2-913-956 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Siege of Sebastopol - Explosion of a Powder Magazine in the English Trenches, 1854. Crimean War. Despatch from General Canrobert: 'Yesterday, at sunrise, we opened fire, in concert with the English army. Matters were going on well, when the explosion of a powder-magazine belonging to a battery - which, unhappily was a large one - created some disturbance to our attack. This explosion had the more effect, as our batteries were accumulated round the spot where it took place. The enemy took advantage of it to increase their fire; and, after consulting the General commanding the artillery, I deemed it advisable to suspend our fire to repair our damage, and complete on our right, by new batteries, nearer to the English lines, our system of attack. This delay is certainly much to be regretted, but cannot be helped; and I am taking every means to render it as short as possible'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.