She made an invaluable contribution to European culture. Literature, architecture, philosophy, history, other sciences, state system, laws, art and myths of ancient Greece laid the foundation of modern European civilization. Greek gods known all over the world.
Greece today
Modern Greece little known to most of our compatriots. The country is located at the junction of West and East, connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. The length of the coastline is 15,000 km (including islands)! Our map will help you find a unique corner or island, which I haven’t been to yet. We offer daily feed news. In addition, for many years we have been collecting photo And reviews.Holidays in Greece
Acquaintance with the ancient Greeks in absentia will not only enrich you with the understanding that everything new is well-forgotten old, but will also encourage you to go to the homeland of gods and heroes. Where, behind the ruins of temples and the debris of history, our contemporaries live with the same joys and problems as their distant ancestors thousands of years ago. An unforgettable experience awaits you rest, thanks to the most modern infrastructure surrounded by pristine nature. On the site you will find tours to Greece, resorts And hotels, weather. In addition, here you will learn how and where to register visa and you will find Consulate in your country or greek visa center.Real estate in Greece
The country is open to foreigners wishing to purchase real estate. Any foreigner has the right to this. Only in border areas do non-EU citizens need to obtain a purchase permit. However, finding legitimate houses, villas, townhouses, apartments, correct execution of the transaction, and subsequent maintenance is a difficult task that our team has been solving for many years.Russian Greece
Subject immigration remains relevant not only for ethnic Greeks living outside their historical homeland. The immigrant forum discusses how legal issues, as well as the problems of adaptation in the Greek world and, at the same time, the preservation and popularization of Russian culture. Russian Greece is heterogeneous and unites all immigrants who speak Russian. At the same time, in recent years the country has not met the economic expectations of immigrants from the countries of the former USSR, and therefore we are seeing a reverse migration of peoples. Vladimir DergachevAlexander 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.
In March 1799, a Russian squadron under the command of Fyodor Ushakov took the fortress of Corfu in the Mediterranean Sea. The decisive actions of the great naval commander made it possible to take the considered impregnable fortress with minimal losses. During the assault on Corfu, the persistent opinion of contemporaries - military experts - was refuted that sea fortresses can only be taken from land, and the fleet only carries out a blockade. Ushakov proposed a new solution: heavy shelling of coastal fortifications with naval artillery, suppression of coastal batteries with the help of the fleet and landing.
Assault on Vido
At the beginning of 1799, the position of the Black Sea squadron near Corfu improved somewhat. New ships of Rear Admiral P.V. Pustoshkin arrived from Sevastopol (74-gun battleships “St. Michael” and “Simeon and Anna”). Ships arrived that had previously been sent at the direction of St. Petersburg to perform other tasks. Ushakov now had 12 battleships and 11 frigates. The Turkish authorities finally sent food. Russian sailors erected two batteries on Corfu: at Fort San Salvador (Southern Battery), and on the hill of Mont Oliveto (Northern Battery). It is from these positions that they will storm the enemy fortress in Corfu. Turkish auxiliary troops arrived - more than 4 thousand soldiers. About 2 thousand people were deployed by the Greek rebels. Ushakov decided to move from the blockade to a decisive assault.
At the military council on February 17, 1799, on the Russian flagship “St. Paul”, it was decided to first strike the main blow on the island of Vido, which was a key position near Corfu. All ships of the squadron were allocated to attack enemy positions on Vido, and the commanders of each ship were assigned positions. The naval artillery was supposed to suppress the French batteries on the island, then paratroopers were landed for the final defeat of the enemy. At the same time, landing troops on the island of Corfu were supposed to attack the advanced forts of the enemy fortress - Fort Abraham, St. Roca and Salvador. The battle plan was approved by the majority of the ship commanders, only the Turks expressed doubt that “you can’t break through a stone with a tree.” The Turkish commanders were reassured that the Russian ships would go in the first line, the Turkish ones behind.
Assault o. The battle, where about 800 French defended under the command of General Pivron, began on the morning of February 18 (March 1), 1799. At the same time, Russian batteries in Corfu opened fire on enemy forts. The ships of the squadron, in accordance with the operation plan, weighed anchor and moved to positions near Vido Island. Three frigates were the first to move out, they began to approach the northern tip of the island, where the first French battery was located. The French saw the movement of the Russian ships and as soon as they approached within artillery range, they opened fire. The French artillerymen were well protected by stone parapets and earthen ramparts. The French were confident that their batteries could easily withstand a naval attack. Despite the enemy fire, the frigates quickly moved forward, and soon also opened fire on the French positions.
