Great October Series: Pavel Dybenko ascends to the Revolutionary Fleets leadership

The ascension of Pavel Dybenko

At the end of 1908...Pavel Dybenko is speaking with the local blacksmith near the southwestern town of Novozybkov...Bryanskaya oblast.

Novozybkov

Ivan Tihonovitch, was one of three Novozybkov’s blacksmiths who lived in the area near the Dybenko family home.  Two of the blacksmith's workshops were located on either side of the only bridge into the village.  On the left of the village bridge was where one could find Vasiliy Pesenkov, and on the right of the village bridge was the workshop of Yakov Zelchenko.  Ivan Tihonovitch's workshop was located near the Lyudkovo cemetery.  He is the father of a good friend; Sasha, and also one of the leaders of a local anti-Tsar underground network.  The location of his workshop was convenient for the blacksmith as traditional Russian style burials included works of iron.  Such as large crosses, names attached on iron plaques, or ornate metal fencing surrounding the plots. 

Lyudkovo Cemetery

The two are discussing opportunities or the lack thereof ...Pavel had just arrived back in Lyudkovo after a short stint working with his uncle at the village of Novoalexandrovsk.  Dybenko’s uncle is an administrator in the towns’ offices and provides him with an opportunity to work as a clerk in the towns council offices. 

Novoalexandrovsk

He had left Novoalexandrovsk just ahead of an Okhrana investigation looking into the staff of the towns council officers...there had been much speculation as to why he left...some historians suggest it was because he wasn't to be "trusted"...having been arrested for the distribution of anti-Tsar sympathy periodicals...

Novozybkov Museum of Local History

At the Novozybkov Museum of Local History one can view a copy of both the Proletariat and the People's Gazette.  

Beginning in 1906, Dybenko helped to distribute these periodicals and others in Lyudkovo and Novozybkov.  Such actions lent themselves to bolder proposals...and during the Novozybkov uprisings in 1907  Dybenko was recruited to run information between various safe houses.  Unfortunately, he would be arrested...having been seen out after curfew; eventually let go for prosecutors reason as lacking credible evidence of wrongdoing.  Even so, Pavel Dybenko would be placed on the local Okhrana list of "suspicious individuals".

Not wanting to bring problems for his Uncle...Dybenko thought it best to come back and reevaluate his future.  Ivan Tihanovitch suggested Riga might be the place...he was young, strong and a job on the docks might be a good fit...besides, Ivan Tihanovitch knew of individuals through his network of revolutionists that could look after the Lyudkovo native...

To get to Latvia, one must first travel through Belarus.   Belarus is picturesque offering nature in its splendor, her rolling hills and healthy forests accentuate her beautiful blue skies.   Crossing the border into Latvia and traveling for a while Dybenko acknowledges and appreciates the beauty Latvia offers, the marshy cattail laden waterways giving way to small lakes that are surrounded by thick healthy woodlands.  Along the way, he opens the satchel given him by Sacha’s father Ivan Tihonovich.  Inside the packet were a small amount of rubles and a note of support for his journey.  

Riga early 1900's

The Riga of 1909 was much different than Novozybkov or Novoalexandrovsk..thriving, busy, populated and very active.  Dybenko settles in and looks for work.

Riga Bay

Pavel Dybenko secures a spot in an artel along the docks.  The artel is also part of an underground revolutionary group whereupon most of the members turn out to be veterans of the uprising on the cruiser Azov Memory in 1906....At several meetings these veterans would often share their experiences as sailors in the Tsar's navy...the older veteran sailors inform Pavel and others in the clandestine group of the harsh and ugly history of revolts, rebellions, and of course repression in the Baltic Fleet since before 1905.
One tale in particular would remain with Dybenko...the tale of the Azov Memory!

Sailors shared that seventeen of the sailors of the cruiser Azov Memory, who mutinied that August 2, were executed at Revel the next day.  Twelve sailors, they said, were sentenced to hard labor for periods varying from six to ten years, thirteen were drafted to the disciplinary battalions, fifteen were condemned to various disciplinary penalties, and thirty four acquitted. The following day the verdict was to be carried out, the convicts were to be shot.  Confined to their prison cells, the sailors' uniforms were removed and they were given canvas jackets to wear.  In the early morning hour, before sunrise, officers with guards came to lead the handcuffed sailors to the old Revel garden.  

