Take Sevastopol in a Week... - Page 4

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Jan 12, 2001

Meanwhile full scale preparations for the embarkation proceeded apace. Extensions were built to existing quays, rafts and paddle boats were constructed for loading and landing horses and guns. The regiments were put to work making gabions (wickerwork cylinders which would be used to strengthen earthworks when filled with earth), fascines (stout sticks arranged in bundles for revetting the walls of trenches), and scaling ladders. A great fleet of transports assembled off Varna and the neighbouring port of Balchik.

The Commanders met on 20th August to take a final decision. Both agreed that it was now or never if they were to take Sevastopol before the onset of winter. True, the Armies were far from campaign fit. But cholera was still rife, and staying in Varna would certainly not make them any fitter. Medical opinion was that a sea voyage would improve their health. But in anticipation of further losses from sickness, it was vital to take the maximum possible number of troops. Embarkation would commence on the 24th, and the fleet would set sail on 2nd September.

On August 25th both Marshals issued their general proclamations. Saint Arnaud told his troops that Providence had called them to the Crimea, a country as healthy as France; ere long the three united flags would float over Sevastopol. Lord Raglan's instructions were characteristically more prosaic: 'The invasion of the Crimea having been decided on, the troops will embark in such ships as shall be provided for their conveyance.'

Sources

Christopher Hibbert 1961 The Destruction of Lord Raglan Wordsworth Editions Ltd 1999

A.W.Kinglake 1863-87 The Invasion of the Crimea Blackwood

Baron de Bazancourt 1857 L'Expédition de Crimée Librairie d'Amyot

Trevor Royle 1999 Crimea Little, Brown & Co

E.E.P Tisdall 1963 Mrs Duberly's Campaigns Rand McNally & Co

Lt Col John Adye CB 1860 A Review of the Crimean War EP Publishing Ltd (1973)

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