3.4 The crimean war 1854-1856
In March 1854, Britain & France declared war on Russia, triggering the 1st ma-
jor European war since the defeat of Napoleon 1815
Facing the Russian threat in the Crimea
The British Army 1854
- Soon after war was declared a 26,000 strong British army sailed for the
Crimea. Its spirited appearance camouflaged significant problems in com-
mand & organisation
- Only 2 divisional commanders had led any thing larger than a battalion into
action
- While there were signs of growing professionalism among sections of the offi-
cer corps, the system of buying commissions ensured that wealth often tri-
umphed over ability. Officers were drawn principally from the landed gentry
& from military families
Military Administration
• A variety of people & departments were responsible for military administra-
tion. These included the:
1. Secretary of State for War & the Colonies
2. Secretary at War
3. The Commander in Chief
4. The Adjutant General
5. The Quartermaster General
6. The Home Secretary
7. The Ordnance Office
8. The Commissariat
• Such a cumbersome structure produced delays and inertia
The problem of manpower
Poor conditions of service meant the army had difficulty attracting sufficient re-
cruits.
• Most barracks were overcrowded & insanitary
• Soldiers pay was poor
• Service overseas exacted a heavy toll in life & health
• Soldiers could still be flogged for a variety of ‘crimes’
• Infantry served 21 years, Cavalry 24 years
In March 1854, Britain & France declared war on Russia, triggering the 1st ma-
jor European war since the defeat of Napoleon 1815
Facing the Russian threat in the Crimea
The British Army 1854
- Soon after war was declared a 26,000 strong British army sailed for the
Crimea. Its spirited appearance camouflaged significant problems in com-
mand & organisation
- Only 2 divisional commanders had led any thing larger than a battalion into
action
- While there were signs of growing professionalism among sections of the offi-
cer corps, the system of buying commissions ensured that wealth often tri-
umphed over ability. Officers were drawn principally from the landed gentry
& from military families
Military Administration
• A variety of people & departments were responsible for military administra-
tion. These included the:
1. Secretary of State for War & the Colonies
2. Secretary at War
3. The Commander in Chief
4. The Adjutant General
5. The Quartermaster General
6. The Home Secretary
7. The Ordnance Office
8. The Commissariat
• Such a cumbersome structure produced delays and inertia
The problem of manpower
Poor conditions of service meant the army had difficulty attracting sufficient re-
cruits.
• Most barracks were overcrowded & insanitary
• Soldiers pay was poor
• Service overseas exacted a heavy toll in life & health
• Soldiers could still be flogged for a variety of ‘crimes’
• Infantry served 21 years, Cavalry 24 years
