Chapter XVI: Part 16

During the engagement, Major-General Codrington, fearing that the British position would be forced near the five-gun battery, and that the camp of the first brigade of the Light Division would be endangered, sent Major Mc Kenzie back to the camp, to order all the bâtmen, men on guard, and any sick who could carry arms, to turn out at once. No officer being in camp, Lieutenant-Colonel Lysons, of the 23rd., who was at the time recovering from an attack of fever, got up and took command of the parties of three regiments of the first brigade; every man who could stand volunteered to go out; they went to the front in support of comrades, but no serious attack was ever made in the direction of the Light Division hills, although the fire from the enemy’s field pieces across the front, especially at the before-mentioned battery (which they completely enfiladed), and near the old redoubt, was very heavy.

With the hope of diverting attention from the Inkermann attack, a Russian column, five thousand strong, made a sortie on the French lines, and succeeded in spiking several guns, but were gallantly repulsed, and pursued to the very walls of Sebastopol, the town being entered by a portion of the French troops, their leader, General Lourmel, meeting his death in the charge; General Forey experienced great difficulty in recalling his soldiers, who were carried away by the ardour of the chase. The Russians lost a thousand men in this attack, and the French casualties were also considerable.

Thus terminated one of the most sanguinary contests of modern times. For several weeks the troops had been subjected to constant labour, and many of them had passed the previous night in the trenches. A zealous devotion to duty characterized the gallantry of both French and English, and, after a hard-fought day, the “soldier’s battle,” as it has been designated, ended in a victory over, as regards numbers, an infinitely superior force.

Nq positive conclusion could be arrived at in regard to the actual numbers brought into the field by the Russians, as the configuration of the ground did not admit of any great development of their force, the attack consisting of a system of repeated assaults in heavy masses of columns. It was, however, considered, judging from the numbers seen in the plains after they had withdrawn in retreat, that they could not have been less than sixty thousand men. The number of British troops actually engaged scarcely exceeded eight thousand[164] men, whilst those of General Bosquet’s Division only amounted to six thousand, the remaining available French troops on the spot having been kept in reserve.

Prince Menschikoff’s intention was to drive the British from their position, and to entrench himself at once on the heights, for several waggons, laden with fascines and gabions, were noticed in the retreating columns across the Tchernaya. His first attack was made with vigour and determination but it was completely defeated by the British before the arrival of the French. No part was taken in the renewed assault by the Russian regiments composing the above attack, as they could not again be organized for further offensive operations.

The casualties were heavy,—the British had forty-three officers killed, one hundred wounded, and one taken prisoner; five hundred and eighty-nine non-commissioned officers and men were killed, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight wounded, and sixty-two missing, in all two thousand five hundred and seventy-three.

It was stated that the French casualties amounted to about one thousand eight hundred killed and wounded, whilst those of the Russians were estimated at fifteen thousand men.

There is a peculiar feature incident to the battle of Inkermann, for the British soldiers were nearly all in their grey great coats; this arose from the fact of their being turned out before daylight, and on account of the rain, besides which the greater portion of the Guards, and the Fourth Division, had come from the trenches, in which they had been employed for twenty-four hours, and were consequently similarly clothed. It is also worthy of record that the battle was fought fasting by the British.

The gallant deeds of the following officers and men at Inkermann, will appear among the recipients of the Victoria Cross, but their names are here mentioned to facilitate references:—Colonel the Honourable Hugh Manvers Percy, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Charles Russell, and Private Palmer, of the Grenadier Guards; Lieutenant-Colonel Robert James Lindsay, of the Scots Fusilier Guards; Lieutenant Walker, 30th. regiment; Brevet-Major Rowlands, 41st.; Private Mc Dermond, 47th.; Private Thomas Beach, 55th.; Private John Byrne, 68th.; Sergeant John Park, 77th.; Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable H. Clifford, Rifle Brigade; and Corporal Prettyjohn, of the Royal Marines. In addition to these, the list of officers and men who received French and Sardinian War Medals, will shew the special acts of bravery performed by them throughout the campaign.

There is a peculiar interest attaching to the soldiers’ accounts of this hard-fought battle, and the two following are but types of many others, all of which are full of natural characteristics. The first is from a soldier in the Scots Fusilier Guards:—

“We have had another general engagement, on the 5th. of November. Well shall I remember that day. I ought never to forget the goodness of God in bringing me off the ground safe, and without a scratch.

“And now I will endeavour to give you an account, as far as I am able, of the battle. But I must tell you that on the night preceding the battle it was very foggy, and the morning was misty. The Russians availed themselves of it. A strong force, about forty thousand men (we are informed) under the command of General Osten-Sacken, from Odessa, with numerous artillery, got possession of some heights, and when the mist cleared away opened fire, drove in the outlying pickets, and got possession of the hills overlooking the Second Division’s tents. It was about a quarter part six a.m. when the firing commenced. I was just up, and saw the Second Division falling in. Some men were killed in front of their tents. We fell in anyhow. We had only six companies—two on picket; the Grenadier Guards five companies; and, I believe, the Coldstream Guards seven companies. The brigade of Highlanders are guarding Balaklava; the Second Division is encamped on our right. We went up, and a fearful sight it was going through the Second Division’s encampment. The shells were bursting over our heads, and the cannon-balls rolling through us, bringing down tents, and poor bât-horses were knocked to pieces by them.