Meanwhile, the main forces of the fleet were approaching Vido. The flagship "Pavel" was ahead. At 8 hours 45 minutes he approached the first enemy battery and immediately opened fire on the enemy. The French concentrated fire on the Russian flagship. Enemy shells often flew over it, and the ship received several damage. However, despite the French fire, “Pavel” steadily walked at the head of the squadron, setting an example for everyone else. "Pavel" reached the second battery and concentrated fire on it. Ushakov tried to get as close to the shore as possible in order to use guns of all calibers. The French positions were swept away by grapeshot. Next to the flagship, the battleships “Simeon and Anna” took up positions under the command of captain 1st rank K. S. Leontovich and “Mary Magdalene” captain 1st rank G. A. Timchenko. Further, closer to the northeastern cape of the island, the ship “Mikhail” took a position under the command of I. Ya. Saltanov, who fired at the third enemy battery. To the left of it are the battleship “Zakhary and Elizaveta” of captain I. A. Selivachev and the frigate “Grigory” of I. A. Shostok. They fired at the enemy's fourth battery. The battleship "Epiphany of the Lord" under the command of A.P. Alexiano did not anchor, was under sail all the time and fired at enemy fortifications on the move.
Source: Russia's war as part of the Second Coalition against France in 1798-1800. Assault on the Corfu fortress on February 18, 1799. Maritime Atlas of the USSR Ministry of Defense. Volume III. Military-historical. Part one
French ships tried to provide support to the French garrison - the battleship Leander and the frigate Labrune. They defended the island from the eastern side. However, the Russian admiral foresaw such a move by the enemy and in advance separated from the squadron the battleship “Peter” under the command of D. N. Senyavin and the frigate “Navarchia” under N. D. Voinovich. While under sail, the Russian ships engaged in a stubborn firefight with enemy ships and the fifth battery of the French. In addition, they were supported by the battleship Epiphany, which also began to fire at the French ships and the fifth battery. As a result, the French ships received severe damage, especially the Leander. Barely staying afloat, the enemy battleship left its combat position and went under the protection of the guns of Corfu.
After a 2-hour battle, the French wavered. Vido Island, surrounded on three sides by Russian ships, was subject to incessant shelling. With each ship's salvo, more and more were killed and wounded, and the guns failed. By 10 o'clock the fire from the French batteries had weakened noticeably. The French artillerymen began to abandon their positions and fled deeper into the island.
Ushakov watched the battle carefully. As soon as he saw that the French had weakened their fire, the order was given to begin landing the landing units. The naval artillery did its job, clearing the way for the landing. Now it was necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy. Landing groups on longboats and boats moved to the shore. The first landing group was landed between the second and third French batteries. At this point, the Russian fleet inflicted maximum destruction on the enemy. The second landing detachment was landed between the third and fourth batteries, then the landing force was landed at the first battery. In total, about 1,500 Russian soldiers and sailors and more than 600 people of the Turkish-Albanian auxiliary detachment were landed ashore.
More and more ships approached the shore, landing paratroopers and guns. Step by step, the Russian-Turkish landing force began to push back the enemy. The French were well prepared for the defense of Vido Island. An anti-landing defense was equipped: earthen ramparts, rubble of stones and logs, wolf pits were built on the coast, and barriers were built on the approaches to the shore that prevented the approach of small rowing ships. The French riflemen fired at the approaching boats disembarking the Russian sailors. However, no matter how desperately the French resisted, the Russian paratroopers overcame all obstacles and quickly pushed back the enemy. Having captured the bridgeheads, the landing troops continued to move. They attacked enemy batteries, which were the main centers of the French defense. The French, already demoralized by the attacks of naval artillery and the successful landing, could not stand it. The third battery fell first, then the Russian flag was raised over the strongest second battery. Several French ships moored near the island. The Vidos were captured.
