1. Cornelius Cruys was the first commander of the Russian Baltic Fleet.
15 Facts About Cornelius Cruys
1. 2.
Cornelius Cruys was born Niels Olufsen in Stavanger, Norway, in 1655.
3.
Cornelius Cruys's parents were Oluf Gudfastesen and Apelone Nielsdatter Koch.
4.
However, according to several municipal sources, Cornelius Cruys lived in Amsterdam for at least eighteen years before he joined the Imperial Russian Navy.
5.
The first known record about Cornelius Cruys was produced by the local administration of Amsterdam in 1681.
6.
Cornelius Cruys was born in Amsterdam and was the daughter of Claas Pieterszoon Voogt, a Dutch captain of a merchantman, and Jannetje Jans.
7.
In 1680, Cornelius Cruys became the captain of a Dutch merchantman.
8.
Cornelius Cruys was appointed onder-equipagemeester at the naval dockyard of the Amsterdam Admiralty.
9.
Cornelius Cruys visited the Dutch Republic to study the latest inventions, especially in shipbuilding.
10.
Cornelius Cruys helped with the construction of an East Indiaman, the frigate Peter en Paul.
11.
Cornelius Cruys accepted Peter I's generous offer to enter into his service as vice-admiral.
12.
Cornelius Cruys emigrated to Russia in 1698 and became the tsar's most important adviser in maritime affairs.
13.
Cornelius Cruys performed well in Russia and came to be regarded as the architect of the Imperial Russian Navy.
14.
Cornelius Cruys was commander of the Russian Baltic Fleet from 1705, and masterminded the construction of Kronstadt fortress, which was essential in the Great Northern War against Sweden and many years later against the German Kriegsmarine during World War II.
15.
Cornelius Cruys worked for the tsar for more than 25 years and reached the highest Russian naval rank of admiral in 1721.