“We were, of course, all taken by surprise, finding that the enemy being so near, and had gained possession of a redoubt; and the Duke of Cambridge, with only the Guards and two companies of the 46th., said, ‘You must drive them out of it.’ Well, then, they were only twenty yards from us, and we were firing at each other. The pioneers and drummers, with the stretchers, were told to find the best shelter they could, and so I, myself, with our drum-major, were lying down behind a small bush, and we both expected every moment to be shot, the bullets actually passing within a few inches of our heads, and breaking off the branches over us as we lay there. Well, they succeeded in driving the Russians out of the place, and got them down the hill, when they were ordered to retire.

“They retired, and the Russians came up with redoubled strength, and completely surrounded us. The Russians took possession of the redoubt. The Duke[165] said, ‘They must come out of it again.’ The Russians cheered, as also did the Guards. Things now looked desperate, as we had no support except the Almighty, and He defended the right.

“At it they went, and for half an hour things seemed to favour the enemy. We were all surrounded—no getting out. The Grenadier Guards nearly lost colours; they had only about forty men to defend them. We gave another cheer, and out of the redoubt they went again, and the Grenadier Guards managed to keep their colours. We drove them out at the point of the bayonet down the hill. The Guards were ordered to retire again, but would not, and, in fact, could not; if they had got down this steep hill, they could not have got back again well. The brave French came up to our assistance, and kept them at bay while we retired and got our ammunition completed; and then the brigade of Guards were formed into one regiment of six companies, and at it we went again; and by this time, plenty of assistance coming to us, we managed to do them, but at a great loss to us. Officers behaved bravely. The Coldstreams had eight officers killed on the field; the Grenadiers three officers. Only picture to yourself eleven officers being buried at one place and time! there was not a dry eye at the funeral. We had Colonel Walker wounded in three places. Colonel Blair died and was buried to-day. He had only joined three weeks ago; he was shot in the breast. Our Adjutant, Captain Drummond, Captain Gipps, Colonel F. Seymour, and Mr. Elkington, were all wounded. Colonel Ridley and Colonel Dalrymple left us to-day sick. We have scarcely any officers now left. We had two sergeants, four corporals, and thirty-one privates killed on the field, and eleven have died since of their wounds.”

The second is from a soldier of the 95th., who writes thus:—“On the 5th. instant, the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, we had a most terrible day of it. The Russians advanced to attack our position, and drive us into the sea (as has since been learned), at about six in the morning, and continued the battle until four in the afternoon. Not once or twice, but thrice and again did they advance, and endeavour to take our position; and after our repeated attacks and charges, and our great losses, they had nearly carried the crest of our position, but were met by a Division of our brave allies, the French, who formed like the letter V, and drove them back. The battle was far more desperate than that at Alma. The Russians fought well, and attempted to advance up the face of the hill, which was sheer madness, and can only be accounted for by their state of intoxication, which, I believe, is usual; the custom being to issue spirits before any enterprise is undertaken. The loss on our side I cannot as yet inform you of, but in our brigade the killed and wounded amounted to three hundred and sixty-one. The Guards, I think, have lost the most of any English regiment, and the point which they defended shows their prowess—hundreds of Russians lying dead and wounded (some say a thousand) in that spot alone. It is said that we have taken a thousand prisoners. I myself saw at least two hundred wounded brought in to-day of the Russians, and I do not think that all have yet been brought in.”

The Staff Officer, in his “Letters from Head Quarters,” a most valuable and interesting work, relates the following anecdote, regarding the battle of Inkermann, which shews of what material the British soldier is made:—“I should also tell you an instance of great self-possession on the part of a sergeant, I think, of the 7th. Fusiliers. It was towards the close of the battle, and Lord Raglan was returning from taking leave of poor General Strangways, and was going up towards the ridge. A sergeant approached us, carrying canteens of water to take up for the wounded, and as Lord Raglan passed, he drew himself up to make the usual salute, when a round shot came bounding over the hill, and knocked his forage-cap off his head. The man calmly picked up his cap, dusted it on his knee, placed it carefully on his head, and then made the military salute, and all without moving a muscle of his countenance. Lord Raglan was delighted with the man’s coolness, and said to him, ‘A near thing that, my man.’ ‘Yes, my Lord,’ replied the sergeant, with another salute, ‘but a miss is as good as a mile.’”

Not less interesting is the same writer’s account of the poor wounded horses:—“One of the most painful things during the action was the number of wounded horses. Some of the poor creatures went grazing about the field, limping on three legs, one having been broken or carried away by shot; others galloping about, screaming with fright and terror. At times, some would attach themselves to the Staff, as if desirous of company; and one poor beast, who had its nose and mouth shot away, used to come in amongst us, and rub its gory head against our horses’ flanks; he was ordered to be killed by one of the escort, which was of course done.”

Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, to which rank his lordship was advanced for this victory, in publishing to the Army in General Orders the despatch of the Minister of War, conveying the Queen’s entire approbation of the conduct of the troops at Inkermann, especially drew attention to the passage, “Let not any Private Soldier in those ranks believe that his conduct is unheeded. The Queen thanks him—his Country honours him.”