The remnants of the French garrison fled to the south side of the island and tried to escape by rowing boats. Some were able to escape, others were prevented by the Russian ships "Peter", "Epiphany" and "Navarchia". Around noon, the Russian flag was raised over the first battery. The French resistance was finally broken. As a result of this brutal battle, 200 French were killed, 420 people, led by Commandant Pivron, surrendered, and about 150 more people were able to escape to Corfu. The losses of Russian troops amounted to 31 people killed and 100 wounded. The Turks and Albanians lost 180 people killed and wounded.
Vido Island
Capitulation of Corfu
The fall of the island of Vido predetermined the surrender of Corfu. The Russians captured a key position. For some time the French still defended themselves, hoping that the enemy would not be able to capture the advanced forts - Abraham, St. Roca and Salvador. When the main Russian forces stormed the fortifications of Vido, a fierce battle also began in Corfu. Russian batteries had been continuously shelling enemy positions since the morning. And Russian ships fired at the Old and New fortresses.
Soon, the landing troops on Corfu emerged from their fortifications and began attacking the advanced forts of the French fortress. The French mined the approaches to them, but with the help of local residents they bypassed the mines. A battle ensued for Fort Salvador, but the French repulsed the first attack. Then reinforcements were sent from the ships of the squadron. With the arrival of new forces, the assault on enemy positions resumed. Russian sailors attacked Fort St. Rock, and despite strong rifle fire, they went down into the ditch and began to put up ladders. The French were broken, they riveted the cannons, destroyed the gunpowder reserves and fled to El Salvador. Russian volunteers, on the shoulders of the enemy, broke into this French fortification. The enemy fled without even having time to rivet the guns. Soon the fortification of St. was captured. Abraham. As a result, despite fierce French resistance, all three advanced forts were captured. Enemy soldiers fled behind the fortress wall. By evening the battle died down. Allied losses amounted to about 298 people killed and wounded, of which 130 were Russians and 168 Turks and Albanians.
The French command, having lost the batteries of Vido Island and the advanced forts of Corfu in one day of battle, decided that further resistance made no sense. Early in the morning of March 2 (February 19), 1799, the adjutant of the French commander arrived on Ushakov’s ship and conveyed Chabot’s request for a truce. The Russian admiral offered to surrender the fortress within 24 hours. Soon the French announced that they agreed to surrender. On March 3 (February 20), 1799, the act of surrender was signed. The surrender was honorable. The French received the right to leave Corfu with a promise not to fight for 18 months.
V. Kochenkov. Assault on Corfu
Results
Two days later, the French garrison (over 2900 people) left the fortress and folded. Ushakov was given the keys to Corfu and French banners. About 20 combat and auxiliary ships became Russian trophies, including the battleship Leander, the frigate Labrune, a brig, a bombardment ship, three brigantines, etc. 629 guns, 4 thousand rifles, etc. were captured on the walls and in the arsenals of the fortress. more than 100 thousand cannonballs and bombs, more than half a million rounds of ammunition, as well as a large amount of various property and provisions.
The brilliant victory of Russian weapons in Corfu caused a great response in Europe, where they closely followed the events in the Ionian Islands. In European capitals I did not expect such a quick and decisive victory for Russian weapons. The main blow to the French fortress was delivered from the sea, which was an innovation in the theory and practice of naval art of that time. The victorious assault on Corfu refuted the theoretical theories of Western naval commanders that it was impossible to defeat a strong coastal fortress with the help of the fleet alone. Previously it was believed that it was impossible to attack the fortress from the sea. The French admitted that they never thought that it was possible to approach the impregnable bastions and powerful batteries of Corfu and Vido with only ships. Ushakov used naval artillery to break into enemy defenses. Also, great attention was paid to the actions of the Marine Corps and the organization of the landing.
For this brilliant assault, the Russian sovereign Pavel the First promoted Ushakov to admiral and awarded him the diamond insignia of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, the Neapolitan king awarded him the Order of St. Januarius, 1st degree, and the Ottoman sultan - a chapel (a decoration for a turban in the form of a sultan studded with precious stones), insignia of Turkey.
In 1800, Russia and Turkey created the Republic of the Seven Islands on the liberated territory, under the protectorate of the two empires. The island republic became the base of the Russian fleet. After the Peace of Tilsit in 1807, the French regained control of the Ionian Islands. England subsequently established its control over the islands.
