The Second Battle of Redan

The Second Battle of Redan: A Defining Moment in the Crimean War

The Second Battle of Redan, fought in 1855, remains one of the most significant events in the Crimean War. Taking place near Sevastopol, Ukraine, it highlighted the intricacies of siege warfare and marked a turning point in the conflict between the Russian Empire and the combined forces of the United Kingdom, France, and their allies. This article examines the battle’s background, strategic importance, the participating forces, and its ultimate outcome, which helped shape the fate of Sevastopol and the wider Crimean War.

The Crimean War Context

The Crimean War (1853-1856) was fought between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the United Kingdom, the French Empire, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire. The war’s primary objective for Russia was to expand its influence over the territories of the declining Ottoman Empire, while Britain and France aimed to limit Russian expansion and maintain the balance of power in Europe.

The war took place on several fronts, including the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Danube, and the Crimea, which was strategically important due to its proximity to the Black Sea and Russia’s southern border. The conflict culminated in the siege of Sevastopol, the principal port of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which had been under siege since September 1854.

Siege of Sevastopol and the Redan Fortification

Sevastopol was a heavily fortified city, and its defense was anchored by several defensive lines, including the famous Redan fortification. The Redan, located on the southern front of Sevastopol, was a key element in the city’s defense system. Built on a high hill, the Redan allowed the Russians to fire down upon the besieging forces, making it a formidable obstacle for any attacking army.

The siege itself was a protracted affair. The Anglo-French forces had already inflicted significant damage to the Russian defenses, but the city still stood firm, largely due to the effectiveness of the Russian artillery and defensive works. By 1855, after months of intensive bombardment and trench warfare, the Russian defenders were running out of supplies and reinforcements.

The Second Battle of Redan occurred in the summer of 1855 and marked a decisive moment in the broader Siege of Sevastopol. Prior to this battle, in the first assault on the Redan, the allied forces had failed to breach the fortifications. However, the allies were determined to break the deadlock and pushed for a renewed attack.

The battle began on the morning of June 18, 1855, with a heavy bombardment from the British and French artillery. The allied forces sought to weaken the Russian defenses and create an opening for a direct assault on the Redan. The Russian defenders, however, were entrenched and well-prepared, with their artillery and sharpshooters targeting any advancing soldiers.

The Anglo-French forces, which included British soldiers from the Royal Engineers and the French forces under General Aimable Pélissier, launched their assault in waves. The Redan itself was not easily overtaken, with Russian forces offering stiff resistance. The defenders fired heavily on the advancing troops, and the terrain, with its difficult slopes and exposed positions, proved to be a challenge for the attacking forces.

Despite these challenges, the allies managed to establish some footholds within the fortifications. British soldiers under the command of Lord Raglan and French forces under Pélissier continued their relentless assault, but Russian forces, under the leadership of General Menshikov, fought fiercely to defend their positions.

The battle was marked by a high casualty rate on both sides, as the attacking forces were forced to fight uphill against a determined enemy. The Redan was eventually captured by the Anglo-French forces, but not without significant losses. The battle demonstrated the high human cost of siege warfare, where even small tactical victories could come at an immense cost.

The Aftermath and Strategic Significance

The capture of the Redan was a key victory for the Anglo-French forces and a major blow to Russian morale. The Russian forces, despite their best efforts, were unable to prevent the fall of one of their most vital strongholds. With the Redan in allied hands, the Russians were forced to retreat from their positions around Sevastopol.

The capture of the Redan was not the end of the Siege of Sevastopol, but it represented a turning point in the conflict. After the loss of such a strategic position, the Russians could no longer effectively resist the siege. Sevastopol would fall to the Anglo-French forces on September 9, 1855, signaling the beginning of the end for the Russian campaign in the Crimea.

Strategically, the fall of Sevastopol deprived Russia of its primary naval base in the Black Sea, severely weakening its position in the region. The successful siege also marked a turning point in the Crimean War, as it significantly impacted the Russian war effort and led to peace negotiations in 1856.

Participants in the Battle

The battle saw the participation of multiple powers, each with its own strategic goals and interests. The British and French forces, united under the banner of the alliance, were the primary attackers in the battle. The Russian defenders, led by General Menshikov, fought valiantly to protect their stronghold.

Anglo-French Forces: The British forces, including the Royal Engineers and infantry regiments, played a crucial role in the assault. The French, under General Pélissier, also contributed significantly to the overall effort. Their combined forces launched a coordinated attack, applying overwhelming pressure on the Russian defenders.
Russian Defenders: The Russian forces, commanded by General Menshikov, were entrenched in the Redan and other fortifications around Sevastopol. Despite the heavy bombardment and constant assaults, the Russian defenders fought tenaciously to hold their ground. Their loss of the Redan marked a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics.
Sevastopol and the Crimean War: The battle took place within the context of the broader Crimean War, a conflict that had significant political, military, and cultural consequences. The loss of Sevastopol weakened Russia’s position in the region, signaling the eventual defeat of the Russian Empire.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Battle

The Second Battle of Redan was a pivotal moment in the Crimean War, contributing directly to the eventual fall of Sevastopol and the conclusion of the conflict. The victory for the United Kingdom, France, and their allies dealt a significant blow to the Russian Empire and shaped the course of 19th-century European geopolitics. It also highlighted the brutal nature of siege warfare, with both sides suffering immense casualties.

While the battle was a victory for the Anglo-French forces, the cost in human lives was staggering, a testament to the harsh realities of warfare. The battle exemplified the sacrifices made by both sides and marked a turning point in the Crimean War, setting the stage for the peace treaty that would bring the conflict to an end.

The Second Battle of Redan, though often overshadowed by the larger events of the Crimean War, remains a testament to the resilience of the defenders and the determination of the attackers. Its significance reverberates through military history as a critical chapter in the ongoing struggle for control of the Black Sea and the balance of power in Europe.