Chapter XVII: Part 17

The success achieved by the third division on this eventful day, was detailed in a supplementary despatch from Lord Raglan. By this it appears that the first brigade, under Major-General Barnard, proceeded down the Woronzoff Road, and was placed in position on the right of the ravine, ready to co-operate with the columns of attack on the right; whilst the second brigade, under Major-General Eyre, moved down the ravine which separated the left of the English from the right of the French advanced works, for the purpose of attacking the enemy’s ambuscades, and making a demonstration on the head of the Dockyard Creek.

The service was performed with the utmost gallantry, and, notwithstanding that they were exposed to a most galling fire, the troops maintained themselves in the position they had taken up during the day, and in the evening withdrew, unmolested, leaving a post at the cemetery, which had been one of the objects of the attack in the morning.

Between one and two o’clock a.m., Major-General Eyre had moved off with his brigade, consisting of the 9th., 18th., 28th., 38th., and 44th. regiments (total strength about two thousand bayonets), and proceeded down the ravine, on the left, by the French picket-house, for the purpose of attacking the enemy’s ambuscades, and of making a demonstration on that side.

In attacking the first of these ambuscades the troops were anticipated by the French, who cleverly took the Russians on their left flank as they advanced in front, and made several prisoners. Beyond this the French had no instructions to co-operate, and the Major-General therefore pushed on an advanced guard, under Major Feilden, 44th. composed of marksmen from each regiment, supporting it on the right by the 44th. and 38th., and on the left by the 18th. regiment, keeping at first the 9th. and 28th. in reserve.

The enemy, whose strength could not be estimated, occupied a strong position; their right rested on a mamelon, their left on a cemetery. These points were occupied by marksmen. The intervening ground was intersected, and the road barricaded with stone walls, which the men were obliged to pull down, under fire, before they could advance. In rear of this position, towards the fortress, the Russians occupied several houses, and there were bodies of them seen in rear, as reserves. This position, under the fire of the guns of the fortress, was strong, and it could not be expected to be carried and retained without incurring considerable loss, and which was experienced both in officers and men, all most nobly discharging their duty. The 18th. regiment pushed on, and occupied some houses immediately under Garden Battery. The 44th. occupied some houses on the right, from whence they kept up a fire on the enemy’s embrasures. Lieutenant-Colonel Lowth moved on with his regiment (the 38th.), and after taking possession of some houses in front, endeavoured to turn the flank of a battery which annoyed the troops in front. These parties were afterwards from time to time reinforced or relieved by the 9th. regiment, the 28th. regiment being drawn up in line in rear, to support the whole.

Having driven the enemy from these points, they were continued to be occupied, with the view to ulterior movements, in the event of the attack on the right being successful, and until it was decided what portion of the ground should be retained for siege operations.

The position was held until late in the evening, when the troops, after being exposed all day to a concentrated fire from the guns of the fortress, in addition to some field guns brought up by the enemy, were gradually withdrawn, the ground being too far in advance to be permanently occupied for siege operations, when Major-General Eyre, who had received a wound in the head in the early part of the day, gave over the command of the brigade to Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, of the 28th. regiment. No attempt was made by the enemy to molest the troops on their retiring. The losses sustained amounted to thirty-one officers, forty-four sergeants, and four hundred and eighty-seven rank and file killed or wounded.

On the 19th. of June orders were received to discontinue the bombardment, during which, from its commencement on the 17th., twenty-two thousand six hundred and eighty-four rounds of ammunition had been fired against Sebastopol.

Twenty-two officers were killed and seventy-one wounded. Two hundred and thirty men were killed, one thousand one hundred and thirty-six wounded, and twenty-four missing. The French losses exceeded this number.

On the 28th. of June, 1855, the following extract of a telegraphic despatch from Lord Panmure was published to the army in the Crimea:—“I have Her Majesty’s Commands to express Her grief that so much bravery should not have been rewarded with merited success; and to assure her brave Troops that Her Majesty’s confidence in them is entire.” This was the last general order published by Lord Raglan, for about nine o’clock of the above day his gallant spirit breathed its last. Posterity will endorse the Minister for War’s expression of Her Majesty’s grief for this great loss. “The country has been deprived of a brave and accomplished soldier, a true and devoted patriot, and an honourable and disinterested subject.” His lordship’s remains were borne to Kamiesch Bay, and placed on board the Caradoc, for conveyance to England, the officers and men of both armies vieing with each other in paying the last honours to the departed warrior.

In the absence of Lieutenant-General Sir George Brown, on account of ill-health, the command of the forces devolved on Lieutenant-General Simpson, the next senior officer, upon whom the Queen conferred the appointment of Commander-in-Chief of the Army in the Crimea.

At five o’clock on the morning of the 10th. of July, a heavy fire was opened upon the Redan, by the allied batteries, in order to assist the advances upon that work, to which the besieged responded, at intervals, with considerable warmth. This had the effect of checking the musketry fire, which had proved very annoying. Comparative tranquility reigned in the batteries until the 17th. of July, when the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the French in the Mamelon, which was answered by the British on the Tower and Redan.

During the night of the 22nd. of July, the Russians opened a heavy fire of musketry from the parapets of the Malakoff and adjacent works, but they did not attempt an attack. They opened a similar fire in the course of the night on the left of the French. It is believed that they apprehended an attack from the French, and for this reason opened the above fire, which did no damage to either the works or soldiers.

Between ten and eleven o’clock at night on the 2nd. of August the enemy made a sortie in considerable force, by the Woronzoff road. Their strength was computed to be about two thousand, and their object was to destroy a heavy iron _chevaux-de-frize_, made across the above road, between the right and left attacks, and being further supported by heavy columns in rear, to take advantage of such circumstances as might present themselves. They advanced with loud cheers and bugling, and were received with great gallantry by the advanced picket, under the command of Lieutenant R. E. Carr, of the 39th., who withdrew his men, firing at the same time upon the enemy, to the main body, under the command of Captain Leckie, of the same regiment.

A heavy and well-directed fire was opened upon the enemy by the party under the latter officer, on the Woronzoff road; as also by the guards of the trenches on the right of the fourth parallel, under the command of Captain Boyle, of the 89th., and Captain Turner, of the 1st. Royals, which, in about ten minutes, caused the enemy to retire from an attack that, if it had not been so well met, might have been a serious affair.

