Azov Flotilla

Monument to the Azov Flotilla's part in the defence of Taganrog during the Second World War.

The Azov Flotilla or Azov Naval Flotilla was the name given to several Russian naval forces operated on the Sea of Azov as part of the Imperial Russian Navy, by both the Soviets and the White Russians during the Russian Civil War, and as part of the Soviet Navy during World War II.

Russo-Turkish War

The flotilla was first formed in 1768 for the Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) under the command of vice-admiral Alexei Senyavin. It was disbanded in 1783 and its ships handed over to the Black Sea Fleet.

World War II

During World War II, the Flotilla fought against German and Romanian forces as they advanced along the coast. After being chased away from its base at Yeysk by Romanian Cavalry on 8 August 1942, the Flotilla regrouped at Temryuk. In late August, as Romanian forces seized the ports of Anapa and Temryuk, most of the Flotilla was scuttled at Temryuk on 23 August, including its main warships: three gunboats (Bug, Don and Dniester), each displacing 840 tons and armed with two 130 mm guns.[1]

The Flotilla was re-established in 1943, and took part in the liberation of Crimea.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Robert Forczyk, The Caucasus 1942-43: Kleist's race for oil, pp. 9, 22 and 50
  2. ↑ World War II Soviet Armed Forces (3): 1944–45


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