World War II Russian Imperial Navy.

[Aley]

Heavy cruiser "Varyag".

The loss of the ship "Resolution" and the failure of the ships of the line, "Royal Oak" and "Malaya", forced the British Admiralty to take decisive steps to reinforce British forces in the Mediterranean. In early September of Scapa Flow in Malta came to battle cruisers "Renown" and "Repulse", which greatly weakened the Home Fleet, but at the same time created a serious threat to Russian battlecruiser "Izmail", before freely operating from the Italian coast. Fight with two more high-speed British battlecruisers that took in service for a total of twelve 15-inch guns, was too dangerous for "Izmail", so he was temporarily included in the 1st Brigade battleships, replacing repair the post-fight off the island Kasos battleship "Bospor".
The disappearance of the "Izmail" of the waters of the Ionian Sea has caused a surge of enthusiasm for the Italian command.
September 21, 1934 the ships of the 2nd Brigade cruisers Mediterranean fleet, "Tsargrad", "Sorokamysh" and "Varyag" faced with a group of six Italian cruisers, three of which were identified as heavy like "Zara". Not too trying to tie a fight with such a numerical superiority, and even more so with a well-bookable "Zaras" Russian cruisers developed a complete speed started to retreat to east, but after twenty minutes on "Varyag" has failed turbine middle of the shaft and he was forced to reduce the speed. "Tsargrad" and "Sorokamysh" turned to join the battle along with a friend, but then the Italians discovered that the Russian cruiser go to them, just turned around and left, and not even in Taranto but in Messina.
As a result, another accident machine and boiler installation "Varyag" was successful Russian fleet, eliminating communication in the Adriatic Sea from the threat of the Italian cruisers.

The second draft destined for the Siberian flotilla cruiser designed Putilov plant in accordance with their own ideas about the type of machine and its boiler system. Having received from the Russian-Baltic plant drawings "Rurik" Putilovtsi offered for a relatively small additional cost, to apply on his ship boiler-turbine unit operating with superheated to 350 degrees, with the pressure of 28 atmospheres the pair. This, according to the designers, allowing a more powerful boiler-turbine unit, with an equal set to "Rurik" fuel consumption, along with the use of three-shaft design can significantly reduce its share.
It should be noted that prior to this, the most advanced boiler and turbine installation destroyers like "Shalnoj", working on a pair of super-heated to 210 degrees, at a pressure of 22 atmospheres. On this basis, the specialists General Directorate of Shipbuilding negatively interpreted factory offer, saying that its board wants to kill two birds at the same time: to get more revenue and invaluable experience in the design of new boiler-turbine units. To conduct such an experiment should be the same on ships no larger than a destroyer.
However, the ability to get 35-knot cruiser with strong armor and a long operating range was too tempting, in addition, if successful, could begin construction of ships for the Mediterranean and Baltic fleets. Therefore, it was decided accept the offer plant, for its part General Directorate of Shipbuilding in favor of revising the layout of hangars, placing them in the stern gate, which protected them from the rolling at full speed and air flow. As a result, the designers had to move the second tube in the nose, thus increasing the length of the chimney.
Already during the building was redesigned foremast: Tripod, caused by excessive vibration complaints already during the test, "Tsargrad", was replaced by four-legged mast Italian design sample.
In early 1930, the cruiser received naming of "Varyag", came out on sea trials, developing a speed of 35.3 knot, but during the six-hour run at full speed accident left turbine. Shortly after the liquidation of the accident out of order and right. The investigation revealed that the factory-applied builder in the construction of turbines not robust enough (and cheaper) grade of steel. Putilov factory ordered to perform a free remake of turbines, and steam at the same time produce hardening. For boiler installations claims was not presented.
"Varyag", the first of the ships of the Russian Navy was still in the construction of 13.2-mm anti-aircraft guns, "Hotchkiss" licensed production that has been built in Russia.
In autumn 1931, on "Varyag", is located in the Mediterranean Sea boiler accident occurred, which resulted in numerous casualties. Newly laid the blame on the plant builder, although there were reasonable grounds to believe the cause of the accident notorious human factor.
On the basis of the identified design flaws, it was decided not to send "Varyag" in the Far East, and leave it in the Mediterranean Fleet, close to the shipyards. Service "Varyag" was held as part of the CMF, with varying success: cruiser that pleased his command of specific speed, then once again stood on unscheduled repairs, put out navy financiers.
On the basis of the conditions in the Mediterranean theater, it was decided to leave the "Varyag" Only two seaplane, as he was to act as a team, which has a total of sufficient intelligence apparatus.

"Varyag" Put. plant 1927-1929-1931

Displacement: 9,940 tons (standard) 14100 tonnes (full).
Armament: 4x2 203-mm/55, 6x1 102-mm/45 guns, 6x1-37mm automatic, 4x1-13.2-mm machine guns, 2x3 533-mm tubes.
Reservations: board 90 mm, 51 mm deck.
Power: 132000 HP Speed: 35 knots.
Dimensions (waterline): 186,2x20,8x6,6 m.
Cruising range of 10,000 miles (15 kt)

 

[eltf177]

I'm really enjoying this, please continue!

 

[Aley]

I'm really enjoying this, please continue!

Thank you. And as far as the text is legible? I'm fairly well read English text, but the reverse translation is complicated for me.

 

[sharlin]

From that I assume you're Russian and yes its easily readable

 

[Aley]

From that I assume you're Russian and yes its easily readable

Yes, St. Petersburg.

 

[sharlin]

I'm still going to have to wrack your brain for some drawings at some point

 

[eltf177]

Thank you. And as far as the text is legible? I'm fairly well read English text, but the reverse translation is complicated for me.

