Crimean War
1854 – 1855
From the first clashes in 1854 to the final fighting in 1855, find the full chronology of this conflict below, with the forces engaged, commanders and consequences for France in each battle.
Era : Modern Era
- 1854 Battle of the Alma Victory
The Battle of the Alma was first major land engagement of Crimean War. It opposed Franco-British-Ottoman army to Russian troops of General Menshikov entrenched on strategic height north of Alma River. Objective was to open road to Sevastopol. While British attacked center of Russian lines, French crossed river to west and decisively scaled heights. Victory was costly but complete, forcing Russians to retreat toward Sevastopol.
- 1854 Battle of Balaklava Indecisive
The Battle of Balaklava is known for famous British cavalry charges, notably Charge of the Light Brigade, but French troops also played crucial role in defending allied right flank. Russian objective was to break Sevastopol siege by attacking British positions at Balaklava, essential logistics port. Fighting was intense and confused but Allies managed to contain Russian offensive, though victory was not decisive.
- 1854 Battle of Inkerman Victory
The Battle of Inkerman saw massive surprise Russian attack against isolated British troops on heights. Fighting in fog on rugged terrain became chaotic and extremely bloody. Decisive intervention of French troops, notably General Bosquet's brigades, saved British position from complete collapse. Despite numerical inferiority Allies inflicted heavy defeat on Russian forces.
- 1855 Capture of the Malakoff Redoubt Victory
Assault on Malakoff redoubt constituted most decisive military operation of Sevastopol siege. Commanded by Mac Mahon, French attack seized nerve center of Russian defensive system. While British troops failed to take Great Redan, French stormed redoubt with sappers, trenches, and intense artillery bombardment. Capture of Malakoff triggered immediate Russian evacuation of Sevastopol, ending 11-month siege.
- 1855 Battle of the Chernaya Victory
The Battle of the Chernaya opposed numerous but poorly coordinated Russian army to solidly established Franco-Piedmontese defensive line. Russians, in desperate attempt to break Sevastopol siege, crossed Chernaya River to attack allied positions. Forewarned, French of General Bosquet and Sardes of Durando resisted fiercely and inflicted heavy defeat on assailants. This battle confirmed collapse of Russian offensive strategy in peninsula.