In the Mediterranean Sea itself, Ushakov continued his victorious campaign. Russian sailors won a number of victories in Italy. However, the successes of the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, like the victories of A. Suvorov’s army in Italy, did not bring serious benefits to Russia. Due to the treacherous policies of his “partners” in the war with France - Austria and England, Emperor Paul made a sharp turn in foreign policy. He broke with his former “allies” (London and Vienna), and decided to improve relations with France, with which Russia, in fact, did not have any fundamental contradictions or any military, territorial and economic disputes. In response, the British organized the murder of Paul.
When the Russian squadron left the Ionian Islands for the Black Sea, the Cephalonians, as a sign of gratitude, presented F. F. Ushakov with a large gold medal with images of the admiral (the inscription around: “Valiant and pious Fyodor Ushakov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Fleet”), the fortress of Corfu and the island of Vido, between which there are two French ships, and in front of Vido - six Russian ships (inscription: “To the savior of all the Ionian islands, Cephalonia.”
March 3, 2019 marked exactly 220 years since the most famous feat of Admiral F.F. Ushakov - liberation from the French occupiers of the island of Corfu in the Ionian archipelago. There were powerful fortifications on the island; the French considered Corfu an impregnable stronghold. Ushakov's victory is the first time in history that such a powerful coastal fortress was captured by one fleet. About these events - an article by Alexander Samonov on Topvar. Original.
On March 3, 1799, the Russian-Turkish fleet under the command of Admiral Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov completed the operation to capture Corfu. French troops were forced to surrender the largest and most well-fortified of the Ionian islands, Corfu. The capture of Corfu completed the liberation of the Ionian Islands and led to the creation of the Republic of the Seven Islands, which was under the protectorate of Russia and Turkey and became a support base for the Russian Mediterranean squadron.
The French Revolution led to serious military and political changes in Europe. At first, revolutionary France defended itself, repelling attacks from its neighbors, but soon went on the offensive (“exporting the revolution”). In 1796-1797 the French army under the command of the young and talented French general Napoleon Bonaparte captured Northern Italy (Napoleon Bonaparte’s first serious victory. The brilliant Italian campaign of 1796-1797). In May 1797, the French captured the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zante, Kefalonia, St. Maures, Tserigo and others), which belonged to the Venetian Republic, which were located along the western coast of Greece. The Ionian Islands were of great strategic importance; control over them allowed them to dominate the Adriatic Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.
France had extensive plans of conquest in the Mediterranean. In 1798, Napoleon began a new campaign of conquest - the French expeditionary army set out to capture Egypt (Battle of the Pyramids. Bonaparte's Egyptian Campaign). From there, Napoleon planned to repeat the campaign of Alexander the Great; his minimum program included Palestine and Syria, and with the successful development of hostilities, the French could move to Constantinople, Persia and India. Napoleon successfully avoided a collision with the British fleet and landed in Egypt.
On September 20, Ushakov’s squadron left the Dardanelles and moved towards the Ionian Islands. The liberation of the islands began with Tserigo. On the evening of September 30, Admiral Ushakov invited the French to lay down their arms. The enemy promised to fight “to the last extreme.” On the morning of October 1, artillery shelling of the Kapsali fortress began. Initially, the French artillery actively responded, but when the Russian landing force prepared for the assault, the French command stopped resisting.
Two weeks later, the Russian fleet approached the island of Zante. Two frigates approached the shore and suppressed the enemy’s coastal batteries. Then the troops landed. Together with local residents, Russian sailors surrounded the fortress. The French commandant, Colonel Lucas, seeing the hopelessness of the situation, capitulated. About 500 French officers and soldiers surrendered. Russian sailors had to protect the French from the just revenge of local residents. It must be said that during the liberation of the Ionian Islands, local residents greeted the Russians very joyfully and actively helped them. The French behaved like savages, robberies and violence were commonplace. The help of the local population, who knew the waters, the terrain, all the paths and approaches well, was very helpful.
After the liberation of the island of Zante, Ushakov divided the squadron into three detachments. Four ships under the command of captain 2nd rank D.N. Senyavin went to the island of St. The Moors, six ships under the command of captain 1st rank I. A. Selivachev went to Corfu, and five ships of captain 1st rank I. S. Poskochin - to Cephalonia.