As the sailors were walking to the end of their existence one could hear them humming softly.  At the garden, the sailors were tied by rope to a post , and saw to their front their executioners.  Before the shooting a priest approached the rebels imploring them to repent, to confess their sins, and to accept Christ as their lord and savior.  The sailors' were prepared to die.  An officer called for the "ceremony" to begin and made an effort to read out the verdict...however the condemned sailors interrupted, "We know the verdict, betrayer!" Then turning to their executions with one last appeal; "Brothers pleas aim true in the chest and kill right away!" 

By this time, Dybenko has matured into a really strong and attractive man, generously gifted by nature with everything that it could given someone: height, build, hair, had beautiful teeth, a handsome face, and he carried himself well.  He worked hard and long at the docks and his evenings were spent resting and listening to other activists share their experiences.  Between work, rest, and meetings there was little time to socialize.  It wouldn't be long though before a few of the women of Riga take notice of Dybenko and find themselves taking strolls along the bay arm in arm with the young man from Lyudkovo.  Dybenko had an ability to recognize humanity at its most basic forms...whether it was an old woman at the market, an old man fishing along the bay, or a young lady at the park...simply by nodding his head in recognition of their existence afforded Dybenko and those he acknowledged an encouraging confidence.

In 1909 Dybenko would spreak at an anti-Tsar rally.  Utilizing his knowledge on; the plight of the peasant; the actions and horrid history of the sailors and what he read in periodicals he helped to distribute in Novozybkov Dybenko attracts unwanted attention. He is summarily arrested and held in lock up for his anti-Tsar sentiment. A fateful moment in Dybenko's life as he will lose his job with the artel (for missing days while locked up) which forces him to enroll in electrical technician courses.  The electrical technician certificate would be his ticket into the Tsar's navy and allow Dybenko to fulfill his destiny.

It is true as Zhigalov shares that Dybenko will be arrested for the third time...this time for failure to report to the conscription offices after his receiving official documents to report.  Ultimately, he enters the Tsars fleet and reports to the second Baltic Navy depot at Kronshtadt.  Two months later Dybenko finishes training and is assigned to the battleship cruiser Dvina, ironically the newly christened Dvina.  Previous too, the Dvina was the infamous ship the Memory of Azov known for its rebellion and fatal suppression in 1906. 

The consequences of the 1912 revolt would be widespread...arrests of dissenting sailors on the ships Tsarsevitch and Emperor Pavel I prompts the naval Ministry to reassign a number of sailors throughout the Baltic and Black Sea fleets.   Dybenko would be no exception...he too will be reassigned...from the Dvina to the battleship cruiser Emp. Pavel I.  

Emperor Pavel I

Admiral Viren's firm hand did not escape Dybenko; during his first leave he failed to give military honor when the Admiral and his wife passed by.  The good Admiral went about slapping Dybenko about the head and disparaged with such language meant to humiliate. For this mishap Dybenko was thrown into lock up for three days  The Emp. Pavel I was rightfully nicknamed a prison ship by the sailors as Dybenko learned first hand when he was ordered to clean with glass the tick deck of the ship.  The young conscript scraped and scraped while working from a little boat along side the ship until he had acquired bloody blisters on both of his hands.  "my hands boiled in the salt water" --Dybenko would later say.  But scraping the tick deck was not enough for him to lose spirit nor did he complain to his fellow recruits.  

The crews on the battleship Emp. Pavel I were actively involved in the rioting and rebellions prior to 1911; they had a very powerful anti-Tsar organization on the ship.  Since 1912 part of the leadership forall the fleet would be from this ship.  With such activism the offers endorsed the worst cruelties against the crew...This would be the ship and classroom Pavel Dybenko completed his apprenticeship of revolutionary fervor.   

Dybenko Center

In the spring of 1913, Commander Admiral von Essen orders the Emp. Pavel I and other ships of the Baltic fleet to prepare for a venture that will take them to Europe to see England, France and on the way back Norway.  The action of the commander was two fold; one to establish the fleets capabilities for high sees maneuvering and two to remove a sizable number of sailors away from the political influence of the bases.

Dybenko wrote on his experience; his disappointment of the living conditions of the working class of England...France fared no better...it was during his visit to Norway that visions of his destiny would become clearer.

Two beautiful women had spent the better part of the day with him during his pass, one a Russian emigres and the other a Norwegian national...the three walked through shops along the bay, purchased meats and cheeses and ended up along a rise that overlooks the bay.  They also spoke of love, life and current struggles of the Russian people.  The two women pleaded for Dybenko to remain in Norway...he could do a lot of good for the movement as a freeman rather than a sailor in servitude.  
Dybenko recalled; 
"While laying on top of the hill, I am carried fruther and further aay from the life of a sailor to the life of few men in few countries.  
It's a fairy tale for me, for the sailors, for most Russians.  But do I really have a right to be upset right now, when my whole being is at peace at the very thought of a free country and free people? 
In an hour or two I still have to go back to the slavery and humiliation!  Sadly, I am watching the sunset at the horizon.  These purple skies, this surrounding beauty of nature make me hate my dependent life as a slave sailor.  

