EARLY 19TH CENTURY, WITH LATER BRASS PLAQUE DATED 1855

The Siege of Sevastopol lasting from September 1854-1855 was a decisive action in the Crimean War, leading to the defeat of the Russians. On 5 September the Allies started their sixth and the most severe bombardment of the fortress. 307 cannons fired 150,000 rounds, with Russians suffering 2,000 to 3,000 casualties daily. On 8 September 13 Allied divisions and one Allied brigade (total strength 60,000) began the last assault. The British assault on the Redan failed but the French under General de Mac-Mahon managed to seize the Malakoff redoubt making the Russian defensive position untenable. By morning 9 September the Russian forces abandoned the Southern side of Sevastopol. George Ranken was promoted to the rank of Major for his efforts leading the 'forlorn hope', a pivotal and risky operation on 8-9th September 1855 to capture the port of Sevastopol. After several unsuccessful and bloody attempts the Allies finally captured the city, wanted for its strategic position on the Black Sea coast. Sadly, Major George Ranken was the last British officer killed at Sebastopol. A memorial at St. Lawrence Church, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire was erected in his honour.