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Victory of the Russian galley fleet under command of M.M. Golitzin over the Swedish squadron at the isle of Grengam, August 9(July 27), 1720The Battle at the isle of Grengam (Granhamnsholm) between the flotilla of the Russian galley fleet and the Swedish sailing squadron on August 9 (July 27), 1720 was of great importance in the course of the Great Northern War. In the end of July 1720 Peter the First ordered the fleet (52 galleys and 15 boats with 52 guns and 11 000 troops ready for the deployment) under command of General M.M. Golitzin to reach Aland Islands in the Gulf of Bothnia. The goal of the operation was to force the Swedes out from the archipelago.The Swedish squadron under command of Vice-admiral K. Sjoblad (52-gun ship of the line, 4 frigates and 9 small crafts with 156 guns and over 1 000 marines) made an attempt to attack the Russians on route. Golitzin managed to take position of advantage in the narrow strait of Flisesund and ordered his ships in semicircle line. Swedish ship of the line and 4 frigates in a rush chasing of the Russian flotilla entered the strait where 2 frigates run aground therefore making maneuvers for the rest of the squadron difficult. In the fierce fight that followed all the Swedish frigates were boarded. The only ship that managed to escape was Sjoblad’s flagship. The Swedes lost 103 killed and 407 captured, the Russians had 82 killed and 236 wounded. The Battle of Grengam demonstrated the skilful usage of rowing fleet in the skerries environment, efficient reconnaissance and selection of combat site, as well as perfect timing for the attack from different directions. The victory at Grengam allowed the Russians to consolidate in the archipelago that was very important to carry out the operations against the Swedish shipping in the area.
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 The leasing by India of a Project 971 nuclear submarine built in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is the latest hot news. Reincarnation of Chakra.
Soviet military policies never called for building full-fledged aircraft carriers operating multi-role warplanes. Nor did Russia draft any clear carrier construction program at the turn of the century. Why Russia lacks aircraft carriers?
The flag of St. Andrew in the salt steppes at the North-West of Kirghizia is quite astonishing sight! Prometheus at Russia’s Service.
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