In Kefalonia, the French surrendered without a fight. The French garrison fled to the mountains, where they were captured by local residents. On the island of St. The Moors and French refused to surrender. Senyavin landed an airborne detachment with artillery. After a 10-day bombardment and the arrival of Ushakov's squadron, the French commandant, Colonel Miolet, began negotiations. On November 5, the French laid down their arms.
Russian naval cannon - one of those used during the Mediterranean expedition
After the liberation of the island of St. Marfa Ushakov headed towards Corfu. The first to arrive on the island of Corfu was the detachment of Captain Selivachev: 3 battleships, 3 frigates and a number of small ships. The detachment arrived at the island on October 24, 1798. On October 31, a detachment of captain 2nd rank Poskochin arrived on the island. On November 9, the main forces of the united Russian-Turkish fleet under the command of Ushakov approached Corfu. As a result, the combined Russian-Turkish forces had 10 battleships, 9 frigates and other vessels. In December, the squadron was joined by detachments of ships under the command of Rear Admiral P. V. Pustoshkin (74-gun battleships “St. Michael” and “Simeon and Anna”), captain 2nd rank A. A. Sorokin (frigates “St. Michael” and “Our Lady of Kazan”). Thus, the allied squadron consisted of 12 battleships, 11 frigates and a significant number of small ships.
Corfu was located on the east coast in the central part of the island and consisted of a whole complex of powerful fortifications. Since ancient times, the city was considered the key to the Adriatic and was well fortified. French engineers supplemented the old fortifications with the latest achievements of fortification science.
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.
Corfu. New fortress
The defense of the city was commanded by the governor of the islands, division general Chabot, and the commissioner general Dubois. The Vido garrison was commanded by Brigadier General Pivron. Before the Russian squadron arrived on the island, Dubois transferred a significant part of the troops from other islands to Corfu. 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 (74-gun "Generos" and 54-gun "Leander"), 1 frigate (32-gun frigate "La Brune"), bombardment ship "La Frimar", brig "Expedition" "and four auxiliary vessels. 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.
Upon arrival at Corfu, Selivachev's ships began blockading the fortress. 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. On October 27, the French conducted reconnaissance in force. 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 captured a French 18-gun brig and three transports that were trying to break through to the fortress.
After the arrival of Ushakov’s squadron, several ships approached the port of Gouvi, 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. Russian sailors set up a coastal base in this harbor. 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, 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 and would leave Corfu. General Chabot tried to wear down the besiegers, keeping them in suspense, carrying out sorties and artillery bombardments every day, which required the Russian sailors to be constantly vigilant and ready to repel French attacks. In many ways these were correct calculations. The besiegers experienced enormous difficulties with ground forces, artillery and supplies. However, the Russian squadron was led by the iron Ushakov and the French fortress was besieged by the Russians, not the Turks, so the calculation did not come true.
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. 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 did not fulfill the combat missions assigned to them. So, on the night of January 26, the battleship Generos, following Napoleon’s orders, broke out of Corfu. The French painted the sails black for camouflage. A Russian patrol ship discovered the enemy and gave a signal about it. Ushakov ordered Kadyr Bey to chase the enemy, but he ignored this instruction. Then Lieutenant Metaxa was sent to the Ottoman flagship to force the Ottomans to carry out the admiral’s order. But the Turks never weighed anchor. "Generos" and the brig calmly left for Ancona.
The blockade of the fortress weakened its garrison, but it was obvious that an assault was needed to capture Corfu. But there were no necessary forces and means for the assault. As 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 for conventional combat 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. In the end, about 4.2 thousand soldiers were sent from Albania, although 17 thousand people were promised. The situation was also bad with siege ground artillery and ammunition. The lack of ammunition limited any combat activity. The ships and batteries were silent for a long time. Ushakov ordered to take care of existing shells and shoot only when absolutely necessary.
The squadron also experienced great need for food. The situation was close to disaster. For 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. Ushakov informed the Russian ambassador in Constantinople that they were surviving on their last crumbs and were starving. In addition, even the food supplied was of disgusting quality. So, in December 1798, the Irina transport 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. 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. The existing uniform had fallen into disrepair; 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 - 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. Every now and then Ushakov 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. 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. On January 23 (February 3), 1799, new batteries began to be built on the southern side of the island. Therefore, Ushakov decided to move from the siege to a decisive assault on the fortress. On February 14 (25), the final preparations for the assault began. Sailors and soldiers were taught techniques for overcoming various obstacles and using assault ladders. Staircases were made in large quantities.