In addition to the medal and clasps ordered for these successes, the Queen, as a mark of Her Majesty’s recognition of the meritorious services of the non-commissioned officers serving in the Crimea, directed that one sergeant should be selected from each regiment of cavalry, guards, and infantry, serving under Lord Raglan, for promotion to a commission, to be dated 5th. November, 1854. The thanks of the House of Lords and Commons were given for these services, and the same tribute was conveyed to General Canrobert and the French Army for their gallant and successful co-operation. This distinction was most highly prized, and the French Commander, in his general order, gave utterance to sentiments that found a ready response in every heart, and which, it is hoped, time will never efface: “You will all feel its value, and I shall, in your name and mine, assure Field-Marshal Lord Raglan, that it will, if possible, tighten still more the bonds of good fellowship, which a mutual high esteem, and the blood we have shed in common, have established between our British gallant companions in arms and ourselves.”

Contrasted with the painful though glorious scenes for which medals were being gained, stands out the mission of Miss Nightingale, who exemplified what womanly devotion could effect. The public desire to alleviate the sufferings endured by the soldiers in the far-off battle-field, met with a generous response, and the subscription, originated by the all-powerful “Times,” was liberally responded to, and a special correspondent of that newspaper, Mr. Macdonald, judiciously administered its distribution; whilst the devoted widow of the heroic Colonel Moore, whose husband, preferring the lives of his men to his own, met his death in the burning troopship “Europa,” thinking the best consolation for her bereavement would be found in administering consolation to the sick and wounded, fell a victim to her self-denial, but left a name which will be associated with Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge and Florence Nightingale, and will never be forgotten, for the example of the Dorcas of the Crimea and her Christian associates will be ever held up as a noble instance in the holy cause of suffering humanity. The difficult task which, at the pressing instance of the Right Honourable Sidney Herbert, Secretary of State for War, she undertook, was deemed by some at first visionary, but the arduous enterprise was successfully carried out by these ladies, and their arrival at Scutari at the period of the battle of Inkermann was most opportune. This was truly designated as a Christian episode in a Christian war.

Few will forget the exhibition of the fine arts in aid of the patriotic fund, to which the Princess Royal, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Alfred contributed. The touching picture sent by Her Royal Highness, wherein the devoted wife has found the dead body of her husband, was as appropriate as it was truthful. This, and the pen-and-ink sketches of knightly warriors and kings, furnished by the youthful princes, realized handsome prices. The patriotic fund reached the munificent amount of half a million of money, whilst by the “Central Association,” ably superintended by Major the Honourable Henry Littleton Powys, of the 60th., and the regimental and other funds about two hundred thousand pounds were obtained. Such appreciation by their country of her gallant soldiers, and regard for their wives and children, were alike worthy of the nation and of their noble devotion and patient endurance before Sebastopol.

CONTINUATION OF THE SIEGE.

The day following this victory a council of war was assembled, and it was resolved to postpone the assault until fresh reinforcements should arrive, and, at the same time, works for the defence of the Inkermann position were ordered to be forthwith commenced, as there was then every probability of the allies having to winter in the Crimea.

It is calculated that at this time forty-six thousand five hundred and thirty-seven rounds of ammunition had been expended. It is singular that Russian shot had been collected by the soldiers, and fired back into Sebastopol. By the general order, dated 24th. October, 1854, payment was authorized of fourpence for each small shot, and sixpence for each large shot brought into camp; but a subsequent order on the 4th. of November following cancelled the foregoing. A similar circumstance occurred during the Peninsular war, and it excited the surprise of the Duke of Wellington.[166]

At this time the nights became intensely cold, and the incessant rain caused the roads to be anything but passable; whilst on the 14th. a tremendous hurricane, tearing many of the tents to pieces, and scattering their goods, added to the discomforts of the troops. Several French, British, and Turkish vessels were either lost or damaged from the same untoward circumstance; and most unfortunately the “Prince” steamer, with the winter clothing for the English army, and a good supply of engineer stores and ammunition, was shattered to pieces on the rocks at Balaklava, and one hundred and thirty-seven souls perished. It would be difficult to depict the desolation which the hurricane occasioned in the encampment of the allies, and the next day the soldiers found ample employment in repairing its ravages. Poor fellows, they needed nothing further to aggravate the privations already endured.

During the night of the 20th. of November, an affair occurred which drew forth the praise not only of Lord Raglan, but also of the Commander-in-Chief of the French army. The Russian advanced posts in front of the left attack of the British, having taken up a position which incommoded the troops in the trenches, and occasioned not a few casualties, besides taking in reverse the French troops working in their lines, a detachment of the first battalion of the Rifle Brigade, of two hundred men, under Lieutenant Tryon, was directed on the night of the 20th. to dislodge the enemy. The caves in which the Russian riflemen had established themselves, were popularly known as the Ovens. This service was most gallantly and effectively performed, but at some loss in killed and wounded. Lieutenant Tryon, who rendered himself conspicuous on the occasion, was killed; he was considered a most promising officer, and held in the highest estimation by all. Several attempts were made by the Russians to re-establish themselves on the ground before daylight on the 21st., but they were instantly repulsed by Lieutenant Bourchier, the senior surviving officer of the party. The detachment received well-merited praise, and the conduct of Lieutenants Tryon, Bourchier, and Cuninghame, was highly commended. So highly prized was this little exploit by General Canrobert, that he instantly published an “_Ordre Général_,” announcing it to the French army, and combining, with a just tribute to the gallantry of the troops, the expression of his deep sympathy in the regret felt for the loss of a young officer of so much distinction as Lieutenant Tyron.

