Today Russia celebrates one of the Days of Military Glory. 169 years ago, the Turkish squadron suffered a crushing defeat from the Russian squadron under the command of Vice Admiral P.S.. Nakhimov at Cape Sinop.
The battle has begun 30 November (18 Old Style) and ended in less than a day with the complete defeat of the Ottoman squadron under the command of Osman Pasha. In fact, this sea battle can be called a "prologue" to the Russian-Turkish war 1853-1856 years.
It is worth noting, what, as in other Russian-Turkish wars, which in history was 12, in this conflict, the Ottomans were supported by Western countries. In particular, France and Great Britain.
11 November 1853 the squadron of Pavel Nakhimov approached the Sinop Bay, where significant enemy forces were located. Nevertheless, despite the superiority of the Turks, the vice admiral decided to block Sinop and sent a brig with a request to send reinforcements.
The last one came 28 November. Eventually, at the disposal of Nakhimov was a squadron of 6 battleships: three 120-gun, three 84-gun, as well as 2 frigates on 60 and 44 guns. In total - 716 guns.
In its turn, Osman Pasha's squadron in aggregate had only 476 ship guns, in connection with which the Turks have already sent a request for reinforcements. At the same time, the message was transmitted to the British allies only 29 November, the day before the attack of the Russian fleet. Eventually, the help of the Ottomans did not wait.
Here it is worth adding, that the Turks, in addition to the ship, also had coastal guns, which in a sense equalized the chances of the warring parties. However, the Turkish command made a mistake, positioning their ships, that they covered part of the coastal guns. Besides, Osman Pasha's squadron stood almost at the shore, which completely robbed her of maneuver.
In a relatively short battle, Ottoman squadron was completely destroyed. The Turks in the battle for the Sinop Bay lost about 3 (the British voiced 4) thousand and 17 ships. Author:Vasily Volkov Photos used:culture.ru