Thus passed the time during July and August in repelling sorties from the enemy, combined with an occasional heavy firing, and in preparations for a renewal of the bombardment. As the movements of troops in Sebastopol, and the reliefs moving to and from the Russian works, could be observed from the deck of the flag-ship of Sir Houston Stewart, “Hannibal,” which was anchored off the mouth of the harbour, a telegraphic communication was established between it and a station erected on the hill in front of the light division. This directed the fire of the mortar batteries, and caused serious losses to the enemy.

In the beginning of August the troops had been unceasingly employed in strengthening and improving the advanced works, which, by the 10th., had become so close to the enemy, that it was with the greatest difficulty any approach could be made. Every precaution was taken by the allies to prevent the Russians forcing them to raise the siege by a vigorous attack from without, which was anticipated about the middle of this month.

The Czar’s last hope of relieving Sebastopol was dissipated by the battle of the Tchernaya gained over the Russians on the 16th. of August. This brilliant success was achieved by the French and Sardinian troops, and the enemy’s attempt to pass the above river, although made with overwhelming numbers, met with a most decisive repulse. The British cavalry, under Lieutenant-General Sir James Yorke Scarlett, were placed in the plain of Balaklava, prepared to take advantage of any circumstance that might present itself, but the opportunity did not arise for calling upon their services.

FIFTH BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL.

The fifth bombardment of Sebastopol commenced at daylight on the 17th. of August, the fire being directed against the Malakoff and Redan, which continued throughout the day: the Russian fire, which at first replied briskly became feeble by the evening. The fire[172] from the batteries of the allies was reported by General Simpson, in his despatch of the 21st. of August, to have been very effective, and the result attained to have been sufficient to enable the works against the place to progress satisfactorily.

On the night of the 30th. of August, the enemy’s pickets made a rush at the advanced trench, upset a few gabions, and killed Lieutenant Preston, of the 97th. In this affair Captain Pechell, of the 77th., who commanded the advanced party, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bunbury, of the 23rd. regiment, who commanded the supports, behaved with great gallantry.

The brightness of the nights prevented a large amount of work being executed, and what was performed became a task of great difficulty. By the 1st. of September the head of the sap was about one hundred and fifty yards from the salient of the Redan, and the garrison interrupted the work by all possible means.

FINAL BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL.

Now arrived the time for the sixth and final bombardment of Sebastopol, before which the allies had been nearly a year. It was ordered that the firing should commence steadily on the morning of the 5th. of September, and as the day progressed it was to be increased, it being so regulated that a sufficient quantity of ammunition should remain for a very heavy fire during the assault, which was to take place on the morning of the 8th. The French commenced a tremendous cannonade about five o’clock a.m., the British batteries opening on the Redan and Malakoff. During the 6th. and 7th. the bombardment continued, and on the morning of the 8th. the whole of the batteries were in full play. At a few minutes before noon the French signal was given, and their columns moved to the front. The Russians were at dinner, and the Malakoff was taken by surprise without loss. This work was retained by the French, who repulsed every attack to regain possession of it. The tri-colour planted on the parapet was the signal for the British to advance; and the fire of the artillery having made as much of a breach as possible in the salient of the Redan, it was decided that the columns of assault should be directed against that part, as being less exposed to the heavy flanking fire by which the work was protected.

The arrangement for the attack were entrusted to Lieutenant-General Sir William Codrington, who carried out the details in concert with Lieutenant-General Markham. The Second and Light Divisions were to have the honour of the assault, from the circumstance of their having defended the batteries and approaches against the Redan for so many months, and from the intimate knowledge they possessed of the ground. The assaulting column was to be formed by equal numbers of these two Divisions, the column of the Light Division to lead, and that of the Second to follow.

Leaving the trenches at the preconcerted signal, the troops moved across the ground, preceded by a covering party of two hundred men, and a ladder party of three hundred and twenty. Upon arriving at the crest of the ditch, and the ladders being placed, the men immediately stormed the parapet of the Redan, and penetrated into the salient angle. Major Welsford, of the 97th., who led the storming party, was killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Henry Handcock, commanding the regiment, was mortally wounded. Here a most determined and sanguinary contest was maintained for nearly an hour, but, though supported to the utmost, and the greatest bravery displayed, it was found impossible to maintain the position. It was a marvel that any escaped.

Colonel Windham’s gallantry on this occasion brought that officer’s name prominently before the public. One of his messages reached the trenches, and the right wing of the 23rd. was in consequence ordered out by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Codrington, when a brilliant advance was made, and a most severe loss sustained. All was of no avail; the soldiers of the several corps employed had displayed undaunted courage, but unfortunately the attack was not successful.

A loss of twenty-nine officers killed, and one hundred and twenty-five wounded, together with three hundred and fifty-six non-commissioned officers and men killed, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-two wounded, and one hundred and seventy-five missing, bore fatal evidence of the severity of the struggle.

General Simpson, whilst enumerating the services of the army, did not omit the sister service; in his despatch it was stated that “The Naval Brigade, under the command of Captain the Honourable Henry Keppell, aided by Captain Moorsom, and many gallant officers and seamen who have served the guns from the commencement of the siege, merit my warmest thanks.”

Her Majesty’s navy, commanded by Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, and ably seconded by Sir Houstoun Stewart, received special mention. Of the former it was stated “when at times affairs looked gloomy, and success doubtful, he was at hand to cheer and encourage; and every assistance that could tend to advance the operations was given with the hearty good-will which characterizes the British sailor. Nothing has contributed more to the present undertaking, than the cordial co-operation which has so happily existed from the first between the two services;” also the conduct of the Royal Engineers, and of Major-General (afterwards Sir Harry) Jones; the latter, although suffering on a bed of sickness, was conveyed on a litter at the eventful hour of the assault, to witness the completion of his arduous undertakings. The Royal Artillery, under Major-General (afterwards Sir Richard) Dacres, the chief of the Staff, the Adjutant and Quartermaster-Generals, and General Staff, as well as Generals commanding divisions and brigades, were all likewise thanked for their cordial co-operation and assistance.