The Russians moved upon the British advanced pickets, in front of the left attack, on the 12th. of December, in some force, but were instantly driven back by a detachment of the first battalion of the Rifle Brigade on the right, and by one of the 46th. on the left. The firing, however, was kept up for some time afterwards.

A sortie was made by the enemy on both the right and left attack, during the night of the 20th. of December, the one being conducted silently, the other with drums beating, and shouting; the first was probably the real object of the advance, as nearer to the Inkermann heights. Owing to the extreme darkness of the night, the Russians were enabled to approach very near the right attack without being perceived, and, having made a sudden rush upon the most forward parallel they compelled the men occupying it to withdraw, until reinforced by a party under Major Welsford, of the 97th. Regiment, when it was regained possession of, and the enemy retired, not, however, without occasioning some loss in both killed and wounded. Lieutenant John Byron, of the 34th., was taken prisoner.

On the left attack the enemy were met with great gallantry by Lieutenant Gordon, of the 38th. Regiment, who, when supported by the covering party of the trenches, under Lieutenant-Colonel Waddy, of the 50th., succeeded in at once driving them back. Here the loss was still more severe, Major Möller of the 50th., falling mortally wounded; Capt. Frampton and Lieutenant Clarke, both of the 50th., were taken prisoners. The gallantry and vigilance of these troops, and the distinguished conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Waddy, were highly praised.

The Christmas before Sebastopol will not be easily forgotten; the time-honoured phrase of wishing a merry one, and a happy new year, must have sounded almost as a mockery to the suffering troops. During December the weather became very severe, and the duties more and more arduous; both officers and men were frequently on duty two and three nights in succession, without any shelter from the snow and rain; provisions and forage became scarce, owing to the want of transport; and the young soldiers, unable to bear the hardships and fatigue, died in numbers.

Neither was the commencement of the new year more promising; when the commissariat transport broke down, it became necessary to send fatigue parties to carry up rations and warm clothing from Balaklava, a distance of seven miles; horses and mules were picked up wherever they could be found, officers’ chargers not excepted. Men were frequently found dead in the trenches from cold and exhaustion. The sick present and absent at Scutari on the 11th. January, 1855, amounted to sixteen thousand and one men.[167]

Such sufferings excited the public feeling, and Mr. Roebuck’s motion for a committee of enquiry occasioned a change of ministry, when Lord Palmerston became Premier, and Lord Panmure was appointed Secretary of State for War. It is not, however, within the scope of this work to dwell upon the political view of the campaign; its object being to show how the Medals were won. No sympathy could have cheered the soldiers more than that expressed by the Queen in a letter to Mrs. Sidney Herbert, which fortunately was published.[168] Constant visits of the Sovereign to the bed-sides of the invalids on their arrival in England, and substantial acts of kindness in finding occupation for several of them, shewed Her Majesty’s deep interest in her soldiers.

In January a railroad was commenced from Balaklava to the camp, which may be classed as one of the “curiosities of war.” At this period the French army had been reinforced, and consisted, in round numbers, of about sixty-seven thousand men.

The Russians still retain the old style of reckoning, and, during the night of the 12th. of January, 1855 (their New Year’s Day), they made a powerful sortie, under protection of a heavy cannonade, along the Woronzoff Road and the ravine on the extreme left, on the French and English trenches, but were ultimately forced to retire. The following morning was the commencement of a severe frost, the snow in some places on the plain being eighteen inches deep, whilst the drifts were not only deep, but in many spots dangerous. The old adage that “it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good,” was here realized, for the ground became hardened and consequently improved, by the frost, which aided the communication to the front: there was, however, a drawback on account of the difficulty of obtaining fuel for cooking and hospital requirements. Indeed the scarcity of wood of any kind was great. The brushwood along the Inkermann ridge had long been used up; the soldiers had even employed the vine roots to cook their meals. Fortunately large quantities of charcoal were arriving at Balaklava, and although the seige works did not improve by the employment of the Turkish troops in bringing up this necessary article, the comfort of the army was materially increased. Warm clothing also arrived; but sickness could not be reduced.

About the middle of January there was a marked improvement in the weather, and on the 21st. a French Division afforded valuable relief to the British by relieving the pickets of the Second and Light Divisions, and enabled the latter to afford better covering parties for their batteries. It was fortunate at this period that the enemy was ignorant of the small number of men employed in their defence.[169]

The hospitals in Constantinople, from the improvements effected therein under the superintendence of Florence Nightingale, were already bearing fruit, by the number of convalescent soldiers constantly returning to the Crimea.

On the 2nd. of March occurred the death of the Emperor of Russia, and the event appeared at first calculated to lead to peace, but that hope soon vanished. During this month the operations of the siege began to be more actively carried on; large working parties were employed, and an approach was made from the middle ravine to the twenty-one gun battery; a new approach was also made to the right of the advanced work, or third parallel; this trench was extended to communicate with the new French right attack against the Mamelon and Malakoff; old batteries were repaired, and new ones constructed, and the guards of the trenches were increased. On the 16th. of March, Lieutenant-General Simpson arrived to undertake the duties of Chief of the Staff, and Sir John McNeill and Colonel Tulloch, who had been sent out by the government, to report upon the state of the army, arrived a few days before.

