The history of Odessa is very dynamic. She is heroic and amazing. The Cannon Monument is a symbol of one of the important victories of Odessa citizens over their enemies. It is located at the very beginning of Primorsky Boulevard on Dumskaya Square. She looks out over the port and the coastal Black Sea. The cannon demonstrates the power of the inhabitants of Odessa, love for the Motherland, heroism and unbending will.
A few historical words for the cannon
During the Crimean War of 1854 - 1855. the Anglo-French squadron approached Odessa. The attack began on April 10, 1854. The artillery bombardment lasted 13 hours. The enemies did not rest or go to lunch. They tried to destroy the city. The seaside boulevard, the Vorontsov Palace and a host of other buildings in Odessa were damaged.
In such difficult and dramatic moments, their heroes appear. Warrant Officer Artillery A. Schegolev decided to take active steps. He understood that it was necessary at all costs, to reach the ships of the French and British with cannonballs. He put forward coastal guns on the Practical pier. The sea was already splashing under him. For 6 hours he fought against superior enemy sialas. The ensign was able to drive away the enemy.
On April 30, at 6 o'clock in the morning, during thick fog, 6 miles from the coast, not far from Maly Fontan, a parahodo frigate of the British fleet "Tiger" ran aground. Coastal artillery covered the enemy ship with heavy fire. Odessans were able to set fire to "Tiger". The enemy lowered the flag. In this battle, the captain of the frigate Giffard was wounded. In addition, the inhabitants of Odessa captured 24 officers and 201 ordinary sailors.
2 other ships of the squadron came to the rescue of "Tiger". But they could not help him out. In the end, everything turned out with accuracy, but vice versa. They took their own ships and sank the poor "Tiger". Already in May, the inhabitants of Odessa raised 19 guns of the frigate from the bottom. Almost all were in good working order. One of these cannons was installed in the square as a trophy. This happened in 1904. That is, they installed it, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the victory over the squadron.
Valentin Kataev for the Odessa gun
Many people talked about the cannon. But I would like to remember Valentin Kataev. The Odessa citizen was able to convey the deep meaning of the very existence of the gun. He showed the depth of symbolism. In the novel "Waves of the Black Sea" its hero, Gavrik Chernoivanenko, defending himself from the attacking Haidamaks of the Central Rada, put a machine gun on a pedestal next to the cannon. Then he fought gloriously with enemies.
But the author brings his hero back to the cannon. This happened a day before the surrender of Odessa to the Germans. Before descending into the catacombs and continuing the partisan war, Gavrik came to the cannon. 2.5 years later, after parting with the symbol of Odessa, Gavrik and his fellow partisans left the catacombs. First they came to the cannon. Yes, she continued to stand and gaze with her weaponized gaze at the coastal waters of the Black Sea. She seemed to be saying that there was no need to surrender the city to the enemy. Odessans have the strength to repel any aggression.
Yes, this is a true symbol of resilience. I believe that our heroic history will not allow Odessa women to kneel before the enemy. They will kick everyone who encroaches on the freedom and free life of Odessa and the Odessa region.