It's quite readable, thank you!

 

[Aley]

Leaders emergency program.

The successes of the Russian army and navy at the beginning of the war was summoned to the Russian society, the real winning euphoria. Russian newspaper relished the message that the British government can not otherwise infringe upon Russia, found nothing better than to arrest Russian scientists working in the laboratories of Rutherford.
In fact, things were not so brilliant. Although the Russian and Austrian troops succeeded in September 1934 to take Milan, Turin, and then Genoa, cross the river Po and failed - the resistance of the Italians and had been transferred to the peninsula of British troops constantly increased.
In Greece, Russian and Bulgarian troops were, as in the previous war, stopped at Thessalonica. Russian Mediterranean fleet was preparing for a major landing operations on the east coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, without which, as it was clear, to make Greece a lucrative world of Russia was unlikely.
Robust static front established in Manchuria. Attempts to break Russian troops to Korea were severely suppressed by the Japanese.
War at Sea in September-October 1934 was rather sluggish. The British were very cautious, waiting for the return to order ships "Royal Oak" and "Malaya", Russian expect the repair "Bospor".
In the better stand out against this background that the active actions of the leaders of the Special Division of the Baltic Fleet mine. "Almaz", "Rubin", "Opal" and "Saphir" literally terrorized English Fleet, constantly appearing in the North Sea, after spending even a few firings English ports, and because of the high rate of escape from the superior forces of the British. Their biggest success was the torpedoing and sinking of the light cruiser "Diomedes" (accompanying destroyers "Voyager" and "Windsor" was sunk by artillery).
Were modest successes of the second special division is part of the Mediterranean Fleet. Although the surviving Italian destroyers did not leave the ports of the Adriatic Sea, showed more activity here torpedo boats of the enemy, because of its low visibility perpetrators of daring night raids on Russian communications. On 5 September, one of them was torpedoed by the leader of the "Granat", for three months lost from the system. Exactly a month later by the Italian torpedo boat was torpedoed by the leader of the "Zhemchug." Had hit the aft, and the leader has not been repaired by the end of the war. While in Split, it was included in base defense as a floating battery. Only after that in mid-October in the Adriatic Sea were finally deployed Russian torpedo and patrol boats, immediately reduce the activity of the Italians.
The fifth leader of the Mediterranean Fleet "Izumrud" at the beginning of the war was being repaired. Having graduated in early October, it began to be used as a high-speed minelayer, putting a few effective barriers on the way to Port Said and Alexandria.

Emergency program in 1927, providing a bookmark for the Mediterranean fleet of nine well-armed and fast leaders, was a response to France to carry out the construction of the counter-torpillers with 5 138-mm guns. Task of designing "Russian response" provided for arms from 8 120-mm guns in the tower installations, allowing efficient use of artillery at full speeds, and the speed is less than 40 knots. Was considered desirable and location of posts pointing torpedoes below deck, for reasons of gunners cover from the wind and waves.
Most suitable for the task has been recognized by the Revel project Russian-Baltic Shipyard, has just begun the construction of the leader of "Dubrovnik" for the Royal Yugoslav Navy. The new project was different from the "Dubrovnik", a 140-mm guns which were placed in a decked-shield installations, large size and tonnage, requiring a switch to a three-shaft layout turbines. However, the designers managed to avoid placing posts guidance under the upper deck, which forced designers ONZiV increase the length of the Machine-boiler system, with the placement of the towers of the main fire closer to the extremities. Torpedo also aids project Russian-Baltic Shipyard were placed on the longitudinal superstructure which turned and convenient "storm corridor."
Although in the end, after verification mass-dimensional characteristics of the planned towers, displacement leaders has increased by almost 50 tons, their driving performance is not affected by this - by testing all ships of this type exceeded a predetermined speed. The big problem was cavitations, which Russian designers have faced for the first time. Until the late 30's. they have not managed to create long screws withstand full speed modes that have made a few sets of spare screws for each leader.
Perhaps it is for this reason that the further development of the ships of this class are not carried out, and nine "Yakhonts" remained the only leader of the Russian Imperial Navy.
At the end of 1930 it was decided to divide the division into two parts, leaving the four leaders in the Baltic Fleet.

1. Jakhont 1928-1929-1930 Russian-Baltic plant MF
2. Almaz 1928-1929-1931 Russian-Baltic plant BF
3. Zhemchug 1928-1929-1930 Russud MF
4. Izumrud 1928-1929-1930 Russud MF
5. Rubin 1928-1929-1931 Balt. plant BF
6. Opal 1928-1930-1932 Adm. plant BF
7. Saphir 1929-1930-1931 Russian-Baltic plant BF
8. Granat 1929-1931-1931 Russud MF
9. Topaz 1929-1931-1932 Russud MF

Displacement: 2,695 tons (standard), 3415 tons (full).
Speed: 40 knots.
Power Machines 84000 hp.
Armament: 4x2 120-mm/55, 4x1 37 mm machine, 2x5 533-mm tubes.
Dimensions (waterline): 128,3 x12,2x3,9 m.

 

[Aley]

Heavy Cruiser "Gromoboy".

