The crimean war: 1854-56

• What years did the Crimean War take place?

  1854-1856
• How had the British style of land warfare changed since the French Wars?

  It had hardly changed at all.
• What type of opposition did the British Army face in colonial wars in India and Burma?

  Poorly armed opposition in mass formations.
• What was the primary infantry formation used by the British Army during the Crimean War?

  Infantry in line firing muskets with artillery support.
• What was the state of the British Army's uniforms during the Crimean War?

  They were mostly bright red jackets, identical to those worn at Waterloo.
• What was the assumption about the Russian army's strength compared to the British?

  The Russian army was assumed to be weaker, but little was actually known.
• What was the advantage of the new French Minie rifle over the muskets used by most Russians?

  It had three times the range of the muskets.
• What type of projectile did the Minie rifle fire?

  A Minie ball, which was a large projectile that could inflict serious wounds.
• When was the last major European battle fought by the British Army before the Crimean War?

  Since Waterloo.
• What event in 1857 shocked the British military's complacency?

  The Indian Rebellion.
• What were the challenges faced by the British Army's supply systems during the Crimean War?

  They had an obsolete commissariat and slow transport systems.
• What was the British Navy's role in the Crimean War?


  To blockade the Russian fleet, transport the army, safeguard supplies, and lend gunfire support.
• What was the state of the British Navy during the Crimean War?

  It was one of Britain's best fighting tools and was modernizing, albeit slowly.
• What type of ships were used in the Crimea?

  A mix of wooden steamers and sailing vessels.
• How had the army's support services changed since the French Wars?

  They had changed little and were still largely dependent on civilian contractors.
• What were some shortcomings revealed in the British Army's leadership during the Crimean War?

  A lack of professionalism among officers, inability to communicate and co-operate, and inadequacy of medical treatment.
• When did the Battle of the Alma take place?

  20th September 1854.
• Who led the British army expedition that arrived in Varna in June 1854?

  Lord Raglan.
• What was the objective of the allied armies during their campaign in the Crimea?


  To take the naval base of Sevastopol quickly.
• What was the outcome of the first battle at Alma?

  The British and French outnumbered the Russians and had naval gunfire support.
• What were the issues with the coordination of the allied forces during the Battle of the Alma?

  The battle was confused, with little coordination between the French and British attacks.
• What was the British objective during the Battle of the Alma?


  To capture a Russian Earthwork called the “Great Redoubt.”
• What happened to the Russian artillery during the British infantry's advance at the Alma?


  The Russians removed their guns and retreated.
• What was the outcome of the Light Division's attack on the redoubt?

  They took the redoubt but then lost it to a Russian counter-attack.
• How did the Highland Brigade contribute to the battle at Alma?

  The Highland Brigade forced the Russians to withdraw after a fierce fight.
• What leadership issues were revealed during the Battle of the Alma?

  Indecisiveness from Raglan and confusion among the troops.
• What did Captain Biddulph complain about in his letter to his father?

  He complained about not receiving clear instructions.
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Alma for the allies?


  If the allies had lost, the Crimean War might have ended there.
• What did Raglan want to do after the Battle of Alma?


  He wanted to attack Sevastopol at once.
• What was the French army's stance after the Battle of Alma?

  They disagreed with Raglan and argued for a prepared siege assault.
• What was the significance of Balaklava for the allies?

  It was a village with a secure deep harbour used as a base.
• What mistake did the allies make during their preparations for the siege of Sevastopol?

  They wasted too much time on unnecessary work, allowing the Russians to strengthen their defenses.
• When did the Battle of Balaclava occur?

  25th October 1854.
• What was the strategic significance of the Causeway Heights during the Battle of Balaclava?

  It overlooked Balaclava and posed a threat to the harbour and road to Sevastopol.
• What were the three famous actions that arose from the fighting at Balaclava?

  The Stand of the 93rd Foot, the Cavalry charges of the Heavy and Light Brigades, and the “thin red line.”
• How did the Highlanders of the 93rd Foot respond to the Russian cavalry charge?

  They stood their ground despite being outnumbered.
• What was the outcome of the Charge of the Heavy Brigade?

  The British cavalry broke through and the Russians retreated.
• What led to the infamous mishap of the Charge of the Light Brigade?

  Confusion over vague orders from Raglan and miscommunication among the officers.
• What happened to Captain Nolan during the Charge of the Light Brigade?

  He was killed by an exploding Russian shell.
• What was the death toll for the Light Brigade after their charge?

  113 out of 673 were killed, with 134 wounded.