Crimea Battle was Forerunner of Combined Operations
- Author
- A.N. Other
- Categories
- History - general, Naval Historical Review
- Tags
- Crimea War, HMS Beagle (Aust. Station)
October 17th - Captain Spratt having planned the attack, it was also arranged that the Rear-Admiral, Sir H. Stewart, should, if possible, force the narrow passage, and get into Kherson Bay, so as to flank the batteries; in consequence of which, I was appointed to have four of the gunboats under my charge, and take them in at night-time, and endeavour to buoy the channel. I pushed on - slipped into the deep and narrow channel - passed the batteries without being seen, and anchored inside of Kherson Bay - alone. At five in the morning all the gunboats pushed in, and wondered how I got in. I directed them to proceed eastward, for one mile, and anchor; when it became daylight I was doubtful of my own buoys, and, seeing that the French had made a mess of their work, I proposed to the gallant commander of the Cracker to run the gauntlet, so as to get out and offer to bring the Admiral in. Accordingly the little gunboat, at full speed, flew through the narrow channel, and passing the batteries at 700 or 800 yards - the whole fleet were witnesses - to see the little thing dash on; and the batteries commenced their fire of shot and shell, fortunately missing us every time. We arrived safe to the Admiral: he was exceedingly pleased, and wrote to the Commander-in-Chief, who made the signal to Cracker, ‘We all admire your performances.’
Originally printed in the Naval Historical Review - September 1983 Edition
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