November 2, 1934, located in the Ionian Sea Cruiser "Gromoboy", "Ioann Groznyy" and "Rossiya" were intercepted released from Malta British cruiser detachment, consisting of the heavy cruisers "Norfolk", "Dorsetshire", "Cumberland" and the "Hawkins". Russian cruiser, firing, began to retreat to the Ost, but it turned out that they were in a carefully planned by the British trap: a way to escape it blocked the "Alexandrian" cruiser - "Exeter", "York" and "Leander".
The situation was saved newest, well-armored "Gromoboy" alone came into the fight with three armed total of twelve 8-inch and eight 6-inch guns cruisers. While "Ioann Groznyy" and "Rossiya" were exchanged fire with three other heavy cruisers (who had a lower rate of "Hawkins' behind) "Gromoboy" has managed to seriously damage the series "York" and "Exeter" forced "Alexandrians" out of combat and start retreat to the base. Do not chasing them, "Gromoboy" is back to the "Ioann Groznyy" and "Rossiya", continued the fight with them. No one knows what it would have ended for the English, if not to the battle came belated sea-facing Italian cruiser "Bolzano", "Trieste" and "Trento". Only after that the Russian cruiser stopped the fight and, after developing full speed, broke away from the enemy.

Initially, the number envisaged for the construction of cruisers, a program of 1929-1933. was a complete repetition of the previous one, however, projected to her cruiser belonged to a new generation, differing more powerful weapons and a significant increase in the reservation.
Having the information about ordering new cruisers of Italy "Zara", Russian Navy Department wishes to receive at least equivalent to those ships. While opinions on the matter were different, for example, V. Kostenko claimed that the rumors of 152 mm booking cruisers "Zara" bloom by the Italians and did not correspond to reality, it was decided to work out the project with a 127-mm armor belt, and "for saving displacement", 3x3 203mm towers. Although the design of the thickness of the armor belt down to 122 mm, a reduction of protection deemed insignificant, which allowed not to increase the already exceeded a "legitimate" 10,000 tons displacement.
Novelty and first used in the Russian Navy, became stabilized fire control system of anti-aircraft guns, and twin 102-mm gun mount universal.
The biggest problem, as you might expect, caused a range of types of steam turbine plant. Many of the leaders of the Naval Ministry insisted on the installation of CTS with higher steam parameters, the type of machinery and boilers cruiser "Varyag". However, given the uncertainty in the definition of security itself was a Solomonic solution: keep the dimensions of the KTU "Varyag" to accept moderate its parameters (pressure of 21 atm. at a steam temperature of 220 degrees) so that follow-cruisers have the opportunity, if successful, go to the test higher setting. As a result, in January 1930 on the stocks Nawal was laid only one cruiser, dubbed "Gromoboy" tab as the following cruisers of this type have decided to "hold" to wait for the results of tests of the "Varyag". Two cruisers destined for Siberian flotilla decided for economic reasons, be replaced by a smaller-size 7500-ton ships, the draft of which the initiative in developing Baltic Plant.
At the talks in London, Russia has managed to get the tonnage limit for cruisers Class "A" only 109.5 thousand tons, due to reduction of the total tonnage of cruisers Class "B", so that "Gromoboy" (official displacement of which was announced 9870 m) was the only Russian heavy cruiser of the new generation.


"Gromoboy" 1930-1931-1933 ONZiV (Naval)

Displacement: 10,600 tons (standard) 13400 tonnes (full).
Armament: 3x3 203-mm/55, 4x2 102-mm/55 guns, 4x2 37mm automatic, 4x1 13.2-mm machine guns, 2x3 533-mm tubes.
Reservations: belt 122 mm, 50 mm deck.
Power ICE: 114000 HP. Speed: 32 knots.
Dimensions (waterline): 186,2 x21,2x6,65 m
Cruising range of 8,000 miles (15 kt)

 

[Aley]

"Quiet is Christmas night ..."

Battlecruiser "Borodino" after commissioning (1919).

Night on December 25, 1934 quiet was not. Befell the harbor of Dover, and at the same time and the city itself, the shells Russian battleships, it seemed split the sky itself, instantly turned red from the reflection of the numerous fires.
Subsequently, the Russian government has explained the shelling of Dover, which led to hundreds of victims, the usual hops caused by the difficulty of managing fire in the night. The British did not believe.
But the English fleet, contrary to the calculations of the Russian command, was at sea.
Dawn on December 25 found Home Fleet (a name he received after the start of the war) going on in full swing south, to intercept the Russian squadron.
Fleet Commander Admiral Dreyer was grim. Home Fleet - the same name! Of course, reaching its flag flotilla of destroyers were numerous, but the main forces were only three ships of the line, "Rodney", "Barham" and "Valiant". Freakishly small! However, the order of the Admiralty: to find and destroy the Russian fleet was immutable. Admiral Dreyr understand what guided the Admiralty. Although the balance of power almost repeated the Battle of Kasos (three British capital ships against four Russian), now in his possession was the most powerful ships of the fleet of His Majesty, as believe, superior to the combat power of the Russian "Orjol." Yes, and the passivity of Russian battlecruiser "Izmail", and has not entered into a fight with Kasos, giving hope that the Russian do not trust their booking battle cruisers. In this case, the "Orjol" and "Imperatritsa Yekaterina Velikaya" doomed!
However, the bad feeling did not leave the admiral. If thirteen years ago in Washington, England would have taken a stronger stand, now things could be different, and he would have had a decisive advantage in linear forces that would make damned Asians be inactive sit in the Baltic Sea, and the fire is not blatantly British cities .
Sure Russian catch unawares failed (at dawn over the fleet Dreyer flew two Russian reconnaissance aircraft), but when straight ahead seemed to run along the Dutch coast Russian ships, the English admiral, could hardly believe his good fortune: "Orjol" and "Empress Catherine the Great" go to the left column, and the battle-cruisers "Kinburn" and "Borodino" on the right, obviously hiding behind the hulls of battleships. Further it was a matter of technique: Dreyer confidently led his battleships intercept Russian, trying to cover the running head "Orel." When have developed a full speed "Kinburn" and "Borodino" jumped from for ships and, in turn, embraced the "Rodney" to do anything was impossible.

