The glory of the cruiser "Varyag" turned out to be so loud that there was not so much of it left for the gunboat "Koreets", although it was this modest ship that was in the very center of the events that broke out on the roadstead of the Korean port of Chemuppo on February 8, 1904.
By the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War, the “Korean” had a close-knit, well-trained crew, led by an experienced commander - 46-year-old captain of the 2nd rank G.P. Belyaev. An experienced military sailor, G.P. Belyaev had no illusions about the possible outcome of the battle with the enemy, who had more than nine times superiority over the Russian ships in the mass of the broadside salvo and in the conditions when the Varyag and Koreets were completely deprived of space for wide maneuver.
On the “Koreets” they cut down the topmasts, removed the gaffs on the fore and main masts, the mizzen boom and other wooden and fire hazardous structures - ladders, skylights, etc. . They battened down all the waterproof doors, hatches and necks, made a patch for sealing holes, deployed dressing stations, and he, along with the Varyag, went into his last battle. In the presence of a commission of officers, all ciphers, secret orders and maps were burned. They left only the logbook, which it was decided to keep as long as possible. Then both prop chambers were prepared for the explosion.
From the report of the commander of the "Korean" G.P. Belyaeva: “Responding to the Japanese, I opened fire from the right 8 dm long gun, directing it at Asama and Takashiho. I fired high-explosive bombs. ; in view of which, it temporarily ceased fire. But soon opened it from the right 8 dm and aft 6 dm guns. When an explosion was seen near the stern tower of the Asama cruiser, the team greeted this first success with a loud "hooray". In addition, it was noticed an explosion on the fourth, in order of order, Japanese cruiser.
Enemy shells, except for three shortfalls, gave me flights. The enemy also fired high-explosive shells, apparently loaded with lidite; most of them were torn when they fell. One of the many fragments that rained down around the boat pierced the ram compartment 1 foot above the waterline. At about 12:15 p.m., when the Varyag, having a noticeable roll, turned to the raid, followed it, giving full speed - and covered it, first with 8 dm left fire. and aft 6 dm. guns, and then only stern fire. From 9 lb. three shots were fired in the battle, but due to undershoots, they stopped firing from these guns. "The sea around the Koreyets was seething with explosions, but not a single enemy shell hit the ship ...
"According to further reports, the Asama cruiser was badly damaged: its aft turret was knocked out and its armor destroyed in many places; it was docked in Japan. The Takashiho cruiser, sent to Japan after the battle to repair the damage, sank in the sea .
Both in battle and in these difficult days, the entire personnel of the boat entrusted to me, from the senior officer to the last sailor, showed high fighting qualities and served with unshakable courage and courage. Everyone did their duty. In combat, it is made from 8 dm. guns - 22 shots, from 6 dm. -27 and from 9 pounder guns - 3 shots. There were no dead or wounded."
Realizing that the continuation of the battle would lead to useless death of people without causing any harm to the enemy, it was decided to blow up the ships, to place teams on their ships by agreement with the commanders of foreign stationers in order to avoid shameful captivity. On the "Korean" began to prepare for the explosion. Soon, boats began to roll off the sides of the Russian ships, transporting the wounded, and then the rest of the crew, aboard the French cruiser Pascal. The last to leave the "Korean" was its commander, G. P. Belyaev.
At about 16 hours 5 minutes a powerful explosion swept over the raid - a flare went off in the cruise chamber of the “Korean”. The hull of the boat was torn into several pieces ...
Kingstons were opened on the Varyag and the cruiser was flooded, as the commanders of foreign ships asked V.F. Rudnev to refrain from exploding, fearing for the safety of their ships .... Newspapers from literally all over the world reported on the feat of Russian sailors, and an enthusiastic reception awaited them at home.
The personnel of both ships were awarded the St. George Crosses and a special medal “For the Battle of the Varyag and the Korean” on January 27. 1904
In 1905, the gunboat "Korean" was raised by the Japanese and scrapped.
FEATURES AND DESIGN
"Koreets" is a Russian naval gunboat with heavy artillery, designed to protect coastal waters. The lead ship of a large series of Russian nautical gunboats. Laid down according to the Russian project in 1886 in Stockholm, launched on August 7, 1886, entered service in 1888.
Displacement 1334 t,
power horizontal double expansion steam engine 1564 hp With.,
speed 13.5 knots.
Maximum length 66.3 m,
width 10.7,
average recess 3.5 m.
Reservation: deck 12.7 mm.
