The Crimean War - The Battle of Inkerman 1854

The Battle of Inkerman - 5th November 1854.
Known as "The Soldiers Battle"

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See more videos about the Crimean War:

The Battle of Balaclava

The Charge of the Light Brigade

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In a 7 hours battle fought in dense fog, 8,000 British soldiers held off an attack by nearly 40,000 Russians.

In the confusion of the fog, the battle broke down into individual encounters where it was down to individual soldiers discipline, professionalism and courage rather than Generals conducting the overall movements.

20 Victoria Crosses were awarded for actions of valour conducted that morning.

At the end of the 7 hour battle over 2,000 british were dead or wounded .
Their Russian opponents had lost 12,000 men.

Because of the dense fog, senior officers were unable to control the battle as was normal and it descended hand-to-hand fighting between soldiers.
Consequently, The Battle of Inkerman has been called “The Soldier’s Battle”

The Battle of Inkerman did not end with a final charge or a heroic last stand.
It simply pestered out around 1pm.

Both sides were exhausted from nearly 7 hours of almost medieval-style fighting in the smoke and the fog.
Heaps of bodies covered the ground, especially around Sandbag battery and the Barrier.

British casualties were 2,300 out of a force of 8,500 (27%).
The Guards Brigade alone suffered 600 casualties out of their 1300 men.

Even the French, during their brief participation had lost nearly 900 men killed and wounded.
The Russian bill, however, was colossal - 12,000 dead, wounded and captured.

20 Victoria Crosses were awarded to participants at the battle of Inkerman, to members of 10 regiments plus the naval brigade and the Royal Marines.

Of those 20 V.C.’s, only 2 cannot be accounted for.
Those awarded to privates John McDermond and John Byrne.

The Battle of Inkerman was a victory for the allies (in particular the British) but it fundamentally hadn’t changed anything in the Crimean War.
The siege of Sevastopol would last another 11 months.
But, after their defeat at Inkerman, the Russians never tried to break the siege again.

In the meantime, the British would have to face the bitter Russian winter; and it was weather and administrative inadequacies that would test the brave Victorian soldiers capacities to the very limit.

The Battle of Inkerman was a battle that the generals could not control…because they could not see what was going on.

in the swirling fog of a November morning in 1854 in the Crimea, British Victorian soldiers, in particular their junior officers and NCO’s, displayed a level of discipline, courage and dogged determination that has become the hallmark of the British army to this day.

The battle of Inkerman - 5th November 1854 -“The Soldiers’ Battle”

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:27 Crimean War
2:34 Battle of Inkerman
4:27 Russian Attack
5:48 Gen. Pennefather
7:20 Soimonov Defeated
9:22 The Barrier
11:20 The Guards Brigade
13:33 General Cathcart
15:14 Inkerman Casualties
16:07 Lost Victoria Cross
17:08 Conclusion
18:08 The History Chap

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History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.

My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"

Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[infoscholar]

Russia: still using the same tactics, with the same results, over some of the same ground, in 2022.

[tommyhussain]

I served in 1st Grenadiers. The "inkerman" company. The old 3rd battalion. That was very informative. Thanks history chap.

[alastairtopham]

Very informative and inspirational to see the great bravery of the combatants. Very proud of our British and our allied soldiers at Inkerman. Yes please History chap make more videos. You are leaving a fine legacy for us alive today and for future generations.

[charlesmaximus]

So many British heroes came out out of that war. And hardly anybody remembers them today. I remember learning about that war during my childhood, growing up in the States and reading about the American Civil War. Quite a few high-ranking American officers witnessed several key battles of the Crimean War as foreign observers. Many tactics and manoeuvres the Americans would later employ on their soil were initially learned by observing the courage and gallantry of the British Army fighting in the Crimea. One of those young American officers was none other than George B. McLelland. Interestingly, he, along with a handful of others, were sent by then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis; the future president of the CSA.

[jennifergilbert]

I am American and just discovered your channel. I am so impressed and awed by the video's and the history and heroism of the British soldiers. This is such important history to be remembered and should be taught in school.