Fire Russian battle-cruisers were incredibly accurate and, according to the British, was significantly superior accuracy "Orjol." "Rodney" was literally packed with 14-inch shells, which are sometimes added only getting 16-inch with the "Orjol." "Barham" and "Valiant" had to be satisfied with gunfire by mistakenly turning to the north, "Imperatritsa Yekaterina Velikaya", once received significant damage.
In desperation, Dreyer managed to give orders to his destroyers to attack Russian ships, but it was the last signal from the "Rodney", felled almost immediately after that was turned into a pile of rubble. Torpedo attack the British choked, beaten off by Russian cruisers and destroyers - losses on both sides were dire: the British lost ten destroyers, Russian light cruiser "Admiral Greig," the leader of the "Izumrud" and six destroyers.
"Imperatritsa Yekaterina Velikaya" is already drowning, but lost speed "Rodney" was also not saved. Realizing this, who took command of the flagship junior who was on the "Barham", ordered the retreat. However, to execute this order was not so easy, "Kinburn" and "Borodino", leaving sought "Rodney" "Orjol" rushed in pursuit of the British. Successful pursuit! Soon, in flames, "Barham" lost speed and was finished off by Russian destroyers.
"Valiant" saved successful hit a 15-inch projectile to penetrate the armor "Kinburn", in which submerged one of the boiler rooms battlecruiser that sobered Finally, Russian, and forced them to abandon the pursuit of the last battleship of the Home Fleet.

 

[Aley]

Interlude.

I think that many of my readers in alternatives are interested to the question: why Russia after the First World War so chic living that can afford to build ships of the line? After all, Russia was a backward country that suffered huge financial losses in the war?
This is not the case. The myth of the backwardness of tsarist Russia, widely supported later by the Bolsheviks, was invented largely by the Russian government, seek to obtain the maximum help from its allies in the Entente.
On the eve of the First World War, the Russian Empire was fourth in the world in production of machine, ahead of France, Austria-Hungary and Italy, not to mention Japan. Of course, the question here is not about the production per capita, and on gross production, but in fact militarily important is the latter (if tomorrow the Principality of Monaco will rank first in the world in per capita income, a superpower, it still will not).
During the war in Russia created new and previously missing industries, such as chemical industry. As before the war and during it built a huge new plants (I was shocked when during the Soviet era, engaging history of the Bolshevik industrialization, suddenly realized that 90% of this is the reduction of industrialization was that there was already - with expansion production, modernization, but it is recovery).
Innovation: few people know that before the First World War, Russia was the only country in the world which had multi-engine bombers armed with "Ilya Muromets" design I. Sikorsky.

In 1916, the armament of the Russian army was sight to the world's first assault rifle (automat Fedorov) to produce even during the Civil War. During the war, were adopted by the magnetic ground mine and not anchor mine for a few days after installation, to maintain its position and depth.
Yes, all these gadgets were produced in insufficient quantities (in the summer of 1916 was armed with assault rifle Fedorov just one company, but the further expansion of production prevented the revolution).

On the economic situation: in the First World War, the Allied countries mobilized 10.3% of the population, including Russia - 8.7%. (!)
Daily consumption (in million) of individual states to conduct the First World War, is expressed in the following terms:
Years of Russia Germany France UK total
1914 (08 - 12) 16.3 18 18 17.5 75
1915 26.2 33.5 25.5 37 137
1916 22.4 50 37 56 200
The withdrawal of funds from the national income to cover military costs reached in all countries fought enormous size. Thus, the average cost of the war in the year as a percentage of national income were as follows: in England - 37%, France - 25.6%, Italy - 19.2% in the U.S. - 15.5%, Germany - 31.6 %. For Russia, this figure is - 26.7%, in other words less than Britain and Germany.
Of course such a luxurious life could not last forever: in late 1916, a special committee of the Entente examined the situation of the Russian industry and decided to drastically reduce the supply of Russian weapons, sparking violent protests by the Russian government.
Based on the foregoing. I believe that the post-war situation of the Russian Empire was quite favorable, and the position of Russian industry, with the destruction of German competitor and a huge domestic market was just brilliant.

 

[Aley]

The explosion in Piraeus.

The emergence of Russian amphibious ships in the Gulf of Thermaikos, the morning of December 25, came as a complete surprise to the British and Greek troops, as it was believed that during the winter storm landing is impossible. However, 36 Division the Russian Army landed on the Greek coast almost at full strength, losing only about five hundred soldiers and officers who died in the crashed against the rocks of infantry-amphibious ships.
The emergence of Russian divisions in the rear of the Thessaloniki Front, seized the town of Katerini, complicated the situation and caused panic among the Greek and even the British troops, but the landing was distracting. The next day, two Russian divisions landed in Lavrion, not far from the Greek capital. A week later, the number of Russian divisions in the peninsula to four, and they launched a successful attack on Athens. Remove troops from the front the Greeks and the British could not, as Russian troops backed launched numerous by tanks break their defensive lines. Thessaloniki front collapsed in just three days, and January 5, 1935 the Greek government offered to begin peace talks. January 7, Russian battleships “Imperator Nikolay I” and “Imperator Aleksandr III” embarked on Piraeus harbor, leading monitor facing the same Greek warships.
January 8 in the Russian commandant came a Greek fisherman, who reported that in their village for two months are Italians, by all indications the military. Sent to the village platoon found no Italians, but there were traces of their stay, in particular the strange mechanisms that commanding officer could not identify.
The same evening, one of the sailors of the battleship “Imperator Nikolay I”, reported to the officer of the watch at the side of the appearance of some divers. Raised on board unknown swimmers reported being Italian military personnel, and that the battleship was mined by them.
Immediately have taken all measures to ensure the unsinkable ship: closed doors in watertight bulkheads began to withdraw boilers are in operation, were alerted emergency party. Unfortunately, all these measures have not given effect.
The explosion set the Italians mines, which occurred in 22.01. caused the detonation of ammunition third tower of the main fire. Monstrous power explosion (mushroom cloud rising above Piraeus, was clearly visible in Athens, and caused severe panic among residents) destroyed almost a quarter of the housing Russian battleships, not only because of the sunken completely shallow anchorage in place.