Armament: 2 - 203 mm guns, 1 - 152 mm gun, 4 - 9-pounder, 2 - 47 mm,
4 - 37-mm and 1 landing guns.
The seaworthy gunboat "Koreets" was built according to a Russian order at one of the Swedish shipyards and entered service in 1887. The ship had a displacement of 1334 tons and could reach speeds of up to 13.4 knots (about 25 km/h). The armament consisted of two 203 mm guns on sponsons in the bow of the ship, one retirade 152 mm gun, four 107 mm guns, four 37 mm quick-firing guns and one torpedo tube. A significant part of the service "Korean" was held on Far East, where the boat served as a stationary in a number of Japanese and Korean ports. The military debut of the "Korean" in June 1900 was an artillery duel with the forts of the Chinese fortress Taku. At the height of the battle, a 203 mm shell from the "Korean" caused an explosion of ammunition at one of the Taku forts, which predetermined the outcome of the artillery confrontation. For this fight, the "Korean" would have been awarded the St. George's silver horn. The gunboat itself was also significantly damaged, receiving from six to eight direct hits. Nine crew members were killed and twenty were injured. During the extinguishing of a fire on the Koreets, an artillery officer of the boat, Lieutenant Burakov, was killed by a fragment of an exploding shell. Subsequently, the name of this hero was borne by the fastest ship of the Russo-Japanese War - the destroyer Lieutenant Burakov.
The Russo-Japanese War found the "Korean" together with the cruiser "Varyag" in the Korean port of Chemulpo (modern Incheon). On January 26, 1904, less than a day before the attack of the Japanese fleet on the Russian squadron in Port Arthur, the first episode of a military clash of an as yet undeclared war took place. To restore communication with the squadron, by order of the commander of the Varyag, V.F. Rudnev, the Korean under the command of Captain 2nd Rank G.P. Belyaev was sent to Port Arthur. During the movement of the gunboat through the narrow strait, the Japanese squadron began a dangerous provocative maneuver around the Russian gunboat, as a result of which the destroyer Tsubame ran aground and received a hole. The second phase of the incident involved the use of weapons by both sides. The Japanese destroyers fired three Whitehead mines (torpedoes) almost point-blank at the Korean, two of which passed by, and the third sank a few meters from the Russian gunboat. In response, several shots were fired from the 37 mm revolver gun from the "Korean". The parties had no losses or damage (with the exception of the Tsubame that ran aground). After the incident, the "Korean" was forced to return to the Chemulpo raid.
On January 27, 1904, the Japanese ultimatum ordered the Russian ships to leave the port of Chemulpo, otherwise the enemy threatened to attack the Russian ships at the anchorage. Until now, the literature differently assesses the composition of the Japanese forces in the battle at Chemulpo on January 27, 1904. It is more often indicated that the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets" were attacked by the Japanese squadron of Rear Admiral Uriu, consisting of 14 ships - 6 cruisers and 8 destroyers. Outwardly, the huge numerical and qualitative superiority of the Japanese, which the enemy did not take advantage of during the battle. It should be noted that on the eve of the battle at Chemulpo, the Uriu squadron consisted of not even 14, but 15 pennants - the Asama armored cruiser, the Naniva, Takachiho, Niytaka, Chiyoda, Akashi armored cruisers and eight destroyers and memo "Chihaya". True, the day before, as mentioned above, the Japanese suffered non-combat losses, and one unit in the Uriu squadron temporarily became less. The messenger ship "Chihaya" did not participate in the battle, which, nevertheless, was in the immediate vicinity of the battlefield. In reality, due to the narrowness of the strait, the battle was fought by a group of four Japanese cruisers, two more cruisers participated only sporadically, and the presence of destroyers among the Japanese remained a presence factor.
Before the battle, the topmasts (the upper part of the masts) were cut down on the "Korean" in order to introduce a deliberate mistake into the shooting of the Japanese gunners. The Japanese calculated the distance to the target using Lujols prisms, focusing on the tabular, and not the actual height of the target spars. Therefore, during the shooting at the "Korean", Japanese shells lay down with inexplicable flights for the enemy. As a result of the battle on January 27, the Russian gunboat had no losses or damage (only one fragment pierced the side 30 cm above the waterline). The boat returned fire from two 203 mm and one 152 mm guns. When approaching the enemy, three shots were fired from 107 mm. guns, but the fire from them was immediately stopped when it became clear that the enemy was out of reach. In literature and art, an artistic image has been created as if the Varyag and the Korean were under a hail of Japanese shells. However, the figures given in the reports of the commanders of Russian and Japanese ships give a somewhat different picture. In just 50 minutes of the battle at Chemulpo, six Japanese cruisers used up 419 shells. In response, twenty-two 203-mm shells, twenty-seven 152-mm shells, and three 107-mm shells were fired from the Korean. "Varangian" during the battle, based on the report of V.F. Rudnev, spent 1105 shells.