It was determined to renew the attack on the following morning, with the Highlanders, to be supported by the Third Division; this was arranged by General Simpson with Lieutenant-General Sir Colin Campbell, who commanded the Highland Brigade, and Major-General Sir William Eyre commanding the Third Division. The Highland Brigade occupied the advanced trenches during the night. About 11 o’clock the enemy commenced exploding their magazines, and Sir Colin Campbell, having ordered a small party to advance cautiously to examine the Redan, found the work abandoned. It was not, however, deemed necessary to occupy it until daylight.

During the night extensive explosions were heard, and great fires were seen in the town. It soon became known that the Russians were retiring from the south to the north side, by means of the raft bridge recently constructed, and which was afterwards disconnected and conveyed to the other side. The men-of-war were all sunk during the night.

In Mrs. Henry Duberly’s “Journal kept during the Russian War” occurs the following description of the Redan after the final contest:—“What wonderful engineering! What ingenuity in the thick rope-work which is woven before the guns leaving only a little hole, through which the man laying the gun can take his aim, and which is thoroughly impervious to rifle-shot! The Redan is a succession of little batteries, each containing two or three guns, with traverses behind each division; and hidden away under the gabions, sandbags, and earth, are little huts, in which the officers and men used to live. Coats, caps, bayonets lay about, with black bread and broken guns.”

Thus ended the great siege of Sebastopol. The fortress had fallen, but Prince Gortschakoff, in his retreat, sustained his well-earned fame. The following telegraphic message was transmitted to the Commander of the Forces in the Crimea:—

“The Queen has received with deep emotion the welcome intelligence of the Fall of Sebastopol. Penetrated with profound gratitude to the Almighty, who has vouchsafed this triumph to the Allied Army, Her Majesty has commanded me to express to yourself, and through you, to her Army, the pride with which she regards this fresh instance of their heroism.

“The Queen congratulates her Troops on the triumphant issue of their protracted siege, and thanks them for the cheerfulness and fortitude with which they have encountered its toils, and the valour which has led to its termination.

“The Queen deeply laments that this success is not without its alloy, in the heavy losses that have been sustained; and while she rejoices in the victory, Her Majesty deeply sympathizes with the noble sufferers in their country’s cause.

“You will be pleased to congratulate General Pelissier, in Her Majesty’s name, upon the brilliant success of the assault on the Malakoff, which proves the irresistible force, as well as the indomitable courage of our brave allies.

“(Signed) PANMURE.”

With the fall of Sebastopol the “Medal” History of the Campaign in the Crimea terminates, and it therefore only remains to add, that in October following Kinburn was captured by the troops under Brigadier-General the Honourable Augustus Spencer, and the garrison of thirteen hundred men became prisoners. The troops employed on this successful service consisted of an escort of cavalry, four guns, the 17th., 20th., 57th., and 63rd. regiments, and two battalions of Marines.

The Crimean campaign will be ever remembered for the first employment, to any extent, of the rifled musket, the use of which has created a revolution in warfare. Other novelties, before alluded to, were also adopted. The sacrifice of life during this protracted siege was immense, but the numbers who died from disease far exceeded those who fell on the field of battle.[173]

French War Medal.
]

On the 11th. of November, General Sir William Codrington, K.C.B., succeeded to the command of the army in the Crimea, General Sir James Simpson having resigned that appointment. Further proceedings were deferred in consequence of the commencement of winter, and in February, 1856, a suspension of hostilities took place. This was followed by a treaty of peace, which was signed at Paris on the 29th. of March.

By official returns it appears that over two hundred and fifty-one thousand shot and shell, weighing upwards of nine thousand tons, were fired during the siege, and that more than one thousand two hundred tons of powder were used. The expenditure of ammunition was nearly one million five hundred thousand rounds, or a thousand tons a day. The position of the Russians extended about fifteen miles, whilst the trenches of the besiegers were fifty-two miles in length, and comprised one hundred and nine batteries, armed with eight hundred and six pieces, the guns and mortars being of a calibre seldom before used in a siege. For three hundred and thirty-four days the trenches were open, and the batteries for three hundred and twenty-seven days.

British valour and endurance were eminently shewn during this campaign, and the troops, firm to a sense of duty, never disappointed the expectations of their countrymen. The gallantry of the French soldiery, too, and the mutual good-will existing between the allied armies, cemented by dangers and difficulties common to both, will ever be remembered, whilst the Sardinian forces will dwell upon the battle of the Tchernaya, and be inseparably linked with the valorous deeds performed before Sebastopol.

THE FRENCH MILITARY WAR MEDAL.

In addition to the Decoration of the Legion of Honour given to officers and men of the Army and Navy who had distinguished themselves, the Emperor of the French sent five hundred of the French Military War Medal for distribution to a proportion of the British Army. The medal is silver-gilt, and has on the obverse the head of the Emperor, within a blue enamelled circle, inscribed “Louis Napoleon,” surrounded by a laurel wreath. On the reverse are the words “Valeur et Discipline,” surrounded by a similar circle and wreath; the whole surmounted by the Imperial Eagle displayed, with a loop for suspension. Ribbon—Orange, with green edges. Only two officers received this medal, His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, and Sir Wm. Codrington.

* * * * *

The deeds of the following non-commissioned officers and men, who were selected for recommendation to His Majesty, to receive the above medal, not only furnish exciting episodes, but are valuable as examples of military daring, endurance, and kind-heartedness:—

FOURTH DRAGOON GUARDS.—Regimental Sergeant-Major WILLIAM JOYCE,
Sergeant RICHARD COOKE, and Private PATRICK HOGAN; exemplary and
uniform good conduct during the campaign of 1854 and 1855.
Sergeant-Major JOSEPH DRAKE, exemplary conduct in living in the same
tents with, and unremitting attention to, numerous men when ill and
dying of cholera in the Crimea in 1854 and 1855.

