Action of 9 January 1921

The action of 9 January 1921 was a short naval battle fought by the French Navy and the Soviet Russia during the Russian Civil War.

Background

During the Russian Civil War, the French Navy was engaged as part of the Allied intervention provided assistance to the White movement engaged into the Southern Front. The French Navy suffered a mutiny in 1919 but operations were carried until the end of the conflict.

The action involved the French s and, and also the Toul, intercepting on sea the Soviet gunboat KL No. 7, which had completed mine-laying operation at Ak-Mechet and was carrying two motor torpedo boats built by Thornycroft. After a short gunfire battle, the Soviet ship was hit, grounded and lost with twelve killed and many wounded close Anapa.

Wreck of KL No. 7 was scrapped in situ in 1922, but some wreckages can still be found.