Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov

Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov – a Russian naval commander, admiral. Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov was born in the village of Gorodok in the Smolensk Governorate. Nakhimov's military career began with studies at the Naval Cadet Corps, after which he sailed to the coasts of Sweden and Denmark on the brig "Phoenix" and received the rank of midshipman. Subsequent service included participation in a three-year circumnavigation on the frigate "Kreyser" (from 1822 to 1825), where he demonstrated exceptional naval abilities, for which he was awarded the Order of Saint Vladimir, 4th class, and received the rank of lieutenant.

 

A heroic chapter in Nakhimov's biography is his participation in the Battle of Navarino in 1827, where he commanded a battery on the flagship "Azov." For the courage and heroism shown in battle, he was awarded the Order of Saint George, 4th class, and promoted to captain-lieutenant. The following years were marked by his command of the corvette "Navarin" (formerly the Turkish "Nessabiz Sabah") during the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. Further promotions in rank and position, including command of the frigate "Pallada" and service in the Black Sea Fleet, made Nakhimov a captain 1st rank.

 

In 1845 Nakhimov was promoted to rear admiral, and in 1852, while commanding the 5th naval division, to vice admiral. During the Crimean War he displayed brilliant military leadership: he blockaded and destroyed the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Sinop in 1853. This brilliant victory brought him not only fame but also the appointment as commander of the Port of Sevastopol and acting military governor of the city. In March 1855 Nakhimov received the rank of admiral and energetically led the defense of Sevastopol. The admiral's life was tragically cut short on 28 June (10 July) 1855 by a mortal wound received on Malakhov Kurgan. Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov died on 30 June (12 July) 1855 and was buried in the crypt of the Vladimir Cathedral in Sevastopol.