FIFTH DRAGOON GUARDS.—Acting Regimental Serjeant-Major J. RUSSELL,
served during the whole Eastern Campaign from May, 1854, until the end
of the war, and was never absent from his duty a single day; he was
present at the Battle of Balaklava, on which occasion he had his horse
killed under him, but procured for himself a second horse, and
immediately rejoined the regiment; he was also present at Inkermann.
Troop Sergeant-Major S. GRIFFITH, served throughout the whole Eastern
Campaign, from May, 1854; whilst the regiment was in Bulgaria, and
cholera raging to a fearful extent, he was most indefatigable in
attending to the wants of the sick; he was present at the battles of
Balaklava and Inkermann, and never absent from duty during the whole
period of the war. Troop Sergeant-Major WILLIAM STEWART, served in the
Eastern Campaign from May, 1854, until the end of the war; was present
at the battle of Balaklava, on which occasion he had two horses killed
under him, but still continued to act, procuring a third horse, and
remaining in action with his regiment; was present at Inkermann, and
never absent from his duty a single day throughout the war. Sergeant
M. DAVIDSON, served throughout the whole of the Eastern Campaign; was
present at Inkermann, Balaklava, and the whole of the siege of
Sebastopol.

SIXTH DRAGOON GUARDS.—Regimental Sergeant-Major WILLIAM LYONS, and
Private THOMAS EDWARDS; length of service.

FIRST DRAGOONS.—Troop Sergeant-Major JOHN NORRIS, served as Troop
Sergeant-Major during the whole of the Eastern Campaign; was present
at the action of Balaklava, where he distinguished himself by
defending himself against four Russian Hussars, one of whom he killed,
and whose horse he captured. Troop Sergeant-Major MATTHEW BAILEY,
served as a Sergeant during the whole of the Eastern Campaign;
distinguished himself on patrol duty when his party was attacked by
some Cossacks. Private JOHN SAVAGE, served during the whole of the
Eastern Campaign; distinguished himself on outpost duty, and by his
care and attention to his horse during the severe winter.

SECOND DRAGOONS.—Regimental Sergeant-Major JOHN GREENE, Troop
Sergeant-Major GEORGE TILSLEY and Private ANDREW WILSON; gallantry in
the field at the battle of Balaklava on the 25th. of October, 1854,
and exemplary good conduct throughout the campaign, and during their
periods of service. Lance-Sergeant JAMES BORTHWICK, gallantry in the
field in the action of Balaklava, and good conduct during the period
he served in the Crimea.

FOURTH LIGHT DRAGOONS.—Regimental Serjeant-Major JAMES W. KELLY,
Sergeant JOHN ANDREWS, Private THOMAS GUTHRE, and Private GEORGE
MCGREGOR; gallantry and distinguished conduct in the charge of the
Light Cavalry Brigade on the 25th. of October, 1854; served during the
whole campaigns of 1854–5. Were present at the battles of the Alma,
Balaklava, Inkermann, Traktir, and expedition to Eupatoria in October,
1855.

SIXTH DRAGOONS.—Troop Sergeant-Majors T. J. WAKEFIELD and ANDREW
MORTON, and Trumpeter THOMAS MONKES; gallantry in the field in the
action of Balaklava on the 25th. of October, 1854, and served with
uniform good conduct during the whole of the campaign. Private
HUMPHREY POLKINGHORN; embarked with the first detachment of the
regiment for the East, on the 2nd. of June, 1854. Was present with it
in Bulgaria, and during the first winter in the Crimea. Received
clasps for Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol, and distinguished
himself much in the former action.

EIGHTH HUSSARS.—Troop Sergeant-Major JOHN PICKWORTH, Sergeant CHARLES
MACAULEY, Corporal JAMES DONAGHUE, and Private JOHN MARTIN; these men
charged with the Light Brigade at Balaklava; were also present in the
ranks at the Alma and Inkermann, and served with the regiment
throughout the war.

TENTH HUSSARS.—Troop Sergeant-Major WILLIAM FINCH, this
non-commissioned officer was present with his troop, which was engaged
with the enemy near Kertch, on the 21st. of September, 1855, and by
his example and personal bravery was a great support to the officer in
charge of the party.

ELEVENTH HUSSARS.—Troop Sergeant-Major ROURKE TEEVAN, present at the
battles of the Alma and Balaklava, in which latter he led a troop and
behaved gallantly; was also present at the battle of Inkermann.
Sergeant SETH BOND, battles of the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann; at
the Alma, when ordered to pursue and capture prisoners, he exhibited
great subordination in sparing (at the suggestion of a staff officer)
a Russian, who had wounded him; and also at the action of Balaklava
his coolness and gallantry were noticed. Lance-Corporal THOMAS
HARRISON, the battles of the Alma and Balaklava, where he behaved very
gallantly in galloping to the rescue of several comrades who were
fighting against overwhelming odds; was also present at the battle of
Inkermann. Private CORNELIUS TEEHAN, battles of the Alma and
Balaklava, where he behaved gallantly; was also at the battle of
Inkermann. All served the campaign in Bulgaria, in 1854, and were
present at the affair of Bouljanak, and throughout the campaign in the
Crimea from 1854 to 1856. Regimental Sergeant-Major G. L. SMITH,
recommended by the vote of his comrades, who with himself returned
from the Crimea previous to the first issue of the French medal;
served until the 25th. of January, 1856, and was present at the
battles of the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann.

TWELFTH LANCERS.—Corporal J. W. CANNINGS, and Trumpeter JOHN EARSON;
the former served as orderly and the latter as field trumpeter to the
commanding officer in the actions of Tchourgan and Tchernaya, and the
whole of the operations round Eupatoria, under General d’Allonville.

THIRTEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS.—Regimental Sergeant-Major THOMAS G.
JOHNSON, served the Eastern Campaign, including the reconnoissance on
the Danube under the Earl of Cardigan, battles of Balaklava and
Inkermann, siege of Sebastopol, and expedition to Eupatoria. Sergeant
RICHARD DAVIS, and Privates GEORGE DEARLOVE and JOHN FENTON; served
the Eastern Campaign, including the affairs of Bouljanak and
McKenzie’s Farm, battles of the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann, siege
of Sebastopol, and expedition to Eupatoria.

SEVENTEENTH LANCERS.—Regimental Sergeant-Major CHAS. WOODEN, Sergeants
JOHN SHEARINGHAM and JAMES NUNNERLY, and Private CHARLES WATSON; Alma,
Balaklava, and Inkermann, and were never absent from their duties.