It turns out that in the battle at Chemulpo, two Russian ships fired almost three times more shells than the entire Japanese squadron. The question of how the account of spent shells was kept on the Russian ships or the figure was indicated approximately based on the results of a survey of the crews remains debatable. The effectiveness of the fire "Varyag" and "Korean" also do not subside disputes. Russian sources point to very heavy losses of the enemy: a sunken destroyer, 30 killed and 200 wounded. They are based mainly on the opinion of representatives of foreign powers who observed the battle. Over time, two destroyers and the cruiser Takachiho turned out to be “sunk” (by the way, this data was included in the thin film “Cruiser Varyag”). And if the fate of some Japanese destroyers really raises questions, then the Takachiho cruiser, albeit not very well, survived the Russo-Japanese War and died 10 years later with the entire crew during the siege of Qingdao. The reports of all the commanders of the Japanese cruisers indicate the absence of losses and damage on their ships. Another question is where, after the battle in Chemulpo, the main enemy of the Varyag, the armored cruiser Asama, "disappeared" for two months. Neither Port Arthur nor the squadron of Admiral Kammamura operating against the Vladivostok cruiser detachment was present. And this was at the very beginning of the war, when the outcome of the confrontation was far from being decided. It is likely that the ship, which became the main target of the Varyag and Koreets guns, was seriously damaged, but at the beginning of the war, for propaganda purposes, the Japanese side was undesirable to talk about it.
After the return of the Varyag and the Korean to the Chemulpo raid, a decision was made to destroy the ships. The commander of the “Koreyets” Belyaev described the death of the gunboat in the report as follows: “At 4 hours 5 minutes, two explosions followed with an interval of 2-3 seconds. The boat sank to the bottom, with the bow separated and capsized, and the stern was torn apart. With this explosion, guns of all calibers were destroyed. The cipher, secret orders, papers, maps, tables of identification marks were burned. The boats were taken with two images of the ship, the Tsar's letter, the silver St. George's horn, money from the chest, the logbook and financial statements. The guns taken on the boats were ordered to be abandoned when approaching the French cruiser Paskal. Officers. Like the team moved out without things. The Korean team was placed on the French Pascal, where the attitude towards Russian sailors was the most benevolent. Formally, the crew of the "Korean" himself destroyed his serviceable ship and could not be among those in distress, unlike the sailors of the "Varyag" cruiser, which was heavily damaged.
The crews of the "Varyag" and "Korean" were interned and returned to their homeland through Saigon and Odessa. All participants in the battle were awarded - the Order of St. George of the 4th degree for all officers and the insignia of the Military Order for the lower ranks. In addition, a special silver medal“For the battle of the Varyag and the Korean at Chemulpo on January 27, 1904”, which was issued on a long ribbon of the colors of the St. Andrew's flag, uncharacteristic for the domestic award system. The name of the heroic boat was inherited by the gunboat Baltic Fleet, who also died in an unequal battle in 1915.
A gunboat (gunboat, gunboat) is a maneuverable warship, which is distinguished by powerful weapons. It is intended to lead fighting coastal areas, lakes and rivers. Most often used to protect harbors.
The advent of gunboats
There are a lot of lakes in Russia, border long rivers and shallow coastal areas. Therefore, the construction of gunboats can be considered traditional, because other warships could not conduct combat operations in such conditions. However, before the start of the First World War, replenishment was not planned. In 1917, there were only 11 gunboats, and some of them were launched at the end of the 19th century.
For most of these gunboats Civil War turned out to be the last one. She survived only 2 gunboats - "Brave" and "Khivinets". Therefore, the designers took them as the basis for the production of more modern artillery ships.
"Brave" - the oldest boat that was part of royal heritage. She served in the Baltic for 63 years. Initially, for use, it was equipped with three guns (two 203 mm and one 152 mm). However, in 1916 it was modernized. Now there were five guns.
"Khivinets" was created as a hospital, so its firepower was based on only two 120 mm guns. But on this boat there were more comfortable living conditions.
After 1917, both boats were no longer considered for the production of new ones due to their venerable age.
Models
When the flotilla felt the power and endurance of the gunboats, it was decided to build them "for the needs of the Far East." Moreover, despite the fact that before the war, new copies were not ordered. The first prototypes were "Brave" and "Khivinets".
