Ivanovo.
His father, Aleksey Mikhailovich, in his youth was a naval officer.Rose to the rank of Captain-Commander, he left the navy and for a long time held the post of governor in Siberia.Later, he returned to the capital, where he became a senator.
Following the family tradition, the young Vladimir also decided to link their lives to the sea.At the end of the St. Petersburg Marine Cadet Corps, he was enlisted in the Marine Guard crew.He served mostly on the coast, and the constant burden to drill a very young man.Ultimately, he was dismissed with the phrase "for the shortage of cheerfulness for the front."This biography of Kornilov as a naval officer could be completed, if the father had not intervened.
«Azov»
After some time, the future admiral of the Russian fleet was again adopted for military service and got on the ship "Azov", had just arrived in the capital city of Arkhangelsk.
While serving on the "Azov" in the rank of midshipman Kornilov was a very difficult move your ship from Kronstadt to the Mediterranean Sea.
The commander Mikhail Lazarev, who noticed the young officer of outstanding ability, once thrown out of the cabin of his subordinate an entire stack of French novels, and instead brought Kornilov books on navigation and seamanship.Under the auspices of the captain of the young midshipman began to comprehend the difficult marine science.History shows that Kornilov was able to perfectly master it.
Upon arrival in the Mediterranean Sea, "Azov" met with the combined allied squadron rushing to the aid of insurgent Greece.Thus, Kornilov happened to take part in the famous Battle of Navarino in 1827."Azov" was the flagship of the Russian fleet, and his team has shown itself heroically.
During the battle, the young midshipman commanded three guns "Azov" and for his skill and courage has received several awards from all the allied countries.He was awarded the Order of the Bath in England, the Order of the Holy Savior of Greece, the Order of St. Louis of France and the Russian Order of St. Anne's 4-th degree.
in this terrible battle shoulder to shoulder with the young midshipman fighting Kornilov, Istomin and Nakhimov lieutenant.About the role of the great men in the history of the Russian navy to remind too.
the Black Sea Mediterranean
After Kornilov campaign continued service in the Baltic Sea.However, his former commander, Admiral Lazarev, translated by the time of the Black Sea, has not forgotten the Valiant youth and wrote him from St. Petersburg to Sevastopol.
During Bosphorus expedition 1833 Kornilov coped brilliantly with its mission the study of waters in the straits area, for which he was awarded the Order of St.Vladimir 4-th degree.
After this operation, Kornilov was appointed commander of the brig "Themistocles" and he was able to show himself an excellent leader.In one of the campaigns of "Themistocles" passenger on board turned out to be the great Russian painter Karl Bryullov.During the voyage Kornilov often had long conversations with this interesting person.Bryullov at the time was working on one of his masterpieces, the canvas "The Last Days of Pompeii".During the voyage the artist managed to paint a portrait of Kornilov, who is now kept in the Hermitage.
After "Themistocles" under the command of Kornilov out to sea corvette "Orestes," frigate "Flora", and even the largest battleship "Twelve Apostles" with a team of over 1,000 people.It was in those years, the future admiral Kornilov was able to earn the respect of subordinates and earned a reputation among them strict but fair boss.Vladimir A. himself relentlessly continued to learn and improve their skills of captain.
Chief of Staff of the Navy
In 1838 Kornilov appointed Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet and its commander is again Lazarev, who was very pleased to once again work with capable young man.In close cooperation with Lazarev, Kornilov had several naval exercises and participated in small military expeditions to the eastern part of the Black Sea.In this position, he was promoted to captain I rank.
In 1848 Kornilov seconded to England to learn from foreign colleagues, and have at the same time to monitor the construction of several ships ordered by the Black Sea Fleet.He returned to Sevastopol on one of them - the steamer-frigate "Vladimir".
After this trip Kornilov's career began to develop rapidly.He was promoted to Rear Admiral and was soon enrolled in the retinue of His Imperial Majesty.Now he has got the right person to report to Nicholas I about the affairs of the Black Sea Fleet.
activities to strengthen the defense
In 1851, Lazarus died.Officially the post of commander of the Black Sea Fleet was appointed Admiral Berhe, but everyone knew that this is just a formality.All real fleet management in the Black Sea has been concentrated in the hands of Kornilov, and he did not have to miss.
Everyone knew that soon broke out in the south of the great war, and Admiral Kornilov hurry to make all necessary efforts to strengthen maritime borders and the construction of new ships.But the time he had little, and events unfolded rapidly.
Naval battles
In October 1853 Russia went to war with Turkey.Kornilov immediately sent a reconnaissance campaign to detect enemy squadrons.Russian ships have come to the Bosporus, but the enemy ships never found.The Admiral decided to divide his squadron, sending a group of ships in different directions.Himself on the steamer-frigate "Vladimir" moved to Sevastopol.
Suddenly "Vladimir" came across a lone enemy vessel.It was a Turkish ship frigate "Pervaz Bahri."A fight broke out, which was the first in the history of naval battle ships, using steam traction.Russian came out of the battle victorious.The Turkish ship was able to capture and drag to Sevastopol.Later it was repaired, and it became a part of the Black Sea Fleet under the name "Kornilov."The war is inexorably approaching the Crimean coast, and the Navy desperately needs more ships.
Later Admiral Kornilov again went to sea as the commander of the squadron, which the rescue squadron Nakhimov.However, the beginning of the famous Battle of Sinop, they did not have time.Nakhimov unaided managed to defeat the main forces of the enemy fleet.
But the victorious Battle of Sinop turned into new troubles.In the war on the side of Turkey joined England and France.Now the new Kornilov rose almost impossible task to keep from invading sea and land forces of the enemy poorly protected Sevastopol.
Defense of Sevastopol
land defense, organized by Menshikov proved worthless and ineffective.Soon Sevastopol was in dire straits.
Admiral Kornilov, who headed the Sevastopol garrison, together with the military engineer Totleben began hastily to erect fortifications around the city.At this time, the Sevastopol bay came a huge Anglo-French squadron.Russian ships were locked in the inner roads tripled their superior enemy forces.Kornilov offered nevertheless to put the ships in the sea, to get involved in the fight and sell his life dearly.However, others are more cautious members of the military council did not support the plan.They offered to flood the Russian fleet in the roads, thereby safely concealing the city from invasion from the sea.That is the plan, and it was decided to implement.The fleet sank and naval guns further strengthened coastal bastions.
Death
September 13 began the siege of Sevastopol and the construction of fortifications out all the inhabitants of the city.Less than a month had his first massive bombing of the city, which, unfortunately, was the last of the famous admiral.
This day Vladimir A. Kornilov normally examined to strengthen the city.Bombing found him on Mamayev Hill.Ignoring the falling shells, Kornilov graduated inspection and was about to go to other fortifications, as the enemy was suddenly struck by the kernel, was fatally wounded in his head.His last words were a requirement till the last drop of blood to defend Sevastopol.
Kornilov was buried in the Vladimir Cathedral of the Sea next to his friend and mentor, Admiral Lazarev.Later here will find their final resting Admiral Nakhimov and Istomin.
brief biography of Kornilov could not fully reflect all the events of his life and the diversity of personality.This extraordinary man had in his life very much and will always remain in the memory of the Russian people.He is remembered as an excellent officer and skilled naval commander.However, few know that the celebrated hero of the Crimean War in the rare moments of rest was a gentle man and a loving father of five children.
