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Alexander KovalevCabin boy of the Northern Fleet during the Great Patriotic War, pioneer hero
Date of Birth: 04.01.1927
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Alexander Kovalev: The Boy Who Fought the Great Patriotic War
- Wartime Education and the Journey to the Northern Fleet
- A New Identity and a Dream Realized
- Boarding the "Gromkiy" and Joining the Torpedo Boat Brigade
- Combat and Heroism
- The Tragic End
- Legacy and Honors
Alexander Kovalev: The Boy Who Fought the Great Patriotic War
Early Life and FamilyAlexander Nikolaevich Kovalev, born Alexander Filippovich Rabinovich, was born in Moscow on January 4, 1927. At the age of 10, his parents were declared "enemies of the people" and faced persecution. His mother was exiled to Kazakhstan for eight years, and his father was executed. Young Alexander was raised by his aunt, Raisa Raits-Kovaleva, and her husband, Nikolai Kovalev, a captain in the Northern Fleet.
Wartime Education and the Journey to the Northern Fleet
With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, Raisa and Alexander were evacuated near Yaroslavl. Later, they moved to Arkhangelsk, where Nikolai Kovalev was stationed. In September 1942, a school for training young sailors (Jungas) was opened on the Solovetsky Islands. Alexander, eager to serve on the front lines, sought to join the school. However, his parents' status as "enemies of the people" made it impossible.
A New Identity and a Dream Realized
Nikolai Kovalev intervened, performing a daring act of deception. He "transformed" Alexander into Yuri Nikolaevich Kovalev, a candidate listed for training. The plan succeeded, and Alexander enrolled in the school. He excelled in his studies, specializing as an engine operator.
Boarding the "Gromkiy" and Joining the Torpedo Boat Brigade
Upon graduating in 1944, Kovalev was assigned to the destroyer "Gromkiy" for a brief period. He then became a member of the new torpedo boat brigade, boarding the TKA-209. His bravery and amiable nature quickly earned him the respect of his comrades.
Combat and Heroism
In his first combat engagement on April 7, 1944, Kovalev stood in for the signalman who had been killed. He relayed vital information to the captain, helping to sink an enemy transport. His actions earned him the Order of the Red Star.
On May 8, 1944, during a fierce battle with enemy patrol ships, Kovalev played a crucial role in saving the TKA-217 crew when it was damaged. Despite sustaining a concussion, he tirelessly sealed the holes in the engine room, preventing the engine from overheating.
The Tragic End
On May 9, 1944, as the TKA-209 was heading for repairs, a phosphorus mine exploded, killing Kovalev. The mine had been dropped by enemy aircraft the previous day but had failed to activate immediately.
Legacy and Honors
Alexander Kovalev's legacy lives on. In 1990, a monument was erected in his honor in Severomorsk. "Ballad of the Young Sailor Sasha Kovalev" is a song dedicated to his heroism.
