Battle of Inkerman
The Battle of Inkerman was a pivotal and intense engagement during the Crimean War, taking place on November 5, 1854. It involved a surprise attack by approximately 35,000 Russian soldiers under General Aleksandr Sergeyevich Menshikov against British forces, who were significantly outnumbered by more than six to one. The battle began in the early morning shrouded in heavy fog, leading to chaotic and brutal hand-to-hand combat characterized by the use of bayonets and rifle butts. Despite Russian advantages in manpower, their reserves did not engage, while French reinforcements arrived later to support the British. The fighting continued throughout the day, resulting in a decisive defeat for the Russian forces, who suffered around 12,000 casualties. In contrast, British and French losses were significantly lower, with the British losing about 2,500 troops. The outcome of the battle prevented the Russians from breaking the allied siege of Sevastopol, ultimately influencing the course of the war. The battle is remembered for its fierce combat and the determination shown by the British and their allies.
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Battle of Inkerman
Type of action: Ground battle in the Crimean War
Date: November 5, 1854
Location: Crimean peninsula
Combatants: Russians vs. British and French
Principal commanders:British, Fitzroy James Henry Somerset, Baron Raglan (1788–1855); Russian, General Aleksandr Sergeyevich Menshikov (1787–1869) and Prince Mikhail Gorchakov (1795–1861)
Result: British and French victory
The Battle of Inkerman was the largest and most deadly single battle of the Crimean War. At dawn, 35,000 Russian troops led by General Aleksandr Sergeyevich Menshikov attacked the British under the cover of a heavy fog. The British were outnumbered by more than six to one, and their Guards regiments bore the brunt of the assault. Weather conditions ensured confusion on the battlefield. The battle dragged on all day and consisted primarily of hand-to-hand combat, often with bayonets and rifle butts. Russian reserves of 22,000 men under the command of Prince Mikhail Gorchakov inexplicably made no move to join the battle, but French troops arrived to support the British in the afternoon, and their charges ultimately led to a decisive Russian defeat.
By the end of the battle, the main Russian force had suffered 12,000 casualties. Stray cannon fire also killed 15 of Gorchakov’s reserves. British losses amounted to 2,500 and French to less than 2,000. British commander Fitzroy James Henry Somerset, Baron Raglan, was subsequently promoted to field marshal.
Significance
The Russian forces failed to break the increasingly tight allied circle around Sevastopol and prevent a lengthy siege of the city.
Bibliography
Barthorp, Michael. Heroes of the Crimea: The Battles of Balaclava and Inkerman. London: Blandford, 1992.
Edgerton, Robert B. Death or Glory: The Legacy of the Crimean War. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press, 1999.
Mercer, Patrick. “Give Them a Volley and Charge!”: The Battle of Inkermann, 1854. Staplehurst, England: Spellmount, 1998.
Newman, George. The Prisoners of Voronesh: The Diary of Sergeant George Newman, 23rd Regiment of Foot, The Royal Fusiliers, Taken Prisoner at Inkerman. Old Woking: Unwin Bros., 1977.