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History of the Crimean War with details about the battles
fought in the Crimea.
 | Battle of Alma |
| Battle of Balaclava |
| Battle of Inkerman |
| Battle of Sebastopol |
| The Siege of Sebastopol, 1854-55
 | The allied forces of France and England lay before the frowning
walls of the great fortress in which the Russian Army had taken
refuge. It was their intention to make a combined attack
from sea and land, but Prince Menschikoff had rendered this
impossible by the desperate expedient of closing the entrance to
the harbour by sinking six of his own warships. On October
17th the bombardment began from the plateau on which the allies
had entrenched themselves. But the guns made little
impression, and it was evident that the city could be reduced only
by a long and tedious investment. The conditions were
unfavourable. Difficulties of transport and inefficient
administration at home subjected the men to terrible
privations. Huddled together in trenches that were either
frozen or knee deep in mud, they were badly clothed and often
hungry. In September 1855, this long endurance ended.
Five bombardments had left the city as stately as ever.
White domes and red sandstone buildings rose behind the bastions,
terrace above terrace, on the dark hill side. But fate was
closing round the doomed fortress. With a suddenness that
paralysed the enemy every gun opened from sea and land.
Fiercer and fiercer grew the cannonad, until wide breaches gaped
in the enormous earthworks and walls of granite crumbled like sand
heaps. The British batteries alone fired over one hundred
thousand rounds at the solid face of the Redan and the high front
of the Malakhoff. Night gave a brief respite, but at dawn
the bombardment was renewed with unabated vigour. For three
days it continued, and on the 8th of October the allies formed for
the grand assault. Thirty thousand Frenchmen, supported by
five thousand Sardinians, threw themselves into the Malakhoff and
held it gallantly through a fiercely contested day. The task
before the British was even more desperate. They were to
attack the Redan - a work of great strength which the Russians
defended bravely. To scale the parapet with ladders was to
face a murderous fire, and to gain a foothold on the walls was to
meet a rush of bayonets. The "red devils" as the
Russians named our soldiers, fought desperately to win their way
into the fortress and succeeded. But the enemy, reinforced
from the Malakhoff, drove this handful of daring invaders into a
corner of the parapet and hurled them headlong on the advancing
lines until the ditch was filled with a struggling mass swept by
musketry fire. The attack was to have been renewed by the
Guards and Highlanders, but the Russians had had enough.
They withdrew in the night after firing the city and scuttling the
ships in the harbour. Without beat of drum they streamed
away over a bridge of boats and left Sebastopol in possession of
the allies. (extract from British Battles 1898) |
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| Scots Greys During the Battle of Balaclava
| Across the valley of
Balaclava there stretched a chain of hillocks four in number, upon which the
Turks had constructed redoubts armed with a few heavy ship's guns. With the
object of attacking our position, the Russians detached a strong body of horse,
together with some guns and several battalions of infantry. These troops, at
about seven in the morning, attacked the redoubts, and in spite of the efforts
of some of our artillery and cavalry, succeeded in storming and carrying one
after the other, the Turks bolting like hares towards the Highlanders' position.
A little later a strong body of Russian infantry moved down to the valley,
preparatory to an attack in force, their front covered by a line of artillery.
The second redoubt fell; again was seen the spectacle of Cossack chasing Moslem;
and then the third little fort was attacked. |
| The Highlanders,
meanwhile, were drawn up at a distance of about half a mile from the Russians,
who halting to enable the rear squadrons to close up, prepared to charge and
annihilate the gallant 93rd. Brave old Colin Campbell never altered their
formation, but received that tremendous onslaught in line, to use the world
famous phrase "with that thin red line tipped with steel". The
Russians were simply mown down, and the survivors fled. Another body of Russian
cavalry, pursuing the flying Turks, surged up to the ridge which concealed our
cavalry. The Heavy Brigade was drawn up in two lines. The first consisted of the
Scots Greys with the Inniskillings; the second was composed of the 4th Royal
Irish, 5th Dragoon Guards, and 1st Dragoons. As the Heavies were moving from
their position in order to cover the approaches, the enemy's cavalry came after
them over the ridge. Lord Lucan saw the danger, galloped after his men, wheeled
them round, and ordered them to advance. The first Russian line was composed
evidently of some corps d'elite, clothed in a gorgeous light blue uniform
glistening with silver. A large body of Lancers came up behind them, and the
rear was brought up by a body of Dragoons in grey. |
| The trumpets of the
Heavies rang out successively the advance, the trot, and the charge. Like a
thunderbolt the Greys and Inniskillings went straight at the centre of the
enemy. Wheeling slightly to the left the Greys swept on with a tremendous force
and loud shouts. On they went, gathering force and pace at every stride. There
came a terrific crash as the opposing forces met. Through and through their
ranks the gallant Heavies charged. By sheer weight and strength and indomitable
courage the stalwart troops and their weighty grey horses pierced rank after
rank, until they were again seen far among the rearmost squadrons of the
Russians. The rest of the Heavies followed on in no less gallant a manner, until
the whole mass was writhing beneath the irresistible onslaught of our men. |
| In
the midst of the sanguinary struggle the tall, stalwart form of the adjutant of
the Greys, Lieutenant Miller, was seen standing in his stirrups, and yelling
with all his strength - "Rally - the Greys!". All those who were able
fought their way towards him panting, wounded and covered with dust and blood,
and cleared a space round him. As many of the regiment as could be collected
were formed up, and once more charged. Just then a squadron of the Inniskillings
dashed in on the left of the Russians. The Charge of the Heavy Brigade was over.