Frequent night alarms occurred during this month, and on the morning of the 22nd. of March, the French troops in the advanced parallel moved forward, and drove the enemy out of their rifle-pits in their immediate front, but nothing of any importance happened during the day. Early in the night, however, a serious attack was made upon the French works in front of the Victoria redoubt, opposite the Malakoff tower. The firing, which was very heavy, could scarcely be heard in the British camp, the wind being so boisterous. After attacking the head of the sap which the French were carrying on towards the Mamelon, the Russians fell in with two heavy masses on their new parallel, to the rear of which they succeeded in penetrating, after a gallant resistance. Passing along the parallel and in rear of it, until they came in contact with the troops stationed in the advanced parallel, extending into the ravine, from the right of the British advance, where it was connected with the French trench, the enemy was there met by detachments of the 77th. and 97th. regiments, forming part of the guard of the trenches, who although thus taken suddenly, both in flank and rear, behaved with the utmost gallantry and coolness.[170] The detachment of the 97th., which was on the extreme right, and which, consequently first came in contact with the enemy, repulsed the attack at the point of the bayonet. They were led by Captain Hedley Vicars, who fell mortally wounded, not before he had knocked over two Russians. The “Memorials” of this officer are well known in every English home, and dissipate the prevalent error that christian and military virtues cannot be united. His life was an exemplification of the motto of the 97th., “_Quo fas et Gloria ducunt_.” Lord Raglan stated in his despatch,—“I am assured that nothing could be more distinguished than the gallantry and good example which he set to the detachment under his command;” and added, “the conduct of the 77th. was equally distinguished; and the firmness and promptitude with which the attack, in this part of our works, was met, were in the highest degree creditable to that regiment.”

These troops were under the direction of Major Gordon, of the Royal Engineers, who was severely wounded by a musket-ball through the arm. The Russians were finally driven out of the parallel, the repulse being conducted with great judgment by this officer.

The attention of the troops in the advanced works having been by these transactions drawn to the right, the enemy took occasion to move upon, and succeeded in penetrating into, the left front of the British right attack, near the battery where two ten-inch mortars had recently been placed. They advanced along the works until they were met by a detachment of the 7th. and 34th. regiments, which had been at work in the neighbourhood, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Tylden, of the Royal Engineers, who promptly made them stand to their arms, and led them with the greatest determination and steadiness against the enemy, who were speedily ejected from their works, and fairly pitched over the parapet, with but little or no firing on the part of the British. The French, in retiring from their advanced parallel upon their supports, speedily rallied, and fell upon the enemy, whom they repulsed with great loss, and followed so far up towards the Mamelon, that they were enabled to level and destroy nearly all the “ambuscades,” or “rifle concealments,” erected along their front. This success was not accomplished without considerable loss, though that of the Russians was much greater.

Meanwhile the enemy in great numbers found their way into the advanced batteries on the extreme left of the British, which were then not armed, and immediately obtained possession of them. The working parties were, however, speedily collected and re-formed by Captain Chapman, of the 20th. regiment, Acting Engineer, and they at once drove the Russians out of the trenches with the utmost gallantry. Captain Montagu, of the Royal Engineers, who was superintending the works, unfortunately fell into their hands.

There was a suspension of hostilities for about three hours on Saturday, the 24th. of March, for the purpose of burying those who had fallen in the late encounters, when it became evident from the number of bodies of the enemy, and of the French, to whom the last sad offices had to be paid, that the loss sustained both by the French and the Russians had been very severe, particularly that of the latter. Some French, too, were found lying close to the Mamelon, a proof that their gallant spirit had carried them up to the enemy’s entrenchments.

At this period of the siege, a sixty-eight pounder manned by the Naval Brigade, caused so much damage to the Mamelon, that the Russians specially brought up a gun of similar calibre to dismount it. During the truce on March 24th., this fact was made known to the British by a Russian officer, and the next day a regular duel took place between the two guns. The enemy were confident of success, but after the interchange of about seventeen shots, the Russian gun was silenced, while that of the Naval Brigade continued battering the Mamelon as before.

SECOND BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL.

During Easter Sunday, the 8th. of April, 1855, the busy hum of preparation might be heard in the allied camp, the second bombardment of Sebastopol having been resolved on for the morrow. Showers had been frequent during the day, and in the evening there was heavy rain; the trenches in consequence became flooded, and in more than one battery the drenched soldiers were standing in eight inches of water; this comfortless position was not improved by the darkness of the night and the gale which was blowing. A thick fog and drizzling mist heralded in the morning of the 9th. of April, which prevented the enemy’s works from being seen; but about half-past five the outlines of the Redan and Malakoff were discerned, the mist having partially cleared. A few minutes afterwards and the first gun fired from the British batteries, was followed almost immediately by the whole of the right and left attacks, with the single exception of No. 9 battery, right attack; and on the French attacks commencing, the south side of Sebastopol was environed by the fire of the allies. The fleet had no share in this bombardment.

