Osprey Men-at-Arms 241 : The Russian Army of the Crimean War 1854-1856

'How unjust is it of the English and French to interfere in this war!... The war with Turkey is about the oppression of Christians in the East, our brethren in faith... All of this business is because those Christians stand up for the dog of a Turk, who impales and boils our brethren... We must all fight for Holy Russia.'. So said the officers to their men, for in their eyes the Crimean War was another patriotic conflict in defence of Holy Russia. Russia lost an estimated 450,000 men; civilian losses are unknown. Battle casualties numbered about 100,000, while typhus, cholera, exposure, and inadequate diet claimed the majority of men. Although many regiments won much-deserved battle honours, the real heroes were the officers and men of the Black Sea Fleet, who for 349 days in improvised earthworks held a stronger and better-armed enemy at bay. In a war known for its lack-lustre leadership, the navy provided the three most courageous, capable and inspiring leaders on either side: Admirals Kornilov, Nakhimov and Istomin. In the end the industrial might of the allies, coupled with the vastness of the land, brought Russia defeat. Robert H.G. Thomas explores the tactics and organisation of the Russian army of the Crimean War, and some of the heroes that emerged, accompanied by many illustrations, including eight full page colour plates by Richard Scollins.

Contents

• Introduction
• Army Organisation
• The Army of the Caucuses
• The Imperial Navy
• Army Life
• Tactics
• Russian Heroes
• The Plates