Crimean War Diary – Part Three

This week I am publishing seven daily blog posts dedicated to John Harris – Crimean War Veteran, who is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.

Florence Nightingale

Continuing …

Extracts from the diary of Crimean War Veteran – John Harris.

Sept. 13. – Wrote a letter to England. Cholera has made its appearance in our camp.

Sept. 14. – Heavy firing heard from the rear of General Tuder’s army.

Sept. 15. – Sickness very prevalent in the camp, and deaths numerous. The Russians fire at anything they see in Sebastopol; firing from the north side.

Sept. 16. – The French and English are constructing a battery for mortars and heavy metal to shell the north side.

Sept. 17. – Very warm; obliged to keep out of the sun during the day.

Sept. 18. – Several French and English killed in Sebastopol by the shot and shell from the north side.

Sept. 19. – Sickness on the increase. One of our sergeants and a gunner died, and were buried to-day. Several of our men very sick.

Sept. 20. – The Russians are making an inward journey towards the fortified camp at Simpherpool.

Sept. 21. – Very wet; the rain is coming in torrents.

Sept. 22. – Not a gun has been heard during the whole night or day.

Sept. 23. – Heavy thunder and lightning; accompanied by violent storms.

Sept. 24. – The Russians opened a tremendous fire on the town at daybreak to-day.

Sept. 25. – The fire yesterday did little or no damage. Two French sappers killed by the ruins of an old Russian house falling in on them.

Sept. 26. – The English opened a mortar battery opposite Fort Constantine – greatly to the annoyance of John O’Rush.

Sept. 27. – The Russians are occupied erecting a new battery on Sugar Loaf Hill.

Sept. 28. – Firing very heavy during the night from the Mackensie’s heights. Expecting an assault on our right from the traction bridge.

Sept. 29. – The whole army under arms ready for an attack.

Sept. 30. – Very heavy rain during the night; my kit is wet through, and my clothes have not been changed for the last 14 days.

Continued tomorrow …

Crimean War Diary Part Four