It was evident that the besieged were taken by surprise, as for a short interval they did not return a shot, and it was almost six o’clock before anything like a general fire was opened by the enemy. Heavy rain fell throughout the day, and the southerly wind driving the smoke from the allied batteries over the town, completely concealed it and prevented the effect of the fire being observed. Towards one o’clock a somewhat brisker fire was opened by the enemy, which was immediately checked by the British and French batteries. When the mist was somewhat dispelled, towards three in the afternoon, these works were noticed to be considerably injured. Towards evening the fire of both parties, as if by consent, slackened, but at daylight on the following morning the fire was resumed from all the batteries, to which the enemy vigorously responded. By ten o’clock, the sun, so long a stranger, burst out, and the heavy rain subsided. The fire of the Malakoff was considerably lessened, while that of the Mamelon was soon checked; not so that of the Redan, which still continued formidable. The fleets advanced at mid-day, on the 11th. of April, but did not attack. Both officers and men of the Royal Artillery now became exhausted, having had only two reliefs since the afternoon of the 8th., and their unparalleled exertions and overwork began to tell upon them. So swollen were the men’s feet from being constantly wet that they were fearful of not being able to get on their boots again if they attempted to take them off. Nevertheless both officers and men toiled on with persevering resolution, and few gave up, although many were fitter for the hospital than for these trying duties.

Another day dawned, and the 12th., as the others, opened with fire. But the Russians, like the shoes of the dancing princesses in the fairy-tale, seemed to be as fresh as ever, their resources appearing inexhaustible; and their courage and determination being fully equal to the emergency. The mornings of the 13th., 14th., 15th., and 16th. of April, witnessed the repetition of the previous ones, and the day after orders were received from Lord Raglan to lessen the fire from all the batteries, which was nearly confined to that from the mortars, some of the guns firing daily about eight rounds. The Russians also ceased firing.

Thus the second bombardment of Sebastopol terminated without any decided result. Eight days’ incessant firing had not succeeded in silencing the fire of the Russians, or in destroying their works, although some of the heaviest guns and mortars ever employed on a like occasion, had been served with a precision, zeal, and determination unequalled in any siege, but had not produced that permanent effect which might have been anticipated from its constancy, power, and accuracy. The advantages obtained daily over the Malakoff and Mamelon, were, as before adverted to, repaired by night, and their fire was not sufficiently subdued to justify an assault being attempted. Forty-seven thousand eight hundred and fifty-four rounds of ammunition (thirty-two thousand five hundred and sixty-eight shot, and fifteen thousand two hundred and eighty-six shell) had been expended during this second bombardment, which lasted from the 9th. to the 16th. of April, both days inclusive.

CONTINUATION OF THE SIEGE.

Large rifle-pits having been made by the Russians in front of the advanced works of the British right attack, it became necessary to dislodge them. One of these rifle-pits was gallantly taken during the night of the 19th. of April. The resistance of the enemy, although obstinate, was speedily overcome by the impetuosity of the troops, and the pit was, without the loss of a moment, connected with the British approach, thereby furnishing protection to the working party to continue its labours without interruption for a considerable time. At the interval, however, of about three hours, the enemy brought a heavy fire of artillery and musketry upon the party in advance of the pit, into which they retired, and which they effectually defended and maintained; but this brilliant achievement was not accomplished without considerable sacrifice of life. Colonel Egerton, of the 77th., was killed when forming troops for the support of those on the extreme advance; and Captain Lemprière, of the same regiment, fell in the first affair; in which also, Colonel Egerton received a contusion that only incapacitated him from duty for a few minutes. Five officers were wounded, three of them dangerously. A second rifle-pit was abandoned by the enemy on the following night, and not being required, was filled up by the British. The other rifle-pits were connected with each other and the quarries.

The “Staff Officer” relates the following characteristic anecdote, in reference to the rifle-pits.—“A drummer-boy of the 77th. regiment went with his comrades in the first rush agains the enemy’s pits, when he saw a Russian trumpet-boy trying to clamber over the parapet in order to get away. He was immediately collared by our drummer, who, having no arms, began to pummel him in truly British fashion. The Russian boy, not understanding this mode of treatment, tried to grapple with him, but in this he signally failed, as the English boy threw him on the ground, made him a prisoner and took his trumpet from him. He afterwards gave it to Sir George Brown, who liberally rewarded him, and praised him much for his courage and daring. Lord Raglan, hearing of the circumstance, also made the boy a present.”

During the night of the 5th. of May, the enemy assaulted the advanced parallel on the right attack, and some actually got into the trench; but they were speedily driven out and repulsed with the utmost gallantry, by the detachments occupying it, of the 30th. and 49th. regiments, under Captain Williamson and Lieutenant Gubbins, of the former, and Lieutenant Rochfort, of the latter, who was severely wounded. On the same night Captain Arnold, of the 4th. Foot, was wounded and taken prisoner whilst posting the advanced sentries of the left attack, and died of his wounds. Lord Raglan stated that “the loss of the services of this officer is greatly to be lamented. He had done his duty unremittingly, and in the most spirited manner, throughout the operations of the siege.”

Two serious assaults were made by the enemy upon the most advanced parallel of the right attack, during the night of the 9th. of May, but they were, on each occasion, most nobly met, and repulsed with considerable loss.

During the following night the Russians opened a powerful fire on the trenches, and exposed their columns to a heavy musketry fire from the troops on duty. They did not, however, reach the parapets, nor approach very near them.

On the night of the 11th. of May, a very determined sortie was made upon the advance of the left attack. The enemy moved forward in two columns from the Woronzoff road. The advanced sentries having slowly retired, the guard of the trenches was prepared to receive them, and drove them back in the most determined manner. A few Russians only got into the parallel, and five were left dead close outside.

