Furman I. Mine warfare on the Black Sea in the first half of the ХХth century

The research results of experience in the development of mine-laying and anti-mine capabilities, its operational and combat employment in the Black Sea theatre of operation in the first half of the ХХth century are presented in the thesis, the part of which was introduced into a scientific use for the first time, with taking into consideration the achievements of national and foreign historiography and basing on a broad and representative source basis. The evolution, nature and essence of the "mine warfare on sea" notion meaning as a part of naval warfare were investigated and justified, physiographic conditions were analysed and the history of mine domain development until the beginning of ХХth century as a factor of influence on nature and content of the mine warfare on the Black Sea in the chronological limits set the thesis was revealed. The specifics of mine-laying and anti-mine capabilities of the military fleets of the Black Sea countries were discovered, forms of mine warfare were defined, and the task is found out, ways and results of implementation of military branches of the opposing fleets in the world wars and during the postwar combat mine-sweeping. Information on losses of warships and civilian vessels due to sea mines was supplemented. Biographical data and the core activities of the mine warfare participants on the Black Sea according to its various aspects, including the fleet commands, officers and enlisted personnel, scientists and designers is clarified. Keywords: Black Sea theatre of operation, mine warfare on sea, mine-laying actions, active mine safety barriers, defensive mine barriers, anti-mine actions.