Saturday 20 September 2014

20th September 1854 – ON THIS DAY IN RWF HISTORY

Battle of the Alma, 1854
The progress of the Allied advance on Sevastopol in the Russian Crimea, was halted by the Russian forces drawn up on hills across the river Alma. In the attack on the Great Redoubt the ensign carrying the Regimental Colour was killed, followed by Lieut-Col Chester, the CO, who had seized it. Eventually the Great Redoubt was taken but a counter-attack forced a withdrawal. Reinforced, it was again taken, but at great cost, the Regiment suffering over 200 casualties.

Sgt Luke O’Connor won VC at The Alma, Crimea, 1854
Sgt Luke O’Connor, although badly wounded, took up the Regimental Colour and, dashing forward planted it on the Redoubt above the Alma River. Sgt O’Connor received VCs, and the latter was commissioned in the field.
 

Capt EWD Bell awarded VC at The Alma, Crimea, 1854
When the Russians left the Alma Redoubt Captain Bell, seeing that one of the guns was being withdrawn more slowly than the rest, captured it single-handed and galloped to the rear. Later, he led the 23rd out of the battle. Captain Bell received VC for this action.

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