NAM.1986-06-96-1

Three home-made, stitched volumes used as diaries by Lt William Stirling, Royal Artillery, Crimean War, 9 Jan 1855 to 25 Mar 1856. Vol 1, 9 Jan to 30 Jun 1855, is written up intermittently. Describes life in camp, the arrival of supplies, weather, changes in command, notes on casualties, visits to friends, French movements, the races on 5 Mar, build up of ammunition for the attack on Sevastopol, and conditions in the allied trenches. He described the bombardment of Sevastopol in detail without indicating what his role was in the operation. Vol 2, 5 Jul to 17 Sep 1855, includes notes of letters received and written, and thoughts on events at home. There are frequent comments on naval matters, and he also noted the erection of wooden stables. On 15 Sep he was noted as being attached to the Horse Artillery. Vol 3, 19 Sep 1855 to 25 Mar 1856. On 19 Jul he joined ‘A’ Troop Royal Horse Artillery, his first day’s duty being the 21st. On 8 Oct he embarked for Eupatoria, where he arrived on the 12th, and was engaged in patrols against the Russians. He commented on the organisation of the French Artillery. On 24th they embarked, and reached Scutari on 30th. In Jan 1856 he took part in several hunting expeditions. Associated with Siege of Sevastopol, Crimean War (1854-1856).

Sevastopol, Siege of, 1854-55 (Crimean War 1854-1856)