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Ivan GrigorovichAdmiral, Minister of the Navy under Nicholas II (since 1911)
Date of Birth: 26.01.1853
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Naval Career
- Diplomatic and Command Roles
- Service in the Russo-Japanese War
- Post-War Career and Promotion
- Minister of the Navy
- Retirement and Death
Early Life and Naval Career
Ivan Konstantinovich Grigorovich was born on January 26, 1853, into a family of naval officers. In 1874, he graduated from the Naval College and was commissioned as a midshipman after a year's voyage as a garde-marine. He served on ships of the Baltic Fleet, commanding various vessels, including the monitor "Bronenosets" and the mine cruiser "Voevoda."
Diplomatic and Command Roles
In 1896-97, Grigorovich served as a naval attaché in the United Kingdom. In 1899, he took command of the battleship "Tsarevich," which was under construction in France. Upon its completion, he sailed the ship to Port Arthur to reinforce the Pacific Squadron.
Service in the Russo-Japanese War
During the Russo-Japanese War, Grigorovich played a crucial role in the defense of Port Arthur. As commander of the port from April 1904, he oversaw ship repairs, the deployment of defensive minefields, the clearing of the base, and the supply of the fleet.
Post-War Career and Promotion
After the Russo-Japanese War, Grigorovich held several senior positions, including Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet, commander of the Libava Naval Port, Chief of Naval Defense of the Baltic Fleet, commander of the Kronstadt Naval Port, and Governor of Kronstadt. In February 1909, he was appointed Deputy Minister of the Navy, and shortly after, he was promoted to Vice Admiral.
Minister of the Navy
On March 19, 1911, with the approval of the State Duma, Grigorovich was appointed Minister of the Navy and promoted to Admiral. Under his leadership, the Navy underwent a period of modernization and expansion in preparation for World War I. The quality of the warships constructed under his guidance is evident from the fact that they constituted a significant portion of the Soviet Navy in World War II.
Retirement and Death
Grigorovich was awarded numerous Russian and foreign orders for his service. In 1914, he became a member of the State Council. Following his dismissal as Minister of the Navy in March 1917, he worked on the Naval Historical Commission and taught at the Higher School of Water Transport. In 1924, he traveled to France for medical treatment and never returned to Russia. Grigorovich passed away on March 3, 1930, in the курортном городке Ментона.
