Admiral Cornelius Kruis, the foundation of the Baltic Fleet and the Naval Hospital of St. Petersburg

The role of Admiral Cornelius Kruys (1655–1727), one of the closest, and loyal associates of Peter the Great, who stood at the foundation of the regular Russian navy, was considered. Kruys was recruited into the Russian duty by Peter I in 1698 with the rank of Vice Admiral and devoted his entire life to serve in Russia and the Russian fleet. Having extensive professional experience and knowledge of maritime affairs, Kruys played a special role in organizing, building, and arming the Baltic fleet according to the European model. Taking over access to the sea, Russia became one of the greatest maritime powers of Europe.

The article is based on a large amount of documentary material from the funds of the Russian State Naval Archive (Saint Petersburg). All the reforms of Peter I were focused on the formation and development of Russia along the European path, which include implementation of the advanced achievements of Europe in the field of military and naval affairs, science, technology, construction, culture, and medicine. The main time of the reign of Peter I falls in the period of the Great Northern War between Russia and Sweden (1700–1721). The Sovereign always paid special attention to the organization of the regular army and navyand recruiting the best military specialists from the leading European countries for this purpose. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in European countries, the military medical service, hospitals, and infirmaries were an integral part of the army and navy. Such an organization of the armed forces of Russia was necessary for Peter I. On October 30, 1704, Vice Admiral Kruys presented the project of organization and construction of the Baltic fleet to Peter I. The project contained “A list of needs for His Royal Majesty’s ship fleet: in the sovereignty of the government of Ingermonland, which should be hastily prepared to fill stores.” Along with a list of the necessary marine specialists, materials, and equipment for the construction and equipment for ships, Kruys emphasized the need for the simultaneous establishment of a Naval Hospital or a clinic for at least 500–600 patients for the personnel of the Ingrian Navy (“zelo potrebno yest”). This critical project was approved by the Sovereign and was soon put into production. The birth of the Naval (Admiralty) Hospital of Saint Petersburg took place simultaneously with the Baltic fleet. Since then, the Naval Hospital has become an integral part of the Russian Navy. On November 5, 1704, the Admiralty fortress-shipyard was laid in Saint Petersburg, and soon the construction of the Baltic fleet under the control and leadership of Kruys was launched.