Battle of Inkerman
Continuing …
Extracts from the diary of Crimea War Veteran – John Harris.
Nov. 1. – In Sebastopol on fatigue. The Russians keep up a very heavy fire on the town. A man was riding a donkey after firewood near the dockyard wall when a shell came over and passed right through the donkey without scarring the man in the least.
Nov. 5. – Took a walk over to look at Inkerman, twelve months after the battle. The skulls and bones of the dead are still lying about in thousands. The eagles and the ravens have eaten the flesh. The Russian loss must have been very great that day. It is called Gotha, the place of skulls, to this day.
Nov. 7. – Under orders to march for Balaclava.
Nov. 8. – Arrived at Balaclava yesterday, rained in torrents during the whole of the march, wind cold, no fire, no food, clothes all wet, and had to let them dry on our backs.
Nov. 9. – Fever broke out in the Company. Our Company sergeant died this morning; great many on the sick list.
Nov. 12. – Cold winter wind is approaching. The Russians made a sortie, and were repulsed with heavy loss by the Sardinians.
Nov. 7. – Sickness on the decrease; one gunner died during the night. A tremendous explosion took place on the French Right Attack Gun Park, and spread into our gun park. A large quantity of powder and stores were destroyed, and a large number of English and French killed.
Nov. 18. – An attack expected from the Russians from the heights; firing towards Simperpool.
Nov. 25. – Snow fell heavy during the night. All hands are engaged hutting for the winter.
Nov. 29. – Firing very heavy all day. It is too cold for the Turks to work, but the Armenians are very good workmen.
Dec. 1. – Snow very deep and wind very very cold. The firing from the north side continues frequent during the day. The cattle exposed to the weather drop off; a great many found dead this morning on the plains.
Dec. 3. – The huts are nearly completed, although the men cannot get them brought up to the front on account of the severity of the weather.
Dec. 7. – Marched to Sebastopol to see the explosion of the docks.
Dec. 9. – The fire from the Russians very rapid, but little damage done to the town, excepting to break down the roofs of the of the houses, enabling our men to get wood without the trouble of sawing and cutting.
Dec. 20. – A heavy fall of snow occurred during the night. A Russian magazine blew up.
Dec. 21. – Rations very bad. Men are getting very sick, and scurvey is making its appearance amongst the men. The hospitals are all full, and the winds are still cold, with much rain.
Dec. 23. – The Russians are destroying the brushwood on the heights in order to get clear view of our encampment. Lime juice is being served out to the troops to prevent scurvy.
Dec. 25. – Christmas Day – holiday for most of the troops. Arrival of fresh supplies of warm underclothing. A hut burnt down and eight men of the Army Working Corps suffocated by the smoke.
Dec. 31. – Wrote a letter home to England. Snow fell very thick during the night; wind very cold. This day finishes out the old year, and I hope through the blessing of God, who has hitherto protected us through trials, we will be supported further.
The final instalment of this Crimean War Diary will be published tomorrow, concluding the life and times of John Harris, buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.
Radnor Street Cemetery 