NAM.1988-01-3-1

52 letters from Capt Frederick Cockayne Elton, 55th Regiment of Foot, to members of his family during the Crimean War (1854-1856). He describes the Battle of Inkerman, in which he was engaged, casualties caused by the Russians, disease and the weather, the receipt of comforts from home, service in the trenches and the prosecution of the Siege of Sevastopol, the failure to take the Redan, the prospects for advancement in view of the casualties among the officers, the capture of the southern side of Sevastopol, the immensity of the Russian fortifications, the sending home of trophies, the sights of Constantinople and fraternising with the Russians. Also included are a note on Elton's service and the award of his Victoria Cross. Elton was awarded the Victoria Cross for working in the trenches under heavy enemy fire on 4 Aug 1855.

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