Baltic Sea

I really don't want to go back to the ship, to part with nature, with the life of people who are free, who don't know the sufferings the sailors go through...but I have no choice!  Russia is calling me"!


In expectation of world events in the year 1914...
Admiral von Essen is aboard the Emp. Pavel I inspecting the ships readiness and preparing for target practice with the 16" batteries.

The happenings on board ship brought to light and episode that would become fodder for tall tales and one that would propel Pavel Dybenko to great heights in the hearts of sailors and officers alike. 

Admiral von Essen with his officers are examining the distance of the target with a range finder and orders his calculations be recommended for the necessary adjustments to the aims of the guns.  The officers all agree and take on an air of triumph without a shot fired...The order is issued and the blast from the guns are deafening...the shell misses its target!...a rumbling of disapproval is heard among the sailors...the Admiral and his officers try again, and again the shell misses the intended target.  

The sailors rumblings become even louder...and then...a voice is heard above all others...it is Dybenkos. 
"Excuse me, Good Admiral, would you care for me to come show you and your associates how one hits an intended target?"  
Admiral von Essen eyes the sailor who knowingly broke convention by speaking directly to the Admiral.  His officers move to arrest the impertinent sailor...But wait!...Admiral von Essen sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate to the other sailors that impertinence would not be tolerated!  His goal is to see this brashness not go unpunished.  
"Come down young sailor", the Admiral declares, "come show us all how one goes about hitting an intended target, but be advised, if your word is not good, if you miss, the officers will arrest you and take you directly to the lock up".
Dybenko looked at the Admiral, smiled and suggested confidently, "if his word was indeed good, if he hits the target...perhaps it is he who should be Admiral." with that said an officer hands Dybenko the rage finder.  Upon Dybenko's adjustments to the calculations he issues the order to fire!

Guns fired!

The shell plummets to its destination...and destroys its target...sailors and officers alike enjoy a moment of comradeship as one witnesses Admiral von Essen the current Commander in Chief of the Baltic Fleet and Pavel Dybenko in less than three years would become the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Baltic Fleet...of Tsentrobalt!...shake hands and it was said the Admiral gave Dybenko a silver ruble for being so accurate...
Those who were present that day would never forget what they experienced...what became known as "Dybenko's Shot". 
  
Summer 1914...World War I begins!  

On the basis of a telegram received from the Commander Admiral von Essen a squadron of battleships including the Emp. Pavel I were to prepare to make way for the open sea in order to confront a possible attack of German warships.  The commander of the Emp. Pavel I,  vice-Admiral Nebolsin, did not have the confidence of the sailors as he was often irrational and inconsistent with his leadership.  In fact, many a sailor thought him to be shallow and superficial for it was well known that Nebolsin craved to be an Admiral and no one demonstrated that urge more than his own zealous behavior currying favor with other Admirals in the fleet.   Such as Nebolsin's actions were...the sailors were not  of the opinion his promotion would be achieved due to his brave and notable leadership.  

Moreover, vice-Admiral Nebolsin was often abusive toward sailors and even his own subordinates, especially one Lieutenant Lange, who would then take advantage of his authority and demean a sailor whenever an opportunity availed itself.

Pavel Dybenko and the  sailors of the Emp. Pavel I got off to a shaky start in World War I.  

From autumn of 1915 reports started coming into the Kronshtadt Security Department headquarters that there was a marked increase in the activity of revolutionary organizations of social democratic tendencies among the crews of vessels of the Baltic Fleet.   The Petersburg Security Department received reports as well about the emergence of a military organization of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party among ship and shore-based crews of the Baltic Fleet.  According to these reports social democratic circles have been formed on each warship whose leading personnel sat on a general directing committee. 

As for political parties...Pavel Dybenko wrote; 

                       "the sailors were creating their own organization a step at a time"  

According to historian Alan Woods corroboration of the fleet's independent political vision can be found in a 1915 Okhrana report.  Focusing on the political activity of the Petrograd Committee of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party...the report concluded political circles of the fleet arose independently and outside the influence of the politico's in Petrograd.  

In the fall of 1915 mass underground meetings were happening not only on the ships but ashore as well.  Especially active was the work being conducted at the Helsingfors base where all of the battle ships, the kernel of the fleet were...where Dybenko was.