ROYAL ARTILLERY.—Sergeant WILLIAM KEMPTON, landed at Varna with ‘I’
Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and was present in every skirmish and
action in which the troop was engaged, including the Bouljanak, Alma,
McKenzie’s Farm, Balaklava, Inkermann, etc.; joined “C” troop the
11th. of June, 1855, and went with the Light Cavalry Brigade to
Eupatoria; present in every affair with the enemy. Sergeant WILLIAM
SCOTT, served with the troop since its leaving Woolwich for service in
the East; present at the battles of the Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann,
Tchernaya, and siege of Sebastopol. Driver ROBERT SMEATON; present
with the troop since its leaving Woolwich for service in the East;
present at the battles of the Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Tchernaya,
and siege of Sebastopol; on the 25th. of September, 1854, this man
gallantly jumped into the river Belbec, and succeeded in saving the
life of a French soldier, who would have been drowned but for the
timely assistance rendered by Driver Smeaton. Gunner and Driver HENRY
WOOD, served in five bombardments with zeal and gallantry, and exerted
himself in bringing in a wounded Croat, under a heavy fire, in the
September bombardment. Gunner and Driver ROBT. BOTFIELD, five
bombardments; one of a spiking party on the 8th. of September, 1855,
as a volunteer. Acting Bombardiers GEORGE GIBSON and WILLIAM J.
BURROWS, skirmish with Russian advanced posts September 19th., 1854;
battle of the Alma, September 20th.; taking of Balaklava, September
26th.; action of Balaklava, October 25th.; repulse of sortie from
Sebastopol, October 26th.; and battle of Inkermann, November 5th.;
also served in the October, 1854, April and June, 1855, bombardments.
Sergeant FREDK. ILES, present at the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann,
and throughout the siege. Gunner and Driver JOHN DOUGLAS, in the
trenches during the October bombardment, and with the exception of one
month, he regularly served in the trenches till the fall of the city,
taking part in every bombardment. Bombardier WILLIAM HEWITT, was
present at the battles of the Alma, and Inkermann, Shell Hill, October
26th., 1854, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
bombardments, and the taking of the Quarries, June 7th., 1855; wounded
in the head, June 18th., 1855. Gunner and Driver JAMES CANNELL,
distinguished himself during six bombardments. Gunner and Driver JOHN
M‘ARDLE, volunteered for the spiking parties on the 18th. of June, and
the 8th. of September, 1855; on the 18th. of June, during the storming
of the Redan, Gunner Glass left the advanced trenches of the right
attack with a few men, and advanced towards the Redan; on getting
about half-way he was badly wounded in three places, Gunner M‘Ardle
crept out of the trenches on his hands and knees, managed to get
Gunner Glass on his back, returning with him into the trenches. Gunner
and Driver JOHN HAY, served throughout the whole of the campaign, from
the first landing in Bulgaria, and was never absent from the battery.
Sergeant RICHARD PERKINS, landed in the Crimea on the 26th. of
December, 1854, and present in all the bombardments since that time;
was recommended by Captain Walcot, Royal Artillery, for distinguished
conduct; specially recommended by Captain Oldfield, R.A., and
forwarded by Lord Raglan with his recommendation for conduct in No. 8
battery, on the 13th. and 14th. of April, 1855. Gunner and Driver
GEORGE DAVIS, served in reserve at the battle of the Alma; at the
battle of Inkermann, as a driver (both his horses killed); in the
siege train from the 12th. of July till the fall of Sebastopol,
including the two last bombardments. Gunner and Driver JOHN POWELL,
distinguished himself in the Sandbag battery; when the embrasure had
caught fire he leaped into it and extinguished the flame under a very
heavy fire; served trench duty from December, 1854, to the 8th. of
September, 1855, and in each bombardment. Sergeant CHRISTOPHER
FITZSIMONS, served in the trenches, without intermission, from the
6th. of March, 1855, to the reduction of the fortress; present at the
bombardments of the 9th. of April, 8th. of June, 18th. of June, and
5th. of September, 1855; commanded the Mortar Battery (No. 10) on
three occasions as a subaltern officer; armed the Quarries after they
were captured by the troops. Sergeant JOHN ADAMS, in the trenches from
December, 1854, until the fall of Sebastopol, including intermediate
bombardments. Sergeant JOHN ACLAND, present at the third and fourth
bombardments; wounded in August, 1855; lost an eye. Corporal JAMES
HAMILTON, was engaged at five bombardments; on the 8th. of September,
1855, he was one of the spiking party in the attack on the Redan; he
also carried a wounded captain of the 3rd. Buffs from the Redan ditch
to the advanced trench; for this act he was recommended for a
distinguished conduct medal. Corporal JOSEPH MILLIGAN, present at the
battle of the Alma and served in the trenches, and was present at all
bombardments. Bombardier JOHN BOWER, one of the spiking party on the
8th. of September, 1855, for which duty he volunteered, and then
greatly exerted himself in bringing in wounded men, until wounded
himself; he was present in the trenches during five bombardments.
Gunner and Driver MICHAEL O’DONOHUE, served in five bombardments with
zeal; one of the spiking party on the 18th. of June, as a volunteer.
Gunner and Driver MICHAEL MALOWNEY, at the skirmish on the 19th. of
September, 1854; battles of the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann;
Tchernaya (in reserve); bombardments of the 9th. of April, 6th. and
17th. of June, 1855. Sergeant JOHN FAIRFAX and Gunner and Driver JAMES
MAGEE, at the skirmish of the 19th. of September, 1854; battles of the
Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann; the former was at the Tchernaya (in
reserve); bombardment of the 9th. of April, 1855; noticed on the field
at battle of Inkermann for his coolness and courage; the latter served
at the bombardments on the 9th. of April, and 6th. and 17th. of June,
1855. Acting Bombardiers JOHN HAGAN and CHARLES HENDERSON, present at
the bombardments of the 9th. of April, 16th. and 17th. of June, 17th.
of August, and the 5th. of September, 1855; the former volunteered for
the assault on the 18th. of June, and the latter for that of the 8th.
of September following. Acting Bombardier DAVID JENKINS, spiked the
guns in the redoubt on Canrobert’s Hill, on the 25th. of October,
1854; remained in the work after the Turks evacuated it, and although
the Russians were advancing rapidly up the hill, he did not quit the
place until he had spiked every gun; Lord Raglan mentioned his name in
a despatch, and by Her Majesty’s command the names of Gunner Jenkins
and three others were forwarded to the Horse Guards. Sergeant JAMES
MCGARRITY, present during the whole campaign, including the battles of
the Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, and the third and fourth bombardments;
took powder to the trenches on the 17th. of October, 1854, under a
very heavy fire. Corporal PATRICK CONWAY, present at the battle of
Inkermann, and was mentioned for very gallant conduct by Major
Boothby, R.A., and Captain Henry, Land Transport Corps, the latter of
whom he assisted in rescuing from the enemy when severely wounded.
Gunner and Driver GEORGE BINES, present at the battle of Inkermann;
third, fourth, and fifth bombardments. Gunner and Driver JAMES
MCGRATH, assisted Sergeant HENRY (who received twelve bayonet wounds
in this service) in limbering-up a gun surrounded by Russians at
Inkermann. Sergeant-Major WALTER FLOCKHART, landed with the siege
train; served in the trenches during five bombardments; present at
Inkermann; was No. 1 of the gun where the parapet was blown out to
allow it to bear on the Russians advancing after the storming of the
Malakoff; slightly wounded in the head. Corporal JAMES BROWNE, ditto;
was present with the eighteen-pounders at Inkermann; volunteered, and
went with spiking party on the 18th. of June, 1855. Bombardier ANGUS
SUTHERLAND, landed with the siege train; served in the first
bombardment; severely wounded in both legs by the bursting of a shell;
served again in the April and subsequent bombardments; at the
explosion of the French gun park was one of the first men to volunteer
to carry away a number of live shell and carcasses. Gunner and Driver
JOHN NORTON, landed in the Crimea with the siege train; served in the
trenches during five bombardments; volunteered to go out with the
rocket tube in front of the twenty-one gun battery. Trumpeter JOHN
M‘CLAREN, came out at the commencement of the campaign; was in Turkey;
present at the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann; volunteered and served
as No. 6 of No. 2 gun at that battle, after Lieutenant-Colonel Dacres
had taken his horse, his own having been shot. Gunner and Driver JOHN
VANCE, present at the battles of the Alma, Balaklava, and Inkermann;
engaged on night fatigues during the whole siege, under fire, taking
ammunition to the trenches. Gunner and Driver PATRICK KNIGHT, engaged
in all the bombardments, and rendered himself conspicuous by his
general coolness and gallantry under fire; wounded in the side by the
bursting of a gun in the first bombardment. Corporal MATTHEW FENTON,
in the trenches before Sebastopol from the 1st. of October, 1854, till
the 8th. of September, 1855, and was also present at the battle of
Inkermann. Sergeant Conductor JOB SMITH, landed in the Crimea on the
30th. of September, 1854; served in the trenches from the 17th. of
October, 1854, to the 8th. of September, 1855, and was present at the
battle of Inkermann with the two eighteen-pounder guns. Sergeant
Conductors JOSEPH BUCHANAN and JAMES BOGGIE, served in six
bombardments. Sergeant JOSEPH SMITH, constant duty in the trenches
from December, 1854. Sergeant JOHN M‘PHERSON, landed at Balaklava in
September, 1854; present during the whole siege and at all the
bombardments; was in No. 7 Battery, left attack, the day it was opened
and knocked to pieces; was slightly wounded on the 20th. of October,
1854; was at Inkermann. Sergeant HENRY BACCHUS, served throughout the
Crimean campaign; at the Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, expedition to
Eupatoria, etc. Gunner and Driver RICHARD WOODBRIDGE, was present at
all the bombardments, and never absent from his duty in the trenches;
particularly distinguished himself at the bombardment of the 18th. of
June, for his zeal and gallant conduct. Sergeant THOMAS WALSH, served
in the trenches from November, 1854, until the fall of Sebastopol, and
displayed on all occasions great bravery and coolness under fire,
setting a good example to young soldiers. Bombardier JOHN TROTTER,
cleared an embrasure in the advanced trenches on the 17th. of August,
1855, under a heavy fire. Corporal THOMAS BETTS, shewed great zeal and
coolness under fire from the 18th. of April to the fall of Sebastopol.
Gunner and Driver THOS. MARGREE, shewed general zeal and attention to
his duties, and great coolness under fire. Bombardier J. BOWER,
gallant conduct at the assault on the Redan on the 8th. of September,
on which occasion he was wounded; always behaved well under fire.
Gunner and Driver E. O’BRIEN, for gallantry in the trenches, and
volunteering for the assault on the Redan on the 18th. of June and the
8th. of September. Gunner and Driver HUGH DAVIS, served with gallantry
at the Alma and Inkermann; specially mentioned by Lord Raglan for his
conduct with the two heavy guns at the latter engagement, where he
lost both his arms by a round shot. Sergeant SAMUEL EWING, shewed
great zeal and energy in command of a gun in the June bombardment;
volunteered for a spiking party and lost a leg. Gunner and Driver
WILLIAM HOVENDEN, strongly recommended for his zeal and gallantry
throughout the siege; lost his leg in the trenches. Gunner and Driver
T. REYNOLDS, for gallant conduct throughout the siege; was wounded,
but remained at his gun until ordered away by an officer. Bombardier
WILLIAM RAMSEY, strongly recommended for gallant conduct under fire
and general attention to duty in the trenches. Sergeant J. MCKOWN,
served with great gallantry in all the bombardments since November,
1854.

