Soviet Destroyer Tashkent

The Soviet Navy is largely overshadowed by other navies during World War II, however, they still had their fair share of heroism.

The exploits of the destroyer Tashkent are one notable example. A specialized destroyer leader built in Italy, she served with the Soviet Black Sea Fleet. She was amazingly quick with a speed in excess of 40 knots. During her career, she was known as the "blue cruiser" for her unusual vivid blue paint.

She put her speed to good use during the Siege of Sevastopol. During the Siege, she repeatedly ran the German blockade and brought desperately needed supplies to the city. Tashkent made no less than 40 trips into the city while constantly evading attack by aircraft, torpedo boats, and artillery.

It is estimated that Tashkent steamed 27,000 miles during these blockade runs. In addition to escorting numerous supply ships, she personally delivered almost 20,000 soldiers and 2500 tons of ammunition to the Soviet defenders. She also conducted several attacks of her own, silencing German batteries and destroying airfields. She also sank a German torpedo boat and downed several aircraft.

She was finally crippled by German bombers in June 1942. She limped into port but succumbed to her damage shortly afterwards. Sevastopol fell only a few weeks later.