Nikolay Kamensky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Count
Nikolay Mikhailovich Kamensky
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Portrait by Friedrich Georg Weitsch
(Hermitage Museum collection) |
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| Born | 27 December 1776 |
| Died | 4 May 1811 (aged 34) Odessa, Russian Empire (today Odesa, Ukraine) |
| Allegiance |  Russian Empire |
| Service/ |
Imperial Russian Army |
| Years of service | 1787–1811 |
| Rank | General of the Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792 French Revolutionary Wars
Russo-Turkish War of 1806–1812
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| Awards | Order of St. Andrew Order of St. George Order of St. Vladimir |
| Relations | Mikhail Kamensky (father) Sergei Kamensky (brother) |
Count Nikolay Mikhailovich Kamensky (Russian: Николай Михайлович Каменский; born December 27, 1776 – died May 4, 1811) was a brave Russian general. He was a skilled military leader during a time of many wars. Nikolay followed in the footsteps of his father, Mikhail Kamensky, who was also a famous general.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Nikolay and his older brother, Sergei, both went to a special military school called a cadet school. This is where they learned how to be soldiers and leaders.
In 1787, when Nikolay was just 10 years old, he became an aide to his father. This meant he helped his father with military duties. He also took part in the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792). This was his first experience in a real war.
Joining Suvorov's Campaign
In 1799, a very important event happened in Nikolay's career. The Emperor Paul made him a Major General. That same year, Nikolay decided to join the famous general Suvorov. They fought together in the Swiss Campaign against Napoleon. This was a very challenging campaign through the mountains.
Key Battles and Achievements
Nikolay Kamensky fought in many important battles during his career. He was known for his bravery, even though he sometimes took big risks.
Battles Against Napoleon
One of his early big battles was the Battle of Austerlitz. Here, he was under the command of General Peter Bagration. It was a very tough battle, and Nikolay's forces lost many soldiers. He was lucky to survive.
Later, he showed great courage at the Battle of Eylau. For his actions there, he received a special award called the Order of Saint George. After Eylau, he was sent to help at the Siege of Danzig (1807). This was a difficult mission, and his attempt to break the siege was not successful. He also fought in the Battle of Heilsberg.
Success in the Finnish War
The Finnish War (1808-1809) was one of the most successful parts of Nikolay Kamensky's career. Even though some thought he was too daring with his soldiers' lives, he was promoted to Full General in 1809.
He achieved important victories against the Swedes at places like Kuortane and Oravais. Nikolay came up with a very bold plan. He suggested that Russian soldiers should cross the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. This was a huge body of water between Finland and Sweden. This daring move forced Sweden to give Finland to Tsar Alexander.
Fighting the Ottoman Empire
After the war in the north, Kamensky took command of the Danube Army. This army was fighting against the Ottoman Turks in the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812). His older brother, Sergei, joined him in this campaign.
Together, they attacked cities like Silistra and Pazardzhik. They faced strong resistance at Shumen and Rousse. However, on September 9, 1810, the Kamensky brothers led their army to a big victory. They defeated a large Turkish force of 40,000 soldiers at the Battle of Batin.
On October 26, 1810, Nikolay Kamensky won another major battle. He defeated a 40,000-strong army led by Osman Pasha at Vidin. The Russian army had far fewer losses than the Turks in this battle.
Later Life and Legacy
Sadly, Nikolay Kamensky became very ill with a fever on February 4, 1811. He was moved to Odessa to get better, leaving his command to Louis Alexandre Andrault de Langeron. However, he passed away three months later, at the young age of 34.
Nikolay Kamensky was a significant figure in Russian military history. He was known for his aggressive tactics and his ability to achieve victories in challenging situations. Interestingly, he is related to the famous actress Helen Mirren. Her great-great-great-great-grandfather was Nikolay's father.
Images for kids
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Portrait by Friedrich Georg Weitsch