ROYAL ENGINEERS.—Colour-Sergeant KESTER KNIGHT, joined the army at
Scutari, in May, 1854; present at every bombardment, and has received
a medal with two clasps; was specially selected by Colonel Tylden for
important daily duties in the trenches of the right attack, and was
subsequently recommended strongly by him for promotion, which he
received. Corporal JOHN ROSS, served at Bomarsund, and joined the army
in the East in December, 1854; since which time he was never absent
from the army; mentioned specially for distinguished conduct in
Brigade Orders, dated the 22nd. of July, and 24th. of August, 1855,
receiving a pecuniary gratuity on both occasions by order of the
Commander of the Forces. Corporal ROBERT HANSON, joined the army at
the Katcha Bivouac, and was never absent from it; has received a medal
and two clasps; was selected for special duties in the trenches by the
director of the left attack, who reported, at the close of the siege,
that he had conducted the operations entrusted to him with ability and
perseverance, whilst under a heavy fire. Second Corporal WALTER
CONNING, joined the army in the East at the commencement of the war,
and was never absent from it; has received a medal with three clasps.
Private JOHN PERIE, ditto; has received the war medal and four clasps;
distinguished himself by frequent good service in the trenches, and
especially at the assault on the Redan, on the 18th. of June, 1855.
Corporal JOHN MCMURPHY, served in the Crimea five months; was present
at the capture of the Quarries on the 7th. of June, 1855, assault on
the Redan, June 18th., bombardment of the 17th. of August, and capture
of Sebastopol; distinguished himself by carrying into the trenches a
wounded soldier from the open, under a heavy fire from the enemy,
before Sebastopol, in August, 1855, for which act of gallantry he was
awarded the sum of three pounds by the Commander-in-Chief of the
Forces. Corporal WILLIAM JAMES LENDRIM, served in the Crimea from
November, 1854, and was several times recorded as having displayed
great skill and coolness under fire.