[payres]

I grew up in Woking, Surrey and I well remember the Inkerman Barracks in nearby Knaphill. They were built on Raglan Tce in 1869. Initially a prison for disabled convicts, they were converted to barracks in 1892 and became the home of the Royal West Surrey Regiment. It eventually became the depot for the Royal Military Police in 1947 until 1964. The barracks closed in 1970 and were later redeveloped for residential use by the local council. The above information was sourced from Wikipedia.

[michaelmorgan]

I served in the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards from 1964 until 1971. It makes a pleasant change to hear British military history told with such enthusiasm & respect. Glad this wasn't on the BBC or the Regiments involved in this battle & the MOD would have to consider paying compensation to Russian families for their former soldier sons who perished in this battle.

[reynardthefox]

Well done . A brilliant follow up to 'The Thin Red Line'.
I never understood Inkerman . I believe I do now . Thanks .
Honour the Heroes . Cheers 🇬🇧

[Dreadnought]

Do more episodes on the Crimean war (Not much information available here in the United states)

[alexanderjharper]

My older brother was in the Scots guards from 1980 to 92 and served in the Falklands and Desert storm, always loved the Guards uniform

[MartinAHLoyd]

A tremendous telling of our Victorian past. One of my family forbears fought (and survived) at Alma and Inkerman. Indeed, he was one of those young officers to whom you referred, Robert Loyd-Lindsay, Scots Fusilier Guards, who fought so bravely and was subsequently awarded the VC by Queen Victoria herself. He later was instrumental in the creation of the British Red Cross and worked closely to that end with Florence Nightingale. He ultimately attained the rank of Brigadier General and became 1st Baron, Lord Wantage. He certainly packed a hell of a lot into his 69 years!

[mattdragonrider]

there is a book called MacDonald of the 42nd, it can still be found, its a first person account of an ordinary soldier, he fought in crimea and the indian mutiny, it may be usefull for your research

[Its-The-Punch-and-Jewdy-Show]

I live in the North East of England in a village with a small hamlet called Inkerman.. and it was named after the nearby foundry which made the cannon balls for this battle.. so I was told anyway.

[GaryArmstrongmacgh]

Yes...I am a former male nurse, retired, from the USA. Please tell about medical care from the Crimean, or any British action!

[Mike-ivhy]

The Battle of Inkerman.
I have never heard of this Battle before, but I can say it was the FINEST HOUR for the British in the Crimean War .
I have just watched 3 different battles during this War, and to tell the truth most of it was very sloppy
Organization for the Allies throughout the Campaign.
Thank You Sir for a lesson in History
I DId not know.
DML

[richardthompson]

Fantastic Chris!
This presentation painted a verbal portrait of this action in 1854 and makes me very proud of my ancestors service.
Many thanks in advance for many more historical adventures.
Richard in Orlando.

[pslmdp]

I appreciate sir (chap) that this excellent channel do not put "cool" music over the explanations and narratives. Regards form Argentina.

[timverrecchia]

my relative died in this battle, James Clutterbuck was a junior officer in the 63rd Regiment
"The late Ensign James Hulton Clutterbuck, 1854. British soldier killed in the Crimean War. 'He landed in the Crimea with his regiment, which was in the Fourth Division of the Army of the East, and formed part of the Reserve at the battle of the Alma. He was present with his regiment at the battle of Balaclava, and at the battle of Inkerman...During the murderous melee of the Fourth Division...with the Russian column, he fell mortally wounded: "In the thick of it fell poor Mr. Clutterbuck, who was carrying the Queen's colour and cheering the men on. I think that the last words he said were, 'Come on, 63rd!' when he received a shot right through the neck, and died instantly". Ensign Clutterbuck was a young man of more than ordinary promise; and, by his engaging manners and intelligence, had won for himself, during his short career, a large amount of affectionate interest and regard'
I'm not sure if general Cathcart sent the 63rd into the british line or if the 63rd was present in General Cathcart charge

[talpark]

20 V.C.s in one day! 🤯
In suc a battle, probably another hundred were also deserved.

[gordonsmith]

Good consice presentation, excellent pace and gripping narrative. The lost V.C.s are new to me, great background. A confusing battle with often contradictory sources clearly highlighted. Well done!