Russian destroyer Novik (1913)

"Novík" was a destroyer of the Russian Imperial Navy, commissioned in 1913. Served with the Baltic Fleet. It was renamed "Yakov Sverdlov" in 1923.

History

The first ship of its class, "Novik" was completed in 1910 at the Putilovsky Plant. The original blueprint for Novik was made by AG Vulcan Stettin. The class included 52 other ships in four groups (please see below)

*"Derzky "class destroyer
*"Orfey" class destroyer
*"Izijaslav" class destroyer
*"Fidonisy" class destroyer

"Novik" was one of the best ships of the type during the First World War. "Novik "class ships were the first destroyers to be powered by oil instead of coal.

During the First World War, the ship was commanded by Captain M. A Berens, and served with the Baltic Fleet. In 1914, "Novik" participated in the mining of Riga Harbor. In August 1915, engaged and seriously damaged two German destroyers. At the end of May 1916, participated in an attack on a German convoy carrying iron ore.

In 1917, under the command of a Bolshevik soviet, defended the Moonsund Archipelago.

In 1923 the ship was renamed "Yakov Sverdlov".

The ship was modernized in 1940, which increased both the ship's displacement and its firepower.

Prior to the Second World War, served as a training ship for the Frunze Naval Academy. At the start of the war, reassigned to the Third Destroyer Division of the Baltic Fleet.

During the escape of the Soviet Navy from Tallinn to Kronstadt, "Yakov Sverdlov" was assigned as an escort of the flagship Kirov. During the operation, the destroyer hit a mine and sank near the Juminda peninsula.

References

* "Weyers Taschenbuch der Kriegsflotten 1941-42"
* "Korabel.ru" [http://www.korabel.ru/dictionary/detail/15/1031139034.html]
* "Almanacwhj.ru" [http://mkmagazin.almanacwhf.ru/ships/novik.htm]