One of the most memorable events of the month was the presentation of the Crimean Medal by Her Majesty to the officers and men of the troops, and of the Naval Brigade and Marines, who, from ill-health, or on account of wounds, had returned from the seat of war. The Queen had already shown her interest for the wounded, by visiting them in hospital, and this requital of their valour was a becoming sequel. Never had such an honour been thus conferred; and it was a most touching sight to witness the officers and men, many of whom by their pallid countenances or maimed limbs, affectingly appealed to the sympathy of all, receiving from their Sovereign’s own hands the well-earned guerdon of bravery; they represented, as it were, their brethren in arms before the beleaguered city, and the recital of this day’s proceedings must have exercised a great effect upon the troops before Sebastopol, although it was no new thing for them to experience the Queen’s consideration.

This interesting ceremony took place on the parade of the Horse Guards, on the 18th. of May, 1855, in the presence of numerous spectators, including the members of the Royal Family, and of both Houses of Parliament, for whom galleries were erected, as well as for the fortunate persons who were enabled to obtain tickets. Every exertion was made to accommodate as many as possible, and the ceremony, which was of a most impressive and affecting character, is not one easily to be forgotten.

Colonel Sir Thomas Troubridge, Bart., of the 7th. Royal Fusiliers, who lost both his feet at Inkermann, and Captain Sayer, of the 23rd., who had the ankle joint of his right leg shot away at the Alma, were drawn in wheeled chairs. Captain Currie, of the 19th. regiment, desperately wounded at the Alma, approached on crutches, with his disabled leg supported by a soldier. To these, as to many other officers whose wounds still crippled them, the Queen addressed expressions of kind commiseration, and Sir Thomas was appointed one of her aides-de-camp.

The recipients of the medal were subsequently marched to Buckingham Palace, in the riding-house of which the men partook of a substantial repast, during which the Queen and royal party visited them. The officers were entertained at luncheon in the palace. Until the announcement of dinner the whole were permitted to walk in the gardens of the palace, and there, likewise, Her Majesty encouraged them in their enjoyment by her presence and sympathy. The formation of the troops was superintended by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who had been compelled, through ill-health, to return to England.

Renewed exertions were made during this month by the allies, the railway which had been constructed proving of immense benefit. The enemy at the same time were actively employed in covering their advanced works; they constructed a new battery on their left of Mamelon, and troops were constantly in motion on the north side. A welcome reinforcement had arrived, in the shape of a portion of the Sardinian troops. The expedition which had been embarked early in May, for Kertch, and countermanded, again sailed on the 22nd. of May, and was attended with complete success. It was composed of British, French, and Turkish troops, commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown, and Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons,[171] the French being under General D’Autremarre.

The forts were forced, and the magazines were exploded by the Russians themselves; but all their guns, an immense quantity of corn, grain, munitions of war, naval stores, and military equipments, fell into the hands of the troops. A most serious blow to the enemy was thus effected, and the whole coast of the Crimea became open to the allies, and the difficult route through Perekop was the only road by which reinforcements or provisions could be sent to the troops in Sebastopol.

After leaving a sufficient garrison, principally Turks, in Kertch and Yenikale, the greater portion of the troops returned to Balaklava on the 15th. of June. It was a matter of congratulation that so much was effected without loss of life.

An expedition to Anapa was in course of preparation, when on the 5th. of June, the Russians withdrew from that place, and thus abandoned their last stronghold on the coast of Circassia.

THIRD BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL.

The third bombardment of Sebastopol was commenced at about half-past two o’clock in the afternoon of the 6th. of June, instead of at daybreak as in the two former instances. Circumstances, too, were more favourable, for on this occasion a summer sky made the works stand out in bold relief, instead of being veiled in rain and mist. The additional weight of metal of the British guns, and the increase in the number of mortars, added to the plentiful supply of ammunition in the several batteries, augured a speedy termination of the siege. The Mamelon and Malakoff by half-past four were nearly silenced.

The firing re-commenced at daybreak on the 7th. of June. The Russians, with their wonted promptitude, having made good the damage sustained, kept up a vigorous fire from the Redan and Barrack batteries, and the Mamelon and Malakoff soon became in the same plight as before.

It was determined to make the attack on the enemy’s outworks from the Quarries in front of the Redan, on the Mamelon, and on the Ouvrages Blancs, during the evening; and at six o’clock, as the Anglo-French troops formed in the trenches, a crushing fire told with great effect on the Mamelon, which, in half an hour afterwards, was occupied by the French. The mortars and guns were then turned on the Malakoff, towards which the French advanced, but were driven back, and the Mamelon was again in possession of its original owners, but after a short interval was once more re-occupied by the French. A heavy fire was then poured into the Malakoff until dusk.

Whilst the French had succeeded in their attack upon the Mamelon (so named from its appearance—a rounded hill), the British had obtained possession of the Quarries. This success was thus achieved:—On the evening of the 7th. of June, an assault was made upon these works, which, as their name implies, were pits from which stone had been excavated for the buildings in the town. They were situated in front of the Redan, from the British advanced parallel in the right attack. Their possession was achieved with great gallantry and determination, and the ground was maintained, notwithstanding that during the night and in the morning of the 8th., repeated attempts were made to regain them; but each terminated in failure, although supported by large bodies of troops, by heavy discharges of musketry, and by every species of offensive missile. On these occasions, overpowering numbers succeeded in re-entering, but were each time driven back at the point of the bayonet.