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 enemy coastal batteries and then land troops. 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. Most 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, the ships received an order to attack the enemy at the first convenient wind. On the night of February 18, the wind was southwest, so there was no hope of a decisive attack. But in the morning the weather changed. A fresh wind blew from the northwest. The signal was raised on the flagship: “the entire squadron should prepare for an attack on 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, 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 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.
By the evening of February 18 (March 1), the battle died down. 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. Ushakov offered to surrender the fortress within 24 hours. Soon the fortress announced that they agreed to lay down their arms. On February 20 (March 3), 1799, the act of surrender was signed.
On February 22 (March 5), the French garrison of 2,931 people, including 4 generals, surrendered. Admiral Ushakov was given French banners and the keys to Corfu. About 20 combat and auxiliary vessels became Russian trophies, including the battleship Leander, the frigate Labrune, a brig, a bombardment ship, three brigantines and other vessels. 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.
According to the terms of surrender, the French, having surrendered the fortress with all the guns, arsenals and stores, retained their freedom. They only swore not to fight against Russia and its allies for 18 months. The French were sent to Toulon. But this condition did not apply to the hundreds of Jews who fought alongside the French. They were sent to Istanbul.
The allied forces lost 298 people killed and wounded, of which 130 were Russians and 168 Turks and Albanians. Sovereign Pavel promoted Ushakov to admiral and awarded him the diamond insignia 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.
The victory at Corfu completed the liberation of the Ionian Islands from French rule and made a great impression on Europe. The Ionian Islands became a stronghold of Russia in the Mediterranean Sea. European military officers and politicians did not expect such a decisive and victorious outcome of the struggle against France's powerful stronghold in the Mediterranean. Many believed that Vido would be very difficult to take, and Corfu completely impossible. The 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 Russian sailors was also 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 showed the flawed opinion that an attack on a strong fortress from the sea is impossible. 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. The victorious assault on Vido and Corfu overthrew the theoretical constructs of Western European military specialists. Russian sailors have proven that they can carry out the most difficult combat missions. The assault on what was considered an impregnable sea fortress is inscribed in the history of the Russian school of naval art.
On March 3, 1799, Fyodor Ushakov’s squadron liberated the island of Corfu, besieged by the French. “Why wasn’t I at least a midshipman at Corfu?” he said about the brilliant victory of the Russian sailors. Contrary to the opinions of military theorists, the powerful fortress was taken by the fleet alone.
At the end of the 18th century, France pursued an active policy of conquest. In 1797, the Ionian Islands were captured, which allowed the French to extend influence not only to the Balkans, but also to Egypt, Asia Minor and the Black Sea possessions of Russia.
These events prompted Turkey, Russia and England to unite in the fight against French expansion.
The country signed an alliance treaty in December 1798, but even before its conclusion - in August 1798 - it was decided that the joint Russian-Turkish squadron would direct its forces to the liberation of the Ionian Islands.
Thus, the forces of the vice admiral (six battleships, seven frigates, three advice notes and a landing party), who by general agreement was appointed to command the united fleet, were joined by the Turkish squadron of Vice Admiral Kadyr Bey (four battleships, six frigates, four corvettes and 14 gunboats).
By October 1798, Russian sailors liberated the islands, which allowed them to actually control the waters of the archipelago: Kythira, Zakynthos and Cephalonia; in early November, the French garrison was driven out of Lefkas.
Now Ushakov intended to throw all his forces against the largest and most well-fortified island of the archipelago - Corfu.
The French covered Corfu from the nearby islands of Vido and Lazaretto. Vido had about 800 soldiers and five artillery batteries under the command of Brigadier General Pivron. In Corfu, in the Old and New Fortresses, the garrison numbered 3,000 soldiers and 650 guns under the command of General Chabot. In addition, in the harbor between Corfu and Vido there was a 74-gun ship "Genere", a 50-gun captured English ship "Leander", a frigate "La Brune", a bombardment ship "La Frimer", a brig and four auxiliary vessels.
