Battle of Navarino
Navarino harbour, Ionian Sea
What happened
Admiral Sir Edward Codrington of Britain, Admiral Henri de Rigny of France and Admiral Lodewijk van Heiden of Russia led an allied fleet against the Ottoman and Egyptian fleet commanded by Tahir Pasha, serving Ibrahim Pasha. During the Greek War of Independence, Britain, France and Russia agreed to press for a ceasefire and Greek self-rule. When the Ottoman and Egyptian fleet in Navarino Bay ignored their demands, the allied fleet sailed in and anchored among the enemy ships, with a band playing to show peaceful intentions. Fighting broke out after an Ottoman crew fired on a boat, and the allied ships' guns destroyed most of the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet.
Why it matters
Result: Allied victory. Leaders: Edward Codrington / Lodewijk van Heiden against Hassan Pasha al-Iskandarani. Why it matters: Britain, France and Russia decisively defeated the Ottoman and Egyptian forces, which made Greek independence far more likely.
What came next
Russia went to war with the Ottoman Empire in 1828. Greece was recognised as independent in 1830, and its borders and first king, Otto of Bavaria, were settled in 1832.
Did you know?
Britain's King George IV reportedly called the battle 'this untoward event', meaning an unwelcome accident.
Timeline
- 1827Britain, France and Russia sign the Treaty of London.
- 20 October 1827The allied fleet destroys the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet at Navarino.
- 1830The London Protocol accepts Greek independence.
- 1832The Treaty of Constantinople recognises the Kingdom of Greece.