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Alexey AfrikanovCommander of the 2nd Division of the 2nd Brigade of Torpedo Boats of the Black Sea Fleet, Captain-Lieutenant, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 10.03.1907
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Early Life and Career
Aleksandr Fyodorovich Afrikanov was born to a working-class family in Saint Petersburg (later Leningrad) on March 10, 1907. He began working at the Bolshevik factory and later attended evening school and vocational school.
Naval Service
In 1929, Afrikanov joined the Red Fleet and served on the battleship "Parizhskaya Kommuna" and on torpedo boats. He completed his training as a boatswain and became commander of a torpedo boat in 1934. By 1938, he was leading a squadron of torpedo boats.
World War II
Afrikanov fought in World War II from 1941 and was wounded and concussed during combat. On the night of September 10, 1943, he commanded a group of torpedo boats in the suppression of enemy batteries and fortifications in the Novorossiysk port. This action played a crucial role in securing the successful landing of troops during the Novorossiysk amphibious assault.
Hero of the Soviet Union
For his valor, Captain-Lieutenant Afrikanov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on September 18, 1943. He also received the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Suvorov, Third Class, the Order of the Patriotic War, Second Class, and the British Order of the British Empire.
Later Life
Afrikanov continued to serve in the Soviet Navy after the war and retired at the rank of captain first rank. He passed away in 1971 and was buried in the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.
Legacy
Afrikanov's name is remembered as a symbol of bravery and determination in the Russian Navy. A street in Novorossiysk is named after him, and a plaque commemorating his achievements is located on the waterfront.
