Bruce Yakov Vilimovich (1670-1735), Russian field Marshal, associate of Peter the Great He participated in the Crimean campaigns of 1687, 1689, and the Azov campaigns of 1695-1696. In the Northern War, he led the Russian artillery, distinguished himself at the capture of Narva, in the battle of Lesnaya, in the Battle of Poltava. He reorganized and re-equipped Russian artillery units, participated in the drafting of the Military Charter of 1716. Since 1717, he was a senator and president of the Berg-i Manufactories, a collegium in charge of Russian industry. Yakov Vilimovich Bruce was born in Russia, but came from an ancient noble Scottish family. Among his ancestors were Kings Robert and David, who reigned in Scotland as early as the beginning of the XIV century. Bruce's father had come to Russia in Cromwell's time, rising to the rank of colonel. He died when young Yakov was eleven years old. Left an orphan, as the biographer testifies, " Bruce diligently studied, wanting to be useful to the new Fatherland." He began to learn military science in 1683, when he was enrolled in Peter's "funny troops". In 1687 and 1689, already with the rank of ensign under the banner of Golitsyn, he participated in two campaigns in the Crimea, and for bravery in the capture of Azov, he was awarded the rank of colonel. Peter, who loved Bruce and highly appreciated his intelligence and ingenuity, took him with him on a trip to England and Holland, where the future Russian Field Marshal "successfully performed various tasks assigned to him." It is known what role Peter I assigned to artillery in the Russian regular army he created. The bombardment company of the Preobrazhensky Regiment was perhaps the most privileged part of the Russian army. But the initial stage of the Northern War clearly showed how much Russian artillery is inferior to Swedish. Drastic steps were needed, and Peter gives the Russian artillery "to the care of Major General Jacob Bruce." Yakov Vilimovich eagerly set t ... Read more