The battleship "Imperator Nikolay I" after the explosion.

Number of people killed or died of wounds battleship crew members reached 453 people. Their number could have been more if not for the help provided by the crews of other Russian and Greek warships are nearby.
The death of “Imperator Nikolay I” has caused an explosion of anger among the population of Russia. Newspapers demanded the execution of saboteurs that may well have happened if it were not a threat to shoot Mussolini in response to being in an Italian prisoner of Russian officers.
Loss of recently passed costly upgrade battleship was a serious blow to command the Mediterranean fleet, forced to compensate enter into service squadron training artillery ship "Poltava" armed only with six 12-inch guns.

Founded in 1914 and put into operation in the spring of 1918 the battleship “Imperator Nikolay I” was held in Nikolaev upgrade immediately after completion of the work on the battleship “Imperator Aleksandr III”. The accumulated experience, and a new weapons and equipment have allowed for a more complete modernization of “Imperator Nikolay I”, compared to its predecessors. In addition to installing onboard boules, anti torpedo protection efforts, the battleship has a new anti-aircraft artillery (4x2 102-mm guns, 6x1 37 mm machine guns and 4x1 13.2-mm machine gun, "Hotchkiss"), as well as a new fire control system, which includes two command post-ranging major caliber artillery and two post-stabilized pickup for universal tools.
A particular issue stood improve the navigability of the battleship, which was necessary to install the forecastle. Finally settled on a cheaper and faster version of the construction of the forecastle to the nose turret of the main fire. Version of the project with the installation of Barbette increased height of the tower to the bow, went to the British, they would think that because of this upgrade will be delayed until the beginning of 1935. This is why the emergence of “Imperator Nikolay I” in the battle of Kasos was a complete surprise to the British command, and possibly determined the outcome of the battle.

 

[Aley]

Mine warfare - wins and losses. Part 1

January 15, 1935, the commander of the submarine "Odin" finally found a purpose beyond which had unsuccessfully hunted British submariners - the lens of his periscope aboard the twin-tube high-sided ship. The second is the same ship, following a parallel course, was from the stern of the "Odin", destroyers, accompanying mine-layers, left behind, so that the British were in an ideal position for an attack on two targets simultaneously.
At 7.15 in the afternoon, "Odin" has released two torpedoes from the nasal apparatus and, almost immediately, two of fodder. In located on the nose of the submarine minelayer "Kuban" has got only one, but it was enough - strive water tore a hole in the bulkhead of the old rusty ship as paper. Stay afloat for about an hour mine layer sank, killing more than a hundred of the crew. Before that sank "Prut", which were both issued by British torpedoes. So the British finally managed to finish with so much life tainted the allied fleet ships.

One compromise, which could reach Russia at the London Conference in 1930, had permission to rebuild the old cruiser like "Bogatyr" in the mine-layers. By restructuring the first three cruisers launched early next year, "Nawal" engaged renamed "Kuban" "Kagul" and "Pamyat Merkuriya" ("Prut"). At the same time, on the same project, Kronstadt factory rebuilt renamed "Ob" cruiser "Oleg".
Originally planned to keep the left by 4 130-mm guns located in the dungeons , but when the works were in full swing, it was decided to install these guns linear-sublimated, thus, removing the casemates were not puzzling leaving them in place, but tightly closed . The rest of arming frequency barriers consisted of 4 102-mm anti-aircraft guns and four 37-mm machine guns. Torpedoes were dismantled, and the place of on-board torpedo tubes arranged cellar anti-aircraft guns.
Translation boilers heating oil has reduced their nose group, which had been in place, there are additional storage for min. Most of the mines located at 4 railway tracks on the upper deck, extending from the tank to the poop superstructure. In overload could take another 120 mines for residential deck where mines could climb to the top with special lifts. The total number of mines taken on board could go as high as 480.
At the trials, thanks to a careful partition of machines, speed layers developed 22-22,5 knots, becoming a valuable tool for the main forces of the Russian Imperial Navy.

Until 3 July 1934 Mussolini pronounced inflammatory speeches in the Italian cruisers, which he personally send off the first fight, based at Split Russian mine-layers, "Kuban" and "Prut" worked tirelessly. Covered up the leaders of the "Yakhont" mine layer exposed more than 600 mines in the Otranto Strait. The result exceeded all expectations, pompous having moved into the Adriatic Italian squadron ran into a minefield , which blew heavy cruiser "Gorizia" and "Bolzano" exploded and killed the destroyer "Nicolo Zeno." It's a long time disaccustomed large ships Regia Marina meddle in the Adriatic , and exhibited simultaneously with anti anti-submarins mines reliable (as it seemed) closed access to this sea submarines. At the end of August at the ASW barrage killed while trying to break out of Venice submarine "Argonauta".
With no less plainly Russian weapons and used mines in the Aegean Sea. Since the entry into the war on Britain was considered inevitable, even in the first days of the war Russian Navy put more than 5,000 different types of mines in the maze of islands of the sea, making it virtually inaccessible to the enemy ships. The protests in Greece, as well as the death of a Greek fishing boats, decided not to pay attention. As a result, the Italian fleet lost in the Aegean Sea just mines from the submarine "Balila", "Tito Speri" and "Ettore Feramoska" and English - "L- 52."
August 24, "German" steamer "Dresden" set near Port Said 14 ground mines, one of which exploded on August 26 battleship "Malaya". Unfortunately it has guarded the English and the 28th of August, disguised as "Dresden" auxiliary cruiser "Dunay", was intercepted and sunk in the Red Sea, the English ships.

