Russia was determined to drive the Turks out of Europe.
In the autumn of 1769 she sent three squadrons,a total of 12 ships of the line, under Admiral Orlov from the Baltic to the Mediterranean.
After formentinq a revolt by the Greeks in the Peloponnese, Orlov sailed on to the
Anatolian coast.
Great Britain was sympathetic to the Russian aims and several officers including the Scot Vice Admiral Elphinstone, were serving in the Russian Mediterranean Fleet. His squadron of four ships of the line and supporting Frigates were to join up with Orlov and the Baltic Fleet.
Before this could happen the main Russian Fleet encountered the Turks on 6 July at Chesma, a harbour on the Anatolian coast opposite Chios.
The main Russian Fleet had 9 ships of the line and 11 other vessels while the Turks, under Hassen Bev had 14 ships of the line and several Frigates, as well as some 200
transports and storeships lying outside the harbour.
The firing was desultory at first, but after 4 hours the two Flagships SVIATOY YEVSTAFY and REAL NUSTAPHA caught fire and blew up. The explosion was so enormous that the Turks withdrew in confusion into the harbour.
The next morning Elphinstones squadron arrived and under his energetic direction Lieutenants Duqdale and Mackenzie sailed Fireships into Chesma harbour.
The Turks at first welcomed these ships thinking they were deserters, but the strangers promptly ran alongside the nearest row of ships and lashed themselves alongside with grappling hooks.
Within minutes the ships were ablaze and soon the whole Turkish Fleet was engulfed.
Out of this holocaust only one 64 gun ship and a few Galleys escaped.
Orlov failed to improve on his victory by sailing for Constantinople, but wasted time besieging Lesmos.
Log Book December 1990
Stamp Issue:- Russia 1974. 4k. SG4264
Battle of Chesma
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john sefton
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