After the modernization of the drawings, boats of the Gilyak type began to be produced. However, they were much weaker, the designers tried to strengthen such parameters as cruising range. But this was not possible. Since there were no high-quality weapons, the gunboats did not continue to be built, nor were they used.
Then "Ardagan" and "Kare" appear. Distinctive features of these gunboats are to use diesel power plants. Petroleum products at that time were the most available species fuel, so "Ardagan" and "Kare" were cost-effective.
Since 1910, Maritime Ministry decided on a major upgrade. Moreover, this happens when the majority of gunboats are already prepared for launching and conducting combat operations. A decision is made to strengthen the protection and All this affects the draft. Therefore, more than half of the gunboats went for reconstruction. This type was called "Buryat".
Thus, the models of gunboats were constantly changing, supplemented by modern types of weapons and defense installations. There is no warship that has been their prototype since Russian Empire and up to the present.
The legendary "Korean"
The gunboat "Koreets" was used in the Far East to suppress the "Boxer uprising". She was part of the international squadron. During the battles, the gunboat received several serious damages, there were wounded and killed.
Before the Russo-Japanese War, the gunboat "Koreets" was transferred to the Korean port of Chemulpo. The cruiser of the first rank "Varyag" went with her. On February 8, the crew of the boat received the task to go to Port Arthur with a diplomatic report. However, the port was blocked, as a result of which the path of the "Korean" was blocked. The captain of the ship decided to turn back, after which the enemy destroyers attacked with torpedoes. Although today the option is being considered that the Japanese squadron only imitated this.
As a result of a torpedo attack, the "Korean" fires two shots. They are the first in the Russo-Japanese War.
According to the Korean project, many gunboats were built, which are used in modern times.
"Varangian" and "Korean": battle path
In 1904, at noon, the armored cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets" entered into battle with the Japanese squadron, which lasted about an hour. A whole Japanese squadron opposed the two warships. The gunboat took part in the final phase of the battle, repelling torpedo attacks. An hour after the start of the battle, the cruiser began to retreat, and the gunboat "Korean" covered its retreat.
During the battle, 52 shells were fired at the enemy. But at the same time, absolutely no damage and losses were observed on the part of the gunboat. Since the "Korean" was a warship with powerful artillery weapons, it could not be allowed to be captured. Therefore, on the roadstead of Chemulpo, it was decided to blow it up. The crew of the boat moved aboard the French cruiser Pascal. He soon delivered the sailors to Russia.
The crews that fought the battle were awarded orders and insignia. A special medal was also established in their honor. So the cruiser and gunboat went down in history.
Young gunboat "Khivinets"
The gunboat "Khivinets" was the youngest representative of artillery ships in tsarist times. It was intended to be part of the Baltic Fleet. The boat is seaworthy, but it was also used in river conditions. Moreover, she steadfastly withstood the test of adverse conditions.
The gunboat "Khivinets" was ordered in 1904-1914, when the strengthening of the Russian fleet began. However, the model itself was focused on 1898. Unfortunately, after the release of the model, there was no modernization, which caused a narrow functionality.
It is impossible not to note the stamina and endurance of the gunboat. The fact is that she withstood such battles where other, younger artillery warships perished. This is probably why it was used as a prototype for the construction of ships for a long time.
Heroic "Sivuch"
The gunboat "Sivuch" died heroically in a battle with German battleships. That is why every year on September 9 the waves receive many flowers and wreaths from Rigans and Russians.
On August 19, 1915, the imperial fleet entered into battle with German battleships. It is not completely known what exactly happened in those distant and long days for the crew. But the battle near the island of Kihnu forced the German squadron to abandon further attacks in the Gulf of Riga, as well as the bombardment of coastal fortifications. This was the main purpose of the raid of the German fleet.
The gunboat "Sivuch" then saved Riga from casualties and destruction. The price of such a feat was the death of the ship, as well as the entire crew. At that time, the gunboat was even called the Baltic "Varangian", the heroism of the sailors was so high.
Gunboat "Beaver"
The gunboat "Beaver" belongs to the Gilyak type. Such ships were intended to protect the Amur River up to Khabarovsk. In its lower reaches there were a small number of garrisons, and artillery support should have been provided to them. Since there was a small number of objects, the design of the ships was based on a long cruising range, as well as autonomy. However, seaworthiness in the course of practice turned out to be extremely small.