 

[Some Bloke]

What's the PoD that allows Imperial Russia to survive this far?

 

[Aley]

What's the PoD that allows Imperial Russia to survive this far?

The absence of a 1917 military coup, called the February Revolution.

 

[Aley]

Mine warfare - wins and losses. Part 2.

When, as is always sudden, it became clear that the Kronstadt plant, because of its lack of power will not be able to perform simultaneous work on two converted to a mine-layers of old cruisers, cruiser order to restructure the "Bogatyr", renamed "Baikal", was handed Putilov Works . However, it is due to financial and organizational difficulties was able to start work in the summer of 1932.
Initially it was assumed that the "Baikal" will be different from the rest frequency barriers of this type only in the presence of two cranes for loading min with transports, replacing less reliable single-girder. However, in late 1932, it was decided to strengthen its anti-aircraft armament installation of two twin 102-mm gun mounts with the latest stable fasting leads. As a result, instead of four 130-mm single settings "Baikal" was 2x2 120-mm/55 and 2x2 102-mm/55. Stabilized posts pickup set, two by adding them to function command-ranging posts for the main caliber guns.
Protracted leisurely ongoing work were given time to dismantle the armored casemates, which allowed the ship to reduce some congestion. Otherwise minelayer was no different from his three - Sister spikes.
"Baikal" was put into operation in early 1934, demonstrating the spring maneuvers dramatically increased the ability of anti-aviation - Trailing cone target was knocked them from the second volley.

In the early days of the war "Baikal" and "Ob" under the cover of the main forces of the fleet set minefields in the Danish straits, but faced with either surface ships, no enemy aircraft in this period was not necessary.
When working on putting mines in the Straits have been completed and further "service" of the barrier took over the old "Noviks" and torpedo-boat of the "Udaloy", the main field of activity for the "Baikal" and "Ob" has become the North Sea. It was then, though wavetraps not go on Heligoland, and they had to close encounter with the British air force. By the end of 1934 on account of "Baikal" had already been shot down three enemy bombers.
In January 1935 minelayer "Ob" was blown up by a mine low-power English (which turned out as expected in shallow water ASW), but returned safely to base.

No less active acted minelayer Siberian Flotilla "Muravyev-Amurskiy", which after the war was returned was dismantled in demotion of four cruisers 150-mm guns . Together with the cruiser "Admiral Essen" and destroyers, former protected cruiser installed to hide behind Vladivostok minefields, and after leaving for Hawaii brigade of new cruisers, along with the "Essen" was the main fighting force of the fleet. Service "Muravyev-Amurskiy" ended in March 1935, when it was sunk by a Japanese submarine.

 

[abc123]

I
and the position of Russian industry, with the destruction of German competitor and a huge domestic market was just brilliant.

Something to read- so-called Durnovo Memorandum:

http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/evans/his242/Documents/Durnovo.pdf

 

[Aley]

Something to read- so-called Durnovo Memorandum:

http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/evans/his242/Documents/Durnovo.pdf

Thanks, I already reading . This option proved to be prophetic, but not because Russia lost the war. Actions at the front were just enough, industry retooled for the war worked, harvest in 1916 was a record year . But Russia was hit in the back by their own military, attempted a great mind to make a revolution to make themselves enjoy the fruits of victory, and not give the laurels of the king. In the end, everything was dust , particularly the lives of Russian soldiers were given back for nothing.
On the good-neighborly relations with Germany to reason well, but already ran the Russian bourgeoisie, which was a competition of German industry in the throat. Germany did not allow Russia to introduce protectionist tariffs to protect their industries, were the customs of war.
Same as in Germany. Strengthening Russian rival provoked a desire to deal with it in the simplest way - to destroy. The well-known story, with two versions of the German notes the declaration of war, the German Ambassador handed to Sazonov ( both excitement handed ) confirms this. In a second embodiment , harvested in case you accept the terms of Russian and German ultimatum stop the mobilization, the result is the same - war.

 

[Aley]

Shipbuilding programs of the Russian Empire between the two world wars.

I will not operate allocated for the construction of naval million rubles, as it does not have the appropriate economic education. For me closer pledged tonnage ships, allowing to get a general idea of the cost shipbuilding programs Russian Imperial Navy.