The troops employed in storming the Quarries were composed of detachments from the Light and Second Divisions, and at night they were supported by the 62nd. regiment. The charge of holding the Quarries, and of repelling the repeated attacks of the enemy, was confided to Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Campbell, of the 90th., after he had led the assault, in which he was twice wounded. Colonel Shirley, of the 88th., acted as General of the day in the trenches of the right attack. The 55th. regiment received special commendation, and had fifty-three out of one hundred and sixty killed and wounded. Captain Cure commanded the party; Lieutenant Stone was killed at the head of his men, charging the Russians in their trench with the bayonet; Captain Elton was particularly noticed, and Lieutenants Scott and Williams were likewise named as most active in performing their duties.

Shortly before, the French, on the right, had moved out of their trenches, and attacked the Ouvrages Blancs, and the Mamelon. These were carried without the smallest check, and their leading column rushed forward and approached the Malakoff tower. This it had not been contemplated to assail and therefore the troops were brought back, and finally established in the enemy’s works, from which the latter did not succeed in expelling them, notwithstanding that the fire of musketry and cannon brought to bear upon them was tremendous. Nothing could be more spirited and rapid than the advance of the French.

A heavy fire was opened on the morning of the 9th. of June, and it was continued, with the exception of a truce for the burial of the dead, which lasted from one till six o’clock. No sooner was the white flag lowered than both sides again opened fire, the Russians having, during the interval, mounted additional guns in the Malakoff and Redan. During the 10th. of June, the Malakoff and Redan rarely fired more than a few shots at long intervals. Again the bombardment was ordered to terminate, and it was decided that the attack on the town should be deferred until the French had established their batteries in the Mamelon. By the 16th. of June new batteries were completed, which, it was hoped, would enable the besiegers to resume the offensive with the utmost vigour. From the 6th. to the 14th. of June, thirty-two thousand eight hundred and eighty-three rounds of ammunition had been expended.

FOURTH BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL.

The fourth bombardment commenced on Sunday, the 17th. of June, at daybreak, when a very heavy fire was opened from all the batteries in the British and French trenches, and maintained throughout the day. The effect produced was so satisfactory, that it was resolved the French should attack the Malakoff on the following morning, and that the British should assail the Redan as soon after as might be considered advisable.

It was originally proposed that the artillery fire should be resumed on the morning of the 18th., and should be kept up for about two hours, with a view of destroying any works which the Russians might have thrown up during the night, and of opening passages through the _abatis_ that covered the Redan; but during the evening of the 17th., Lord Raglan received an intimation from General Pelissier, who had in May succeeded General Canrobert in the command of the French army, that he had determined, upon further consideration, to cause the French attack to take place at three o’clock on the following morning. Before that hour Lord Raglan with the head-quarter staff and other officers assembled at the appointed post. As day broke the French commenced their operations, and as their several columns came within range of the enemy’s fire they encountered the most serious opposition, both from musketry and the guns in the works which had been silenced the previous evening. Lord Raglan observing this, at once ordered the British columns to move out of the trenches upon the Redan. It had been arranged that detachments from the light, second, and fourth divisions, which were placed under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown, should be formed into three columns; the right one to attack the left face of the Redan, between the flanking batteries; the centre to advance upon the salient angle; and the left to move upon the re-entering angle formed by the right face and flank of the work; the first and last preceding the centre column.

On the signal being given the flank columns at once advanced, preceded by covering parties of the Rifle Brigade, and by sailors carrying ladders, and soldiers carrying wool-bags; but they had no sooner shown themselves beyond the trenches than they were assailed by a most murderous fire of grape and musketry, and all in advance were either killed or wounded.

Major-General Sir John Campbell, who led the left attack, and Colonel Shadforth, of the 57th., who commanded the storming party under his direction, were both killed, as was also Colonel Yea, of the Royal Fusiliers, who commanded the right column.

“I never before witnessed,” writes Lord Raglan, “such a continued and heavy fire of grape combined with musketry from the enemy’s works, which appeared to be fully manned; and the long list of killed and wounded in the light and fourth divisions, and the seamen of the Naval Brigade, under Captain Peel, who was unfortunately wounded, though not severely, will show that a very large proportion of those that went forward fell.”

By half-past three it was perceived that the French had not succeeded in their attack upon the Malakoff. All the batteries were ordered to resume their fire as heavily as possible, but about half-past seven the firing slackened, in consequence of the attack being relinquished.

The superiority of the fire of the allies had led both Lord Raglan and Pelissier to conclude that the anniversary of Waterloo would have been crowned with a happier result; but the Russians shewed that their resources were not yet exhausted, and that they had still the power, either from their ships or from their batteries, to bring an overwhelming fire upon their assailants.

Whilst the direct attack upon the Redan was proceeding, Lieutenant-General Sir Richard England was directed to send one of the brigades of the third division, under the command of Major-General Barnard, down the Woronzoff Ravine, with a view to give support to the attacking columns on his right; and the other brigade, under Major-General Eyre, still further to the left, to threaten the works at the head of the Dockyard Creek.