The value of gunboats of this type was minimal, since the armament was not given much attention during the design. During the First World War, they were used as a swimming base. Naturally, they did not become designs and prototypes. Future ships adopted only combat missions from these boats.
"Beaver" was laid down in 1906, a year later it was launched. In 1908, the gunboat entered the Russian fleet. Throughout the history of its existence, she visited the Germans. She was captured in 1918 and converted into a swimming workshop. In the same year, the boat was transferred to Estonia. Although she was out of order, she was listed in the squadron of this country.
The gunboat served for 21 years, in 1927 it was sent for scrapping.
River (lake) and sea gunboats
Despite the great functionality, virtually all gunboats were used to strike at coastal targets. The purpose of such attacks was to suppress the firepower of the enemy, as well as to reduce manpower. If the boat remained in close proximity to its shore, then its tasks were to protect coastal facilities and protect against enemy warships.
There are sea and river gunboats. Their main difference is in weight. The first reach a mass of 3 thousand tons, the second - 1500. Of course, based on the name, it is logical to assume in what places gunboats will be used.
Functionality and use of gunboats
Gunboats are a variant of the most functional artillery ships. The design made it possible to use them in military operations in the coastal zone, on rivers and near archipelagos with small rocky islands.
Gunboats could perform the following functions:
- Defense of coasts, ports, estuaries
- Landing
- Troop support on the coast
- Landing your own and fighting enemy landing
- Ancillary tasks, like cargo delivery
Depending on where exactly the artillery ship will be used, its design could change, special buildings were erected. There are unarmoured, armored and armored boats. The second option was most often used, since it offered relatively good protection, but at the same time had a small weight, which had a positive effect on maneuverability.
Main characteristics of gunboats
Based on the characteristics, it was determined where the gunboat would be used. There are three main options:
- Displacement. Ships could be launched to protect and conduct military operations in the seas or on rivers and lakes.
- Speed. It is 3-15 knots. The speed depends on what kind of design the gunboat is endowed with. It can be unarmored, armored only in vulnerabilities ah, and also completely. Naturally, its weight increases, which negatively affects the speed of swimming.
- Armament.
Since the gunboats were combat, a lot of attention was paid. They could be equipped with 1-4 copies of the main caliber guns (203-356 mm). This design approach was focused on naval gunboats. River boats were most often equipped with medium-caliber guns (76-170).
Also, depending on the purpose on the deck, Zenit automatic guns and machine guns could be installed. The latter were designed extremely rarely due to their short range.
Conclusion
Thus, it is impossible to meet two identical gunboats. Each instance is good in its own way, endowed with its own unique functionality. As history shows, many Russian gunboats could single-handedly oppose entire squadrons. This is a merit not only of the warships themselves and their designers, but also of the crew. Often, only his courage inclined the outcome of the battle in his favor.
In 1646, for the first time in France, combat maneuverable ships with powerful weapons were used. These are gunboats that had several powerful guns on their bows, usually from one to three. The ship was a rather large boat of a sailing and rowing type. In most cases, boats were used to guard harbors, battles in lakes and rivers, as well as the coastal zone.
Appearance in the Russian fleet
Since in Rus' at that time there were a huge number of long rivers and water areas, as well as lakes, the construction of gunboats can be called traditional. This is due to the fact that no other ship could fight in such conditions. The first boats of this type appeared during the war with Sweden (1788-1790). Not only was it the basis of the rowing fleet, but the gunboats were a great success and became the most effective tool for firing on rivers and skerries.
In fact, this is an artillery ship that was used both for defense and for attack and support of allied forces. The presence of falconets and large-caliber guns on board provided excellent fire support. Later, the so-called shestakovkas appeared, which were already equipped with a steam engine. They were used during the Crimean War.
Main Models
After the battle boats showed themselves with better side, the decision was made to mass production. In particular, gunboats were delivered to the Far East, where they were most needed. The first and most famous models were called "Brave", as well as "Khivinets". Over time, engineers began to make improvements and produce boats of the Gilyak type, but this did not bring success. The design had many flaws and did not allow for effective combat. Due to the lack of normal armament, such gunboats did not receive further distribution.
But there were new models "Ardagan", "Kare" and others. A distinctive feature was that they were equipped with powerful diesel engines. Although this significantly increased the weight and complexity of the design, it made it possible to achieve high power, and, consequently, speed, which often became the determining factor during a naval battle. But soon the cost-effective "Ardagan" and "Kare" decided to improve. And it happened already during their launch. For this reason, almost half of the fleet went for modernization. A new type of gunboats appeared - "Buryat".