Helsingfors harbor

Discussions among the sailors underway at many of these meetings expressed a recurring   sentiment...created by the sailors inevitable question which needed addressing,

..... what was to be done in case of a truce or peace from the war?   

Naval Officers were aware of such activities and recalled the conditions under which the sailors of the Baltic Fleet acted during this revolutionary period:

“…from a purely strategically point of view, actions required great secrecy; therefore for a certain period there was almost no information about it.  Nonetheless, the part played by the Baltic Fleet during the Revolution was of great importance.  It must not be forgotten that the victory of the Revolutions in February, March, and in October 1917, was due chiefly to the activity, firmness, and self-sacrifice of the members of the Baltic Fleet.  The period from 1905 to 1917 represented a solid history of repeated revolts and rebellions by the determined sailors in their efforts to overthrow the existing social structure. 

 

During many of the meetings a recurring assessment was made that totally reflected the mood of the sailors' masses, that “even in the case of peace not a single sailor would leave his ship before the tsars’ despotic rule would be overturned”.   This conclusion existed due to the ongoing battle between the sailors and the black reaction of the Tsar.   

The will of the sailors to promote social change was frowned upon causing concern for the Tsar's government and the few who desired for society to remain as it was.
On the other hand, for many others the sailors represented hope...represented a new dawn for all who favored doing away with the antiquated social order created by the Tsar. 

Consequences 1906 to 1915 

5,757 sailors were condemned for preparation of revolts.

Among them:

      196 were executed
      1320 were exiled to penal servitude,
      1744 were put into different correctional institutions for various terms,  
      20 were locked up in fortresses, 876 were imprisoned in the naval jail 
      and others were exiled; 
      sent to civil prisons with different punishments.
 

October of 1915 the sailors on the battleship Gangut were about to explode in revolt. 

The actions taken by the crew was a longstanding testimonial of the sailors and how they were willing to die rather than continue to be subjected to treatment not fitting cattle. Dybenko speaks at a meeting among the sailors aboard the Emp. Pavel I.  He encourages the sailors to support the rebellion aboard the battleship cruiser Gangut by disobeying orders that called for the firing upon the riotous ship.  The sailors agree and decide not to fire upon the Gangut if ordered to do so.  

Battleship Cruiser Gangut

The rebellion on board the Gangut was harshly suppressed and 26 sailors would be promptly arrested.  During the subsequent investigation information came forward implicating the two leaders of the mutiny on the “Gangut” Yantsevich and Vaganov.  If the allegations are upheld the two were certain to face execution.  

Dybenko on his own initiative goes into town and seeks the help of Admiral Maksimov. 

 

Admiral Maksimov

He asks the good Admiral to speak on behalf of the two accused... 

On December 17th a hearing was held and the Naval Court-martial resulted in all held responsible being duly punished.  Perhaps unrelated to their discussion...subsequently to the rulings the Admiral is sent to England and for the forth time Dybenko is placed under arrest.  Sent to the front lines, Dybenko arrives in the vicinity of Sarnanais with a battalion of Baltic Sailors.  According to Zhigalov...the official version was that the sailors were sent to the front lines upon the request of General Radko-Dmitriyev. 
 

General Radko-Dmitriyev

The General was quoted as saying the sailors had arrived to 
                    "raise the spirit of the soldiers of the 2nd Siberian army corps"
Dybenko and the sailors spoke to the troops with anti-war sentiment that discouraged the corps from fighting...leading to a complete refusal to attack the enemy.  The sailors including Dybenko are put back on the train to Petrograd and to their assigned ships. 
 

The Fall 1915 report of the Okhrana corroborates the fact that political theory was being discussed throughout the fleet. As a result, manifestations of social democratic organs were created independent of elite intellectual direction.  

If unrealistic conclusions of the gendarme weren’t sufficient enough evidence that the current government was inept; it was widely asserted that during the war Russia was given away to predators, thieves and robbers who thrived on the war. Looting, bribing and plundering at the front caused unavoidable discontent. This discontent spread over to the army and fleet. It was growing every day. Hunger and devastation were revealing themselves from city to city, from village to village. All signs of the revolution were mounting. 

At both Helsingfors and Kronshtadt the officers were afraid to line up the sailors for daily inspection and instruction. Every ship reminded one of a beehive. In their spare moments the sailors openly talked about the preparing for revolt. Everybody was anticipating the approaching revolution.

Next in the Great October Series;
1917 the year of the sailor the year of Dybenko