On June 20, specialists of the mine and torpedo service of the Russian Navy celebrate their professional holiday. A professional holiday in their honor was established by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy in 1996. The day of the first successful use of sea mines was chosen as the date for it. A century and a half have passed since then, but the miners continue their important work and contribute to the country's defense.
According to historical materials, the first real result of the use of Russian sea mines was obtained on June 20, 1855. On this day, the combined squadron of Great Britain and France, which entered the Gulf of Finland to attack Russian cities, stumbled upon a minefield set up by our ships. Four enemy ships went to the bottom, and the rest were forced to go to safe areas. This episode markedly influenced further hostilities in the Baltic Sea.
The Russian navy first used torpedoes during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. On the night of December 15-16, 1877, the Grand Duke Constantine mine transport with several boats on board approached Batum. Under cover of night, the boats fired a couple of self-propelled mines at the Turkish ships. Unfortunately, both torpedoes missed their targets. However, a month later, on the night of January 14, 1878, the boats successfully attacked and sank the gunboat Intibach. This was the first case in domestic practice and in the world of a successful torpedo attack by a surface ship. Subsequently, Russian sailors carried out several new attacks.
Mines and torpedoes in practice have confirmed their capabilities, and the mine and torpedo service has acquired particular importance. Soon it became one of the most important components of the fleet and directly influenced its combat capability. In all new conflicts, the Russian Navy used not only traditional artillery, but also modern torpedo weapons.
In parallel with the development of weapons, the potential and importance of the mine and torpedo service grew. During the two world wars, she made a significant contribution to the fight against enemy ships. The installed minefields protected the most important waters from enemy ships and submarines, and torpedo attacks disrupted supplies and reduced the enemy's combat potential.
In the post-war period, in connection with the beginning of the Cold War, the mine and torpedo service received new tasks of particular importance. Miners from the submarine crews had to fight enemy submarines carrying ballistic missiles. Now they were responsible not only for the safety of their squadrons or bases, but also for the protection of the entire country. Special tasks and special responsibilities led to the emergence of special weapons. The mine and torpedo service received products with nuclear warheads.
To date, a significant part of the combat missions of the Navy is being solved with the help of missiles. Despite this, there are many tasks for the mine and torpedo service. It still remains the most important component of the Navy and is unlikely to have to be abandoned. This service has existed for more than 160 years, and soon it will be able to celebrate more than one new anniversary.
The editorial board of Voenniy Obozreniye congratulates all specialists of the mine and torpedo service of the Soviet and Russian Navy on their professional holiday!