Let's start with the prehistoric period. As is known in the five years preceding the First World War (in the summer of 1909 to summer 1914) Russia started construction of twelve capital ships, with a total displacement to 318370 tones and 10 cruisers total displacement 66260 tons in total, so - 384,630 tons , not counting 46 destroyers ( about 50,000 tons) , I deliberately let go .
And in the next five years was supposed to lay another 16 capital ships (12 battleships and 4 battle cruisers ) total displacement, in my estimation, to 608,400 tons, with an appropriate amount of light cruisers. Only about 672,400 tons.
These figures and should be taken as a basis for calculating capabilities built warships of the Russian Empire after WWI . It should be borne in mind that for the five years before the war Russia suffered heavy costs for the modernization of state-owned shipyards and construction of new private shipyards, what was included in the order they built ships.
***
Pre Washington.
The initial program of building the fleet, adopted in 1918, included the construction of seven battleships (four for the Baltic and three for the Mediterranean fleets) with a total displacement in 246400 tons and eight light cruisers with a total displacement of 34,000 tonnes. Total - 280 400 tonnes, which is significantly inferior to the pre-war programs. However, already in 1920, the program was revised to increase the number of battleships and battle cruisers, complete failure of the construction of light cruisers.
The seventh ship of the line of the original program decided to build a new project , with an increase to 47,600 tons displacement , then a total of 10 battleships and three battlecruisers drew on 536000 tonnes, which was still slightly less than expected to build on the program 1915-1919 years.
Soon, however, it became clear that two battle cruisers will be built on the new project, which adds at least another 10,000 tonnes. Already in 1922 it became apparent that the approved program exceeds the capabilities of Russia (the cost of ships grew faster than national income grew) that forced to postpone the planned two battlecruisers favorites like "Rossiya" in 1924, attributing it, hence the next shipbuilding program 1924-1928 period. This reduced the total tonnage is laid in the years 1919-1923 capital ships to 447000 tonnes.
The project developed the program in 1924, in addition to two battle cruisers like "Rossiya", included the construction of two more battleships and two battle cruisers destined for the Mediterranean fleet, a total displacement of approximately 300,000 tons in addition to their plans to build another 12 light cruisers total displacement in 102000 t, reducing, thus, the total tonnage of the ship of the program, compared with the previous one, to 402 000 tonnes.
However, delaying the Bookmarks battlecruisers like "Rossiya" was not made public, and at the Washington Conference in 1922 they appeared as planned to the laid down for the very near future.
As a result of agreements signed in Washington, DC, on the first postwar program were built only three battleships ( 105,600 tons) and 25 destroyers ( 41000 tonnes) Total - 146 600 tonnes.

Post- Washington programs.

1924-1928 years.
Losses incurred by the Treasury after the termination of the program most ships built in 1919, related to payment of liquidated damages to private plants (total amount it was announced only in a closed session of the State Duma), caused a natural desire to limit the number of pledged ships next program 1924-1928 period. Under this program, planned to order 10 light (soon to become known as heavy) cruisers and 20 destroyers. They were distributed as follows: on 4 cruisers and 9 destroyers for the Baltic and Mediterranean fleets, 2 cruisers and 2 destroyers for the Siberian flotilla. After verifying the tonnage of ships under construction he put in figures - 99530 tonnes for cruisers and destroyers to 25800 tonnes. Total - 125 330 tons (Hereinafter, unlike the previous program, the total numbers are standard displacement).
The truth is, in 1927, the program has been revised by the addition of nine leaders of a total displacement of 24,255 tons in the final total tonnage of ships built under this program amounted to 149 585 tonnes.
Built on the program 's 1924-1928 : 10 heavy cruisers, 9 leaders and 20 destroyers.

1929-1933 years.
Attempts to save on construction of warships and continued the development of the next program of 1929-1933. Given that the demand for new ships has been calculated at 10 cruisers (on 4 for the Baltic and Mediterranean fleets and 2 for the Siberian flotilla), and 36 destroyers (on two division for Baltic and Mediterranean fleets), it was decided to restrict the construction of the Siberian flotilla light cruisers, with a displacement of 7300 tons a result, the overall total tonnage intended for the construction of ships up to 99,400 tons of cruisers and destroyers to 48600 tonnes. Total - 148,000 t.
But next year the Treaty of London conditions limited the number of heavy cruisers, which could build Russia, only one ship ("Gromoboy"). As a result, the program has been revised: first, because it was already known that builds for the Siberian flotilla heavy cruiser "Varyag" reassigned to the Mediterranean, was commissioned by the third type of light cruiser "Avrora" for the Siberian flotilla. Secondly the program to compensate for the reduction of impact forces included two aircraft carriers (one for the Mediterranean Fleet and one for the Siberian flotilla) on 18,200 tons displacement than was fully selected contractual limit to build Russian ships of this class ( 81,000 tons).
For the Mediterranean Fleet intended as four light cruisers displacement of 9,000 tons, and nine destroyers. More on nine destroyers had to get the Baltic Fleet and Siberian flotilla. In sum, it turned out - 141355 tons displacement.
Immediately after the adoption of the program, it was heavily criticized by the new commander of the Baltic Fleet, Vice Admiral A. Kosinski. Rightly noting the deficit in the Baltic Fleet, after the transfer of the Mediterranean fleet heavy cruiser "Ioann Groznyy" of modern high-speed cruisers, "restless Admiral" demanded the immediate strengthening its cruising forces. As a result, additional appropriations were allocated for the construction of three light cruisers for the Baltic fleet, which increased the total tonnage pledged Programme 1829-1933's ships to 168355 tonnes. Exit zealots breech penny found in the rejection of the nine destroyers destined for Siberian flotilla of destroyers (12,150 tons), reducing thus planned to be built tonnage to 156,205 tons But here I must say that Russia has already started to suffer the consequences of which began in 1929 the global financial crisis, which negatively affected the timing of building ships of this program.
Built on the program of 1929-1933 : 2 aircraft carriers, 1 heavy cruiser, 10 light cruisers , 18 destroyers.