The encounter was won. Again the unflinching Dragoons were victorious, and more
than ever entitled to the motto "Nulli Secundus." |
| Fine old
Sir Colin Campbell rode up later on, and uncovering cried : "Greys! Gallant
Greys! I am sixty-one years old, and if I were young again I should be proud to
sever in your ranks!" |
| The enthusiasm of the troops who witnessed
this glorious charge of the Heavies was unbounded. Officers and men raised their
caps and shouted and cheered as the effects of the charge was apparent in the
rout of the Russians which ensued. Lord Raglan, who with his staff, occupied a
commanding position on a ridge, overlooking the scene of the struggle, sent one
of his aides-de-camp to General Scarlett who had led the charge with unfaltering
courage. "His Lordship bids me say, Sir," said that officer,
"that the charge was admirably executed." |
| The Russian cavalry
retired in much confusion after this heavy blow, while shot after shot from the
batteries plunged through their disordered ranks. After the charge the Heavy
Brigade moved up to the neck of the valley just about the time the Light Cavalry
had been ordered to charge the Russian guns. The Greys who, together with their
old Waterloo comrades the Royals, were in the first line, where exposed to a
tremendous crossfire from the guns and from the musketry of the Russian infantry
who had then occupied in force the captured redoubts, but they escaped fairly
well. |
| Despite the tremendous fighting, the loss of the Greys was very
slight. Their total casualties were two men and 14 horses killed, and four
officers, five sergeants and 48 men wounded. Sergeant-Major Grieve when he
rescued an officer who was in imminent danger of being killed in the melee. He
was cut off and surrounded by the enemy, when Grieve caught sight of him.
Charging up to the spot, the Sergeant-Major cut down one Russian, and disabled
and dispersed the others. For this conspicuous bravery Grieve was one of the
proud band of 62 sailors and soldiers paraded before Her Majesty on June 26th
1857, in Hyde Park, when the most highly prized decoration in the British Army,
the Victoria Cross, was pinned to his breast by the Queen's own hand. Another
non-commissioned officer of the regiment also signally distinguished himself on
that historic occasion, and for his bravery received the much coveted Victoria
Cross. Sergeant Ramage first of all saved the life of a wounded comrade; then he
rescued another from no less than seven Russians, whom he dispersed; and wound
up the day dismounting in the valley and taking a Russian prisoner, whom he
brought off in triumph. Excerpt from the Navy and Army Illustrated January 15th
1897 by G F Bacon |
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The Thin Red Line by Robert Gibb.
There is no retreat from here, men! said General Sir Colin Campbell (who at that moment may have said to have commanded the regiment in person) as he cantered along the front of the 93rd You must die where you stand To which some of the Highlanders replied cheerily Ay Ay, Sir Colin if needs be well do that.
Nearer and nearer the Russian Squadrons approached - the ground trembling beneath their horses feet, and gathering speed at every stride, they galloped on towards that thin red streak, topped with steel the Sutherland Highlanders awaited the onslaught of the enemys horsemen in line, without a movement in their ranks. I would not even form four deep! was the reply of Sir Colin, when remonstrated with for giving the Russians such a chance. Cool as if on Birthday parade The Sutherlands stood until their foes were within 600 yards, then down on their knees they dropped the front rank, and delivered a steady volley. But the distance was too great, and, though a few saddles were emptied, the Russians pressed forward unchecked. On they rode, till scarcely 200 yards separated them from the intrepid Highlanders. When the rear rank brought their Minies to the present and over the heads of their kneeling comrades pourd a withering fire into the enemys masses.
Shaken to their very centre, the Russian Squadrons fell back, but, encouraged by their gallant leaders, they determined to make one last bid for victory, and wheeling around, endeavored to turn the Highlanders right flank. here they were checkmated by the grenadier Company, which received the charge with such a volley, that the Russians went Files about and scampered off to seek the shelter of their guns.
Open edition print. Size 30in x 15in (76cm x 38cm) . Price £45.00
Open edition print. Image size 22 inches x 13 inches (56cm x 33cm). Price £38.00
Card size 6 inches x 4 inches and image size 5.5 inches x 3 inches. Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM0065
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Alma Forward the 42nd by Robert Gibb.
