Crimea War Flashcards
(69 cards)
What year did Britain and France declare war on Russia, marking the beginning of the Crimean War?
1854
How many soldiers were in the British army that sailed for the Crimea in 1854?
26,000
Who was the Commander-in-Chief of the British army from 1827-1852?
Wellington
What was Wellington’s stance on calls for army reforms?
He believed they were demands for cuts in military spending
Who was the head of the British expeditionary force during the Crimean War?
Lord Raglan
What notable military experience did Lord Raglan lack by the time of the Crimean War?
He had not seen active service since 1815
What was the age of Chief Engineer Sir John Burgoyne during the Crimean War?
72
What system ensured wealth often triumphed over ability in the British army?
The system of buying commissions
Who were the principal sources of officers in the British army?
The landed gentry and military families
Which departments were involved in military administration during the Crimean War? List at least three.
- Secretary of State for War and the Colonies
- Secretary-at-War
- Commander-in-Chief
What were some of the poor conditions of service that affected recruitment in the British army?
- Overcrowded and insanitary barracks
- Poor pay
- Heavy toll of overseas service on life and health
- Use of flogging for various ‘crimes’
- Long service duration (21 years for infantry, 24 years for cavalry)
What was the expectation for the British army in terms of victory over Russia in 1854?
A quick and comprehensive victory
What type of weapon gave British troops a significant advantage in the Crimean War?
Rifled muskets
How accurate was the British Enfield rifle compared to Russian muskets?
Accurate at over 400 yards; most Russian muskets had an effective range of under 100 yards
What were the main forces involved in the landing at Crimea in September 1854?
63,000 British and French troops
They landed unopposed and marched towards Sebastopol.
Who commanded the Russian army at the battle of Alma?
Prince Alexander Menshikov
He occupied a strong defensive position on the heights above the River Alma.
What was the outcome of the battle of Alma?
The Russian forces were forced to withdraw
This was due to fierce fighting despite being outnumbered.
What weaknesses were highlighted among the British troops after the battle of Alma?
- Poor leadership by some officers
- Many troops were untrained
Despite these weaknesses, the British Army fought well.
What significant decision did the French high command make after the battle of Alma?
They refused to march immediately to take Sebastopol
This allowed the Russians to regroup.
What was the situation of the allied forces during the siege of Sebastopol in October 1854?
They laid siege to Sebastopol, giving Russians time to improve defenses
Raglan’s army took positions around Balaclava.
What happened on 25 October during the battle of Balaclava?
A misunderstood order led to the Light Brigade attacking Russian artillery
Out of 664 men, 110 were killed, 130 wounded, and 58 taken prisoner.
What was the outcome of the battle of Inkerman in November 1854?
The Russians retreated after suffering 11,000 casualties
The British lost 597 killed and 1,860 wounded.
What were the conditions like for soldiers during the Crimean winter of 1854-5?
Cold and wet, with shortages of tents and firewood
Men were unable to cook or stay dry and warm.
What problem did the British face in transporting supplies during the siege?
Transport from Balaclava to the siege lines was difficult
Incompetent officials failed to provide essential supplies.