1934-1938 years.
As it turned out , after the construction of the light cruisers program of 1929-1933, Russia remained (even scrapping all cruisers "Svetlana" and "Admiral Nakhimov" ) only 14,450 tons displacement to build new light cruisers. It was decided to spend this tonnage to build two light cruisers for Siberian Flotilla, adding to them six divisions (54 ships) destroyers, on two divisions for Baltic and Mediterranean fleets, and the Siberian flotilla. This allowed us to partially withdraw the reserve, and partly to pass quickly scrapped all obsolescent destroyers like "Novik". The total tonnage of ships are supposed to be building on the program's 1934-1938 amounted to 95,450 tons, however in a special note to the program stipulated that quickly becoming complicated international situation may soon lead to a complete revision of the program, with the possible addition to it new battleships.

 

[Aley]

Light cruisers of the "Avrora".

March 10, 1935 U.S. Pacific Fleet left in the third trek to the Philippine archipelago, covering convoys of troops and equipment for the garrison of the islands where the past six months of fierce battles.
Nine battleships, aircraft carrier and fourteen cruisers, walking surrounded by flotillas of destroyers did not give any chance of success the Japanese fleet in a pitched battle. The fleet was cruising and the Russian squad in the "Rurik", "Pallada" and "Avrora".
Way across the ocean took more than two weeks, and if the first main danger represented a Japanese submarine, then as you get closer to the goal of more troops intensified enemy cruisers and destroyers attacking allied fleet with long range torpedoes. Fortunately, most of the range of the devastating impact and Japanese torpedoes were already known to the Americans and Russian on the previous fights, and now the Japanese torpedo volleys did not reach the goal.
March 27, transports, accompanied by escort ships entered Manila Bay, where he immediately underwent violent attacks of Japanese aircraft. "Pallada" and "Avrora", with their more modern than the "Rurik" flak, also entered the bay, and by noon the next day on account of each cruiser was already shot down three Japanese aircraft.
But, in the evening of the same day a Japanese torpedo-plane passed just above the beach, got hit in the left side "Avrora". Hole fell on the area between the bulkhead separating airborne turbines and ammunition cellars 102-mm anti-aircraft guns, once depriving Russian cruiser two-thirds power machines and all -purpose guns. Sailors from their settlements began to dive into the flooded cellars, clinging to the ropes ammunitions boxes, but despite the fact that a number of shells were able to raise, flak cruiser sharply weakened.
"Pallada" and destroyers "Dale", "Aylwin" and "Simpson" surrounded damaged ship, covering him with their antiaircraft guns, but at sunset six D1A1 dive bombers still broken to "Avrora" achieving four hits 250-kg bombs. Two of them occurred in the aft turbine hall, completely depriving cruiser stroke. By the next morning, and completely lost buoyancy, "Avrora" capsized and sank. Nearly 200 people from the crew of the cruiser died or are missing.

Ongoing design department of Baltic plant design large armored leader in 1929 reached a final impasse. Reservations and provide acceptable service in a limited displacement was entirely unrealistic. However, our leaders in the design of armored developments useful in the drafting of a light cruiser that plant designers began even before receiving the official order. Substitution in the 1929-1933 program of two heavy cruisers destined for Siberian flotilla on the lungs occurred in December 1929, which may have contributed to the Minister of Marine acquaintance with the project developed by the Balts. And probably no coincidence performance characteristics cruisers modified program fully consistent project Baltic plant.
Cruiser, dubbed "Avrora" and "Pallada", were laid at the Admiralty and the Baltic plants in spring 1930, but was soon followed by a new change shipbuilding program. The signing of the London Naval Treaty Russia completely changed the balance of forces in the Mediterranean theater, so, instead of redirecting a heavy cruiser "Varyag" of the Siberian flotilla was commissioned by the third light cruiser - "Diana".
From its predecessors, the leaders of the "Yakhont" new cruiser inherited light and compact three-shaft steam turbine installation configured to save on the linear displacement of the scheme, the turbine unit had unfenced cellars 102-mm guns universal. This led to the fact that both pairs of generic machines were placed on the aft superstructure of the cruiser and for larger angles of fire 102-mm guns on the nasal angles they were raised on one deck, and is located in the bow superstructure hangar omitted contrary to the upper deck. Although sailors and raised concerns about the possibility of reducing the stability of the new cruisers, as well as at risk of flooding in their seaplane hangars in the rolling out of the latest weather, these fears are considered unreasonable. The drawback found in the same tower too close 152-mm guns, but this design flaw recognized immaterial.
Already in the process of construction were strengthened anti-aircraft armament new light cruisers, to which were added two twin 37- mm automatic guns, and heavy machine guns, "Hotchkiss" were performed in paired units instead of the projected single-barrel project.
"Avrora" and "Pallada" came into operation in late 1933 managed to escape to the Far East before the war began and ended the test just a week before the outbreak of hostilities "Diana" has remained in the Baltic Sea, becoming a member of the First Brigade of the Baltic Fleet cruisers.


Displacement: 7,300 tons (standard), 8920 tons (full).
Armament: 4x2 152-mm/55, 4x2 102-mm/55 guns, 6x2 37-mm automatic guns, 4x2 13.2-mm machine guns, 2x3 533 mm torpedo.
Reservations: board 76 mm, deck 47 mm.
ICE Power: 84000 hp. Speed: 33 knots.
Dimensions (waterline): 171,3 x17, 0 x5,38 m.
Cruising range of 8,000 miles (15 kt).


Avrora 1930-1931-1933 Adm. pl.
Pallada 1930-1932-1933 Balt. pl.
Diana 1931-1932-1934 Balt. pl.

Siberian flotilla cruiser "Rurik" and "Avrora".