Gunboat "Korean"
This warship immediately after construction was sent to the Far East, where he, in fact, served. "Korean" took Active participation in the fighting of 1900-1905. So, it was used against the Yihetuan uprising, better known as the Boxer uprising, in addition, it took part in the shelling of Fort Taku. During the Russo-Japanese War, "Varyag" and "Koreets" were in the port of Chemulpo and defended Russian interests there.
So, in February 1904, "Varyag" and "Koreets" opposed the whole Japanese squadron of ships. As a result of the battle, there were no losses, since it was fought at a great distance. The gunboat "Koreets" did not reach the enemy, while the Japanese shells for the most part flew over. Since the boat was combat, it was impossible to prevent it from being captured by the enemy. When the crew transferred to the French "Pascal", "Korean" was blown up and, consequently, flooded.
Battle path traveled
During the battle, the Korean was hit by a single Japanese shell. A fire started in the bow, which was extinguished within 15 minutes. There were no casualties among the personnel. When the crew arrived in St. Petersburg, the officers and command were awarded the Order of St. George of the 4th degree, and the sailors were awarded the corresponding insignia.
In 1905, the Koreans raised the gunboat from the bottom and scrapped it. But we can say that the combat path did not end there, since in 1906 the Korean-2 was launched. The upgraded version was equipped with more powerful weapons and had at least some protection. In 1915, this boat was also blown up to exclude the possibility of capture by enemies. It happened during the battles for the Gulf of Riga.
"Hininets" and "Sivuch"
The composition of the Baltic Fleet in tsarist times included the youngest gunboat - "Khivinets". She passed the preliminary tests successfully. In the process of operation, it withstood various adverse conditions. "Khivinets" was built in 1904-1914, during the strengthening of the Russian fleet. But the design was developed back in 1898. Since no modification was provided, such gunboats, the drawings of which you can see in this article, had a very narrow functionality and were not used everywhere. But for quite a long time it served as a base for the construction of other warships. This is due to the fact that she survived in such battles in which other boats went to the bottom.
"Sivuch" is known for its battle in the Gulf of Riga, where in an unequal battle she was destroyed by German battleships. It happened in 1915 near the island of Kihnu. Although the German ships destroyed the Sivuch, they were forced to abandon further hostilities in the bay and retreated. The heroism of the personnel saved Riga from the German invaders. The gunboat was called the Baltic "Varangian" for its feat.
The history of the ship "Borb"
If the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets" were intended more for attack, then the "Borb" was created exclusively for defensive purposes. This ship had a Gilyak base and left the shipyard in 1907, and the development project began in 1906. For the most part, it was used to protect the Amur River almost to Khabarovsk itself. The designers put emphasis on autonomy and cruising range. But during the operation, seaworthiness turned out to be at a rather low level.
"Varyag" and the gunboat "Korean" were of great value to the country. These ships possessed high firepower, which cannot be said about the Bobr boat. There were no special weapons on board, so it was often used as a swimming base. After 21 years of service, she was scrapped. Prototypes for this project were not created.
"Varyag" and gunboat "Korean": functionality and features
These warships were among the most versatile during the fighting. The design was quite competent, which provided a high degree of buoyancy even if the hull was damaged. The functionality of the cruiser and gunboat was very extensive, but most often they were used:
- for the defense of coasts and ports;
- ground forces support;
- landings;
- fight against enemy infantry and navy;
- performance of transport functions.
We can safely say that these were unique vessels.
Ships of such a plan could be reconstructed depending on the purpose of use. So, there are unarmored options, boats with armored decks and battleships. It is quite logical that they were used for various purposes. Armored deck gunboats were the most widely used. With a small mass, they had sufficient protection. "Varyag" (cruiser) and the gunboat "Korean" differed significantly from each other. The second was more maneuverable and mobile, and ensured the operational transfer of troops if necessary. The second was equipped with serious weapons and protection, which made it possible to enter into battle even with several opponents.
About the main characteristics
The designers paid the greatest attention to such an indicator as speed and firepower. The larger the caliber of the gun and the number of guns, the more efficient the use of the vessel was considered. As for speed, it has always been an important characteristic. Usually ranged from 8 to 15 knots. Depending on the purpose of use, the gunboat could be unarmored, which ensured maximum mobility. Protecting the most vulnerable places with armor plates is the most acceptable option. It was possible to achieve optimal speed and survivability. The battleship was protected from all sides, but swam rather slowly. On the one hand, he could survive many direct hits, and on the other hand, he became an easy target for more mobile warships.