GRENADIER GUARDS, THIRD BATTALION.—Colour-Sergeant CHARLES SARGEANT,
embarked with the battalion in February, 1854; served without
intermission until the close of the war; was present at the battles of
the Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann (wounded), siege and capture of
Sebastopol. Private ISAAC ARCHER, volunteered as one of the
sharpshooters of the Brigade of Guards in October, 1854; was present
in every action during the war. Private THOMAS ELGER, served during
the whole of the campaign. Private AARON HALE, present during the
whole of the campaign; favourably reported by the engineer officer for
his conduct on the night of the 24th. of August, 1855. Private JAMES
KING, served throughout the campaign; was present in every engagement.
Private WILLIAM MYERS, distinguished conduct in the trenches in
August, 1855, in volunteering to bring in wounded men from the front.
Private WILLIAM WILLIAMS served through the whole campaign.
Pay-Sergeant ROBERT POWLEY, he went out with the battalion in
February, 1854; he was present at the battles of the Alma and
Inkermann, in which latter battle he greatly distinguished himself.
Private WILLIAM NURTON, present at the battles of the Alma and
Inkermann; severely wounded at Inkermann.

COLDSTREAM GUARDS, FIRST BATTALION.—Sergeant-Major SHEPPARD CARTER,
served with the battalion from its embarkation in February, 1854;
actually engaged in the battles of the Alma and Inkermann, and served
in the trenches before Sebastopol. Drill-Sergeant JOHN BURNETT, and
Sergeant WM. REED, embarked with the battalion in February, 1854;
actually engaged at the Alma and Inkermann, and served in the trenches
throughout the siege. Sergeant GEORGE WALDEN, ditto, and was wounded
at the latter battle, which caused him to be absent for a short time.
Privates JOHN WINTER, PHILIP BALLS, and CHARLES TUTT, actually engaged
at the Alma and Inkermann, and did duty in the trenches without any
intermission throughout the siege; Private Winter served since
February, 1854, and Balls and Tutt since July, 1854. Corporal
FREDERICK VILE, for gallant conduct at Inkermann. Private JOHN BOTT,
for general good and gallant conduct during the campaign.

SCOTS FUSILIER GUARDS, FIRST BATTALION.—Pay and Colour-Sergeants
WILLIAM M‘GREGOR, and JAMES BADENOCH, distinguished themselves both at
the Alma, Inkermann, and in the trenches; conduct exemplary throughout
the whole campaign. Drill-Sergeant JAMES LENNOX, in all the actions,
and in the trenches up to the 28th. of February, 1855, when he was
employed at the sanitorium at Balaklava. Sergeant DAVID MANSON, came
out with the battalion; distinguished himself at the Alma; was present
at the other actions, and throughout the siege. Corporal JOHN JUDD,
present in all the actions, and was conspicuous during the siege for
his unwearied zeal when he was constantly employed on a fatiguing
duty. Acting Corporal JOSEPH COULTER, particularly distinguished
himself at the Alma; continuing to fire on the enemy after being
severely wounded. Private JOHN DRUMMOND, distinguished himself
throughout the whole campaign, and was present in all the engagements.
Pay and Colour-Sergeant GEORGE ATTRILL, served with distinction at the
Alma, Inkermann, and in the trenches before Sebastopol; was also
present at Balaklava; he displayed energy, gallantry, and zeal in the
performance of all his duties until invalided. Assistant
Drill-Sergeant GEORGE SHARP, was present at the Alma, Balaklava,
Inkermann, and siege of Sebastopol, in all of which his conduct was
very conspicuous.

ROYAL REGIMENT, FIRST BATTALION.—Sergeant WILLIAM SPARKS, recommended
by officers in charge of covering parties for intrepid conduct and
zealous performance of his duty. Corporal JOHN HORSFALL, and Privates
DANIEL MORAN, and JAMES COLVER, continued faithful service in the
trenches during the whole of the siege operations. Private ANDREW
CAMPBELL, mentioned favourably in orders, through the recommendation
of an engineer officer, for zealous conduct whilst employed on trench
duty. Colour-Sergeant A. J. STEWART, and Corporal W. J. SULLIVAN,
continued devotedness to their duty throughout the siege.

ROYAL REGIMENT, SECOND BATTALION.—Sergeant-Major STEPHEN HUNTER,
constant, active, zealous, and efficient services in the trenches
before Sebastopol, from the 22nd. of April to the 8th. of September,
1855. Sergeant JAMES MULVANY, continuous, zealous, and efficient
service in the trenches, from the 22nd. of April to the 8th. of
September, 1855. Private CHARLES PULFER, constant zeal and alacrity in
the performance of his duty in the trenches, from the 22nd. of April
to the 8th. of September, 1855. Private FREDERICK LOCK, distinguished
zeal and activity in the trenches, from the 22nd. of April to the 8th.
of September, 1855. Drummer HENRY CLARKE, present at the attack on the
Quarries, on the 7th. of June, 1855, when he took a rifle and
accoutrements, and performed the duties of a rank and file.

THIRD FOOT.—Sergeant WILLIAM HEYES, and Privates WILLIAM BROWN, JOHN
CONNORS, JOHN EAGAN, JOHN HALL, and JOHN WALSH, the whole of these men
were repeatedly mentioned for their soldier-like behaviour throughout
the siege; all specially distinguished themselves at the Redan, on the
8th. of September, 1855. Private John Connors received the Victoria
Cross.

