Ivan Grigorovich

Ivan Konstantinovich Grigorovich (1853 — 1930) served as Russia's Naval Minister from 1911 until the onset of revolution in 1917.

Graduating from naval academy in 1874 Grigorovich served as an officer on various ships. In 1896 he was appointed Russian naval attaché in London. In 1899 he appointed to command Tsesarevich battleship, which was being completed in France. In 1903 Tseserevish sailed to Port-Arthur.

After the Japanese torpedo boats attack on Port-Arthur, starting the Russo-Japanese war, Grigorovich was promoted to rear admiral and appointed chief of Port-Arthur's harbor. Under his effective management, Russian Pacific squadron had no shortage of coal, munitions or any supplies during the Siege of Port Arthur.

After the end of the war he was appointed chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet. In 1909 he was appointed deputy Naval minister. From 1911 until the onset of revolution in 1917 he served as Russia's Naval Minister, overseeing huge rearment program. Naval buildup included building four Gangut class battleships for the Baltic sea and four Imperatritsa Mariya class battleships for the Black sea. He enjoyed good relationships with the Duma and used his popularity to secure huge extra funds to expand the navy.

He was dismissed from office in the wake of the February Revolution. From his retirement he asked for permission to get medical treatment abroad, and left for France in the autumn of 1924. He died there in 1930.

External links

* [http://www.firstworldwar.com/bio/grigorovich.htm Short biography]