Most often, gunboats were equipped with main caliber guns from 200 to 350 mm and auxiliary guns. As the latter, 76-150 mm were often used, but this was more typical of river gunboats. Automatic guns were installed, such as the Zenith. They tried to use machine guns as rarely as possible due to the low firing range.
Unique design solutions
At a time when artillery ships, that is, gunboats, dominated the sea, it was extremely important to constantly develop them specifications. That is why there are a huge number of models. The designers tried to constantly make any changes in terms of weapons or protection. The improvement of power units significantly influenced the cruising range and autonomy of the vessel.
For example, river gunboats tried to make it as light as possible. This significantly reduced the displacement and allowed the vessel to be in shallow water areas. At the same time, naval warships were more massive and powerful. Special attention was not paid to displacement here, where it was more important to ensure a high cruising range and impressive firepower.
Finally
Russian-made gunboats were famous for engaging in unequal battles with the enemy and often emerged victorious from battle. This is a merit not only of the ship's designers, but also of the crew, who bravely fought for their homeland. In such cases, the Americans or Germans immediately retreated, not wanting to lose equipment and manpower. The Russians stood to the end. It was thanks to this that more than one naval battle was won. Plus, ours often used outdated weapons, which sometimes did not even allow them to penetrate the enemy’s armor. But all this did not stop him from fighting to the last. Vivid examples of this are "Korean" and "Varyag".
Armament
Artillery of the main caliber
- 2 × 203 mm (35 cal);
- 1 × 152 mm (35 cal).
Universal Artillery
- 4 × 9-pounders;
- 4 × 37 mm and one 63.5 mm landing guns.
Ships of the same type
"Manjur", "Donets", "Zaporozhets", "Kubanets", "Terets", "Uralets", "Chernomorets"
General information
Seaworthy gunboats of the "Korean" type were developed for service in the Far East in 1885. They differed from previous types in their large displacement and seaworthiness, and the presence of several heavy guns.
History of creation
After Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878 the maritime department decided to develop new program shipbuilding, which would ensure the equality of forces with the combined fleets of Germany, Denmark and Sweden in the Baltic; With Turkish fleet on the Black Sea and superiority over the combined naval forces of China and Japan in the Far East. Later, the program was revised several times, as a result, the program focused on the creation of an armored fleet in the Black Sea.
The program included:
- For Black Sea Fleet build eight armored ships, two cruisers of the 2nd rank and 19 destroyers. These ships were supposed to form the core of the future fleet on the Black Sea, superior in size and power to the Turkish fleet.
- for the Baltic Fleet to build 16 armored ships, four cruisers of the 1st rank, nine cruisers of the 2nd rank, 11 gunboats and 100 destroyers. This fleet must solve all the tasks of defending the Russian coast and, if necessary, conduct operations in open ocean away from their shores, conducting offensive operations against the fleets of Germany or England
- for the Far East, due to the limited tasks of "defending the most important points of the coast", mainly posts and a few cities, the defense of these objects should be carried out with the help of minefields and the use of coastal artillery. And to ensure communication between posts, delivery of troops and cargo, it was decided to have a small-tonnage flotilla, which included destroyers and gunboats. In the event of a threatening period that could lead to a military clash with China or Japan, it was supposed to “second to the waters Pacific Ocean ships from the Baltic and Black Sea fleets.
Five years later, the shipbuilding program was again significantly revised, and subsequently completely transformed into a new five-year program (1890-1895). In accordance with it, it was planned to build six armored ships with a displacement of 7500 tons each, four armored ships of 5600 each, three cruisers of the 1st rank (armored), five gunboats and 50 destroyers with a displacement of 120 tons each. But this program, like the previous one, remained not fulfilled.
However, since 1881, 21 battleships have been built, including three coastal defense battleships (out of the planned 24 under the twenty-year program), 10 cruisers of the 1st and 2nd rank (out of the planned 15), 15 gunboats (out of the planned 11) and 72 destroyers (out of a planned 125).
Of the total number of gunboats:
- two were built for the Baltic Fleet ("Threatening" and "Brave");
- for the Black Sea Fleet - six ("Zaporozhets", "Donets", "Chernomorets", "Kubanets", "Uralets" and "Terets");
- for the Siberian flotilla - seven ("Sivuch", "Beaver", "Korean", "Manjur", "Gilyak", "Brave" and "Thundering").
predecessors
Having ordered two gunboats for the Siberian flotilla - "Beaver" and "Sivuch", the Naval Ministry decided to start developing projects for gunboats for the Baltic Sea. However, soon the construction of armored gunboats for the Baltic was canceled, ordering new series gunboats for the Pacific Ocean.