The Black Watch advance up the slopes of the hills overlooking the River Alma, defeating the Russian defenders. A British Victory in the Crimean Campaign.
Open edition print. Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm). Price £45.00
Open edition print. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £38.00
ITEM CODE DHM0012
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Comrades by Robert Gibb.
A dying soldier of the Black Watch is supported by his comrade, while another stands to protect them, as the ranks of the Highlanders march on, after the battles at Sebastopol during the Crimean war.
Open edition print. Image size 25 inches x 16 inches (64cm x 41cm). Price £45.00
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £500.00
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £390.00
ITEM CODE DHM0431
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Comrades by Robert Gibb.
A dying soldier of the Black Watch is supported by his comrade, while another stands to protect them, as the ranks of the Highlanders march on, after the battles at Sebastopol during the Crimean war.
Open edition print. Special Promotion : This print is 30% off for a limited time only! Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £31.92
ITEM CODE DHM0017
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Royal Artillery 10in Howitzers by Campion.
Open edition print. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £28.00
Open edition reprint, on fine water colour stock. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £80.00
ITEM CODE VAR0461
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Royal Artillery Field Batteries Taking up Position by Campion.
Open edition print. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £28.00
Open edition reprint, on fine art paper. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £80.00
ITEM CODE VAR0462
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Letters from Home by Robert Gibb.
Sutherland Highlander Officers, are shown in camp, reading letters from home, during the Crimean war.
Open edition print. Image size 15 inches x 24 inches (38cm x 61cm). Price £38.00
Open edition print. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DHM0498
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The Queen Bidding Farewell to the Guards on their Departure for the Crimea, 1854 by Harry Payne. (P)
From Battles of Her Majestys Reign, Published 1890.
Original antique chromolithograph book plate. Paper and Image size 13 inches x 9.5 inches (33cm x 24cm). Price £120.00
ITEM CODE VAR0645
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The Mission of Mercy. Florence Nightingale Receiving the Wounded at Scutari by Barrett. (GS)
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £390.00
ITEM CODE GITW5557
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Scots Guards Saving the Colours at Alma by Lady Elizabeth Butler.
Depicting Captain Lindsay of the Scots Guards advancing with the colours which were shot through and staff broken. By this example he helped to restore order after a Russian onslaught had put the regiment in disorder.
Open edition print. Image size 30 inches x 19 inches (76cm x 48cm). Price £45.00
Open edition print. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £38.00
ITEM CODE DHM0048
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Alma Forward the 42nd by Robert Gibb.
The Black Watch advance up the slopes of the hills overlooking the River Alma, defeating the Russian defenders. A British Victory in the Crimean Campaign.
Open edition print. Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm). Price £45.00
Open edition print. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £38.00
ITEM CODE DHM0012
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The 33rd (Duke of Wellingtons) Regiment storming the Great Redoubt at the Battle of Alma, 20th September 1854 by David Rowlands.
Signed edition print, 250 copies. Image size 23 inches x 15 inches (58cm x 38cm). Price £58.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 23 inches x 15 inches (58cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £500.00
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £390.00
ITEM CODE DHM0546
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The Battle of Alma by Felix Philippoteaux.
The Black Watch is shown with the Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards in the distance advancing up from the river Alma to attack the Russian forces at the top of the surrounding hills.
Open edition print. Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm). Price £45.00
Open edition print. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DHM0090
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Comrades by Robert Gibb.
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Sergeant Luke OConner Winning the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Alma by L.W. Desanges.
Although shot in the breast, bravely carries forward one of the colours at the Battle of Alma, 20th September 1854.
Open edition print. Image size 23 inches x 17 inches (58cm x 43cm). Price £38.00
ITEM CODE DHM0224
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Fording the Alma by Lewis H. Johns.
The second battalion the Rifle Brigade preparing the way across the River Alma.
Open edition print. Image size 24 inches x 16 inches (61cm x 41cm). Price £38.00
Open edition print. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £13.00
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £500.00
Limited edition of 200 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £390.00
ITEM CODE DHM0488
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The Light Division Carrying the Heights of Alma, Crimea 1854 by Harry Payne.
From Battles of Her Majestys Reign, Published 1890.
Special edition of 25 reprints. Paper and Image size 12 inches x 9 inches (31cm x 23cm). Price £18.00
Original antique chromolithograph book plate. Paper and Image size 13 inches x 9.5 inches (33cm x 24cm). Price £120.00
ITEM CODE VAR0640
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Battle of the Alma, 1854 by Henry Dupray (P)
Original antique print c.1890. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £75.00
ITEM CODE HD0029
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The Wounded Coldstream Guardsman by Alfred D Prades.
Open edition print. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £13.00
Original painting by Alfred D Prades. Size 9 inches x 13 inches (23cm x 33cm). Price £2500.00
ITEM CODE VAR0200
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