FOURTH (KING’S OWN) REGIMENT.—Colour-Sergeant WILLIAM O’GRADY, present
at the head-quarters of his regiment during the whole campaign, and
performed his duty throughout in the most exemplary manner in every
respect. Colour-Sergeant ALEXANDER FLEMMING, ditto, but was absent
from the 2nd. of August, 1855, to the 25th. of December following,
being attached to the commissariat department. Colour-Sergeant ROBERT
MARSHALL, present at the head-quarters of his regiment from the 9th.
of December, 1855; was strongly recommended for zeal and activity in
the performance of his duties in the trenches. Corporal JOHN CLARKSON,
present at the head-quarters of his regiment during the whole
campaign; twice wounded, namely, on the 14th. of April, and the 22nd.
of June, 1855. Lance-Corporal JOHN FITZGERALD, present at the
head-quarters of his regiment during the whole Eastern Campaign;
volunteered and acted as a sharpshooter as long as that force was
employed. Private TEDDY MURRAY, upon volunteers being called for on
the 16th. of October, 1854, to act as marksmen, he was one of the
first to offer his services, and he continued to serve in that
capacity as long as the force was employed. Private JAMES MURPHY,
present at the head-quarters of his regiment during the whole
campaign, and never missed a trench duty until severely wounded on the
18th. of June, 1855. Sergeant JAMES NEWTH, continuous performance of
his duty during the campaign, and in the trenches before Sebastopol,
from the commencement of the siege until the 5th. of June, 1855.
Private JOHN FITZPATRICK, zealous in the discharge of his duties
before Sebastopol, from the commencement of the siege operations until
the 21st. of June, 1855, when he was severely wounded.

SEVENTH ROYAL FUSILIERS.—Sergeant-Major JOSEPH BELL, landed in the
Crimea on the 14th. of September, 1854; engaged at the Alma and
Inkermann, sortie on the 26th. of October, 1854, and both assaults on
the Redan. Colour-Sergeant JOHN WATTS, landed in the Crimea on the
14th. of September, 1854; was engaged at the Alma, and brought the
company out of action; engaged with the enemy on the 26th. of October,
1854, also at Inkermann, on the 5th. of November, 1854, and brought
the company out of action; at the taking of the Quarries, and both the
assaults on the Redan. Sergeants JOHN LAWS and THOMAS POULTON, and
Corporals PATRICK HANLON and WILLIAM MARSHALL, engaged at the Alma and
Inkermann, both assaults on the Redan, in all trench duties, and were
never absent from their regiment; Corporal MARSHALL was wounded on the
18th. of June, 1855. Private MICHAEL EDWARDS, served at the Alma and
Inkermann, at both the assaults on the Redan, and the capture of the
Quarries; especially mentioned by the officer commanding the regiment
on the latter occasion; and never missed a day’s duty in the trenches.
Sergeant-Major WILLIAM BACON, wounded at the attack on the Redan on
the 18th. of June, 1855; and desperately wounded on the 8th. of
September, 1855. Sergeant WILLIAM WHITE, was present at the battles of
the Alma and Inkermann, and in the trenches; left the Crimea in May,
1855.

NINTH FOOT.—Sergeant GEORGE RIPTON, conspicuous for gallantry in the
trenches throughout the siege of Sebastopol. Sergeant EZEKIEL FIRMIN,
exposed himself to great personal risk on the 18th. of June, 1855, in
order to succour Lieutenant-Colonel Lowth, 38th. regiment, when
wounded. Private D. M‘MAHON, exposed himself, and rescued a wounded
comrade in the trenches on the 18th. of August, 1855, when the working
party to which he belonged was driven back by the destructive fire of
the enemy. Private CHRISTOPHER FARRELL, rejoined the 9th. after
volunteering to the 68th. Light Infantry, with which he served with
credit at the Alma, Inkermann, and throughout the siege; volunteered
for and behaved well during the capture of the Quarries on the 7th. of
June, 1855. Private JOHN REDMOND, distinguished himself as a volunteer
for the advance party, during the attack on the Cemetery, on the 18th.
of June, 1855; and generally in the trenches during the siege.
Sergeant ANDREW RIELLY, served with conspicuous zeal in the trenches
throughout the siege, and distinguished himself during the attack on
the Cemetery on the 18th. of June, 1855. Corporal MICHAEL MONAGHAN,
rendered valuable service on the 18th. of June, 1855, by conveying a
letter from his commanding officer to the Brigadier-General, under a
most perilous fire, by which he was wounded on his return; again
wounded in the trenches on the 5th. of July, 1855.

THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.—Sergeant JAMES GODWIN, Senior Sergeant with the
regiment in the trenches during the bombardment, from the 6th. to the
8th. of September; in command of party in the rifle-pit near 2nd.
Boyau, right attack, where he did good service. Private VALENTINE
CORRY, good conduct in the trenches, and good service in the
rifle-pits, 2nd. Boyau, during the night of the 7th. of September,
1855. Corporal EDWARD TALLMANN, severely wounded in the advanced
parallel, right attack, on the 7th. of September. Sergeant THOMAS
COOPEN, good conduct when in charge of a detached party in the
rifle-pits, on the night of the 7th. of September, 1855. Private
FREDERICK STOKES, was severely wounded during the bombardment.

FOURTEENTH REGIMENT.—Sergeant THOMAS COOPER, volunteered with twenty
men to attack a rifle-pit in the Cemetery, left attack, on the 18th.
of June, 1855. Sergeant JOHN MACDONALD, carried off, under fire, from
the open ground in front of the trenches, a wounded man of the 39th.
regiment. Private ROBERT HARRISON, zealous and constant attention to
his duty in the trenches. Private THOMAS CABY, volunteered to go out,
under a heavy fire, to bring in a wounded man from the first Royal
Regiment. Private PATRICK CANTY, a clean and well-conducted soldier in
camp and in the trenches, where he was wounded. Sergeant THOMAS BROWN,
served in the Crimea from the 19th. of January, 1855, to the 6th. of
January, 1856; severely wounded on the 18th. of June, 1855.