Construction and testing
The gunboat "Korean" was laid down in December 1885 at the Bergzund Mekaniska shipyard in Stockholm. Launched on August 7, 1886. Entered service in 1887.
Service History
"Korean" served in the Far East, where he moved from the Baltic. In 1895-1900 he carried out stationary service in Japanese, Korean and Chinese ports. In 1900, as part of an international squadron, he took part in the suppression of the "boxers" uprising. On May 16, the "Korean" left Port Arthur together with the detachment of Admiral Veselago, and on May 18 he already took part in the hostilities. On June 4, the Korean, along with allied gunboats, shelled the Taku forts, while receiving 6 shell hits and losses: 9 killed and 20 wounded. For valor in this battle, the "Korean" was awarded the St. George's silver horn. In honor of the officer of the gunboat, Lieutenant E.N. Burakov, who was killed in battle, a Chinese destroyer captured from Taku was named.
Before the start of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, together with armored cruiser The 1st rank "Varyag" (commander - captain 1st rank V.F. Rudnev) was in the Korean port of Chemulpo (now Incheon) in order to protect Russian interests. On February 8, 1904, the Korean was sent to Port Arthur with an urgent dispatch to the governor, but the Japanese squadron of Rear Admiral S. Uriu, blocking Chemulpo, blocked his path. According to some reports, after the commander of the "Korean" captain of the 2nd rank G.P. Belyaev turned back, the Japanese destroyers fired three torpedoes at the gunboat, two of which passed by, and the third sank a few meters from the side. On the "Korean" a signal was given to "repel a mine attack" and immediately, since the boat was entering a neutral roadstead, "end". But after this signal, the commander of the stern 37-mm cannon accidentally fired 2 grenades at the enemy.
On February 9, 1904, the Varyag and the Korean left Chemulpo and at 11:45 engaged in a battle with the Japanese squadron, which lasted about an hour. Before the battle, the masts were shortened with axes, and largely due to this, the Japanese could not get into the Korean “The battle did not take place at too great a distance, but the outdated eight-inch shells of the gunboat did not reach the enemy. The Japanese shells basically made flights without causing any harm to the boat. And yet it was they who covered the Varyag with their fire during the retreat. One explosion and fire were noticed on the enemy cruiser. During the battle, the ship fired 52 shells of various calibers at the enemy. The only damage to the gunboat was the ram compartment pierced by a fragment of a Japanese shell. There were no losses.
Doom
In order to prevent the capture of the ship by the Japanese, after the battle (at 15:55) the Korean was blown up in the Chemulpo roadstead. The crew was taken on board the French cruiser Pascal, taken to Saigon and soon returned to Russia. In St. Petersburg, all officers were awarded the Order of St. George of the 4th degree, and team members were awarded the insignia of this order. In honor of the feat of the sailors, a special medal was established for the battle of the Varyag and the Korean at Chemulpo, which was awarded to all participants in the battle.
In 1905, the gunboat "Korean" was raised by the Japanese and scrapped.
Place of death
Chemulpo Port Bay, Korea (37°20′ N 126°31′ E. Coordinates: 37°20′ N 126°31′ E)
commanders
1891-1894. Spitsky. Alexander Maksimovich 1894-1895. Lebedev. Ivan Nikolaevich 1895-1898. Serebrennikov. Petr Iosifovich 1898-1900. Silman. Fedor Fedorovich 08-12.1901. Sobolev. Alexander Yakovlevich 1901-xxxx. Novakovsky. Ivan Mikhailovich xxxx-1904. Belyaev. Grigory Pavlovich
see also
Literature and sources of information
- Combat chronicle of the Russian fleet: Chronicle major events military history of the Russian fleet from the 9th century. to 1917 - M .: Military Publishing House of the USSR MVS, 1948. - 492 p. / Edited by Doctor of Naval Sciences Captain 1st Rank N.V. Novikov. Compiled by: V. A. Divin, V. G. Egorov, N. N. Zemlin, V. M. Kovalchuk, N. S. Krovyakov, N. P. Mazunin, N. V. Novikov. K. I. Nikulchenkov,. I. V. Nosov, A. K. Selyanichev. // Academy of Sciences of the USSR.
- Taras A. Ships of the Russian Imperial Fleet 1892-1917 ... - Harvest, 2000. - ISBN 9854338886.
- Gribovsky V. Yu. Russian fleet Pacific Ocean, 1898-1905: History of creation and death. - Moscow: Military book, 2004. -