It was almost impossible to get through such a powerful defense, so they decided to blockade Corfu. It began on October 24, 1798 with the arrival of a detachment of ships under the command of Captain 1st Rank I. Selivachev to the island. “Stop all communication with that island,” Ushakov set him the task. Later, the ships of the detachment of captain 2nd rank I. Poskochin, the main forces of the squadron led by Ushakov himself, and the detachment of captain 1st rank D. Senyavin approached Corfu. The French forces were opposed by 12 battleships and 11 frigates, a team of 1,700 naval grenadiers, 4,250 Turkish soldiers, as well as about 2,000 residents of Corfu.
Despite all the difficulties - the cold winter and the lack of proper supplies, which fell on Turkey's shoulders - Ushakov managed to organize a tight blockade of the island, which lasted four months.
The French garrison was deprived of the opportunity to receive outside help, and in order to prevent the French from obtaining provisions for themselves by robbing the local population, a small landing force with artillery landed on Corfu and two batteries were built. Ushakov’s sailors organized another battery at Lazaretto, which the French abandoned without a fight.
Throughout the blockade, clashes between Allied and French forces systematically occurred both on land and at sea.
It was supposed to be the joint efforts of the Russians and Turks to storm the fortress, but the Turkish command delayed the dispatch of the promised landing force. Despite this, Ushakov still continued to prepare for the offensive, which, according to his plan, included a simultaneous attack on Corfu and Vido.
The assault began on the morning of March 2, 1799. Ushakov’s squadron settled down according to a strictly thought-out disposition, and several ships immediately hit Vido’s batteries with grapeshot. The island responded with powerful gunfire.
Here is how participant in the events Yegor Metaksa described this moment:
Continuous, terrible shooting and the thunder of large guns set the entire surrounding area in awe. Vido, one might say, was completely blown up by buckshot, and not only the trenches... there was not a tree left that was not damaged by this terrible iron hail. At eleven o'clock the guns from the French batteries were shot down, all the people defending them died, while others, fearful, rushed from bush to bush, not knowing where to hide.
The artillery duel lasted about four hours. The French frigates Leander and La Brune tried to come to the aid of the besieged, but received serious damage under the fire of St. Peter" and "Navarahia", they were forced to retreat. After the cannonade from the French batteries weakened, troops landed on the shore of Vido, secured themselves between the batteries and went further to the middle of the island. The Turks, who were part of the joint landing, enraged by the stubborn resistance of the French, carried out a massacre, not even sparing the prisoners, whose defense the Russian officers stood up for.
By 2 p.m., Vido Island was taken. 200 French soldiers were killed, more than 400, including the commandant of the fortress, General Pivron, were taken prisoner.
In parallel with the assault and capture of Vido, Russian ships fired at the fortifications on Corfu, primarily the strongest of them, the fortress of Salvador. The landing force landed on Corfu after the fall of Vido and quickly rushed to attack the outer defenses of the fortress. The first attack was repulsed by the French, and only the second attack, delivered after the arrival of reinforcements, was successful.
The French commandant Chabot, seeing the hopelessness of the situation, sent Ushakov a letter asking for a truce for 24 hours, during which he undertook to sign the surrender. The next day, March 3, the French officially capitulated.
Contrary to the opinions of military theorists, the powerful fortress was taken by the fleet alone. As for the role of the Turkish squadron in the capture of Corfu, it is negligible.
In a letter to Kadyr Bey in March 1799, Ushakov wrote directly: “Even though some of your squadron was sent to the northern and southern parts of the strait with ours when attacking the island, they were always anchored in battle against the enemy ships never entered, and during the assault on the island of Vido they were far from it, except for one frigate...”
Ushakov himself was promoted to admiral for this victory, and the population of the islands warmly thanked the Russian sailors for their liberation and newfound independence.
On the archipelago, under the temporary protectorate of Russia and Turkey, the Republic of the Seven Islands was created with a democratic constitution, the foundations of which were proposed by Fyodor Ushakov. The Republic was headed by Count John Kapodistrias, later the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, and even later the first president of independent Greece.
Russia acquired a military base in the Mediterranean Sea, which it successfully used during the war of the third coalition of European powers against France.
