CRIMEAN SERVICES OF “i” TROOP, NOW “ 0 ” BATTERY, R.H.A. 337 
Without entering into details, the present war may simply be stated 
to have been produced by the aggression of Russia, and the determina¬ 
tion of France and England to prevent the annihilation of our ancient 
ally, the Turk. 
The Russian armies occupied the Principalities of Wallachaia and Mol¬ 
davia, and having taken possession of the various fortresses along the 
northern bank of the Danube, as a “ material guarantee,” the Sublime 
Porte declared war. Diplomacy dragged on its weary length, but at 
last the bloody tragedy of Sinope brought affairs to a climax. The 
Turks bravely resisted the attack, and checked their enemy’s advance 
at Oltinitza, Turkukai, and other places; while, in the meantime, war 
was declared by France and England against Russia. Fleets were sent 
to the Baltic and Black Seas, and troops to Turkey; first to Gallipoli 
and then to Yarna. Whilst these movements were proceeding the 
Russians laid siege of Silistria, on the hither side of the Danube, and 
after a month’s bombardment, were obliged to raise the siege and 
retreat across the river, unable with their large force to capture a small 
mud battery held by 2000 or 3000 Arnauts. Why was this ? Two 
young Britons undertook the preservation of this, the key of the 
position and of Turkey, and nobly fulfilled their promise. The names 
of Butler and Nasmyth will not be soon forgotten, the one died at his 
post, but not before he heard that the enemy were retreating, the other 
lives to wear his well earned honours. Whilst this great struggle 
was going on, on the termination of which such vast interests hung, 
the Allied armies occupied Yarna, and portions of them were moved on 
the roads towards Silistria, as if for the relief of that place. Silistria 
being set free, a new order of tactics was decided on, which led to the 
armies coming to the Crimea, where, whilst disease still followed our 
steps, victory triumphantly spread her wings over our arms. 
I was appointed to take medical charge of “ I ” Troop in March, 
1854 (being previously attached to it for two years), on leaving Dublin 
for Woolwich, from whence we went to Turkey on the 24th of April, 
1854. We were embarked in four sailing transports, the right division 
under Lieutenant Yandeleur, 1 in the “ Sultana,” No. 32, under the 
medical charge of Dr. Dwyer, 18th Royal Irish Regiment. The left 
division, under Lieut. Dashwood, 2 with Dr. Skelton in the ec Rodsley,” 
No. 37. The spare horses and men, under (2nd) Captain Barry, 3 with 
Dr. Llewellyn, 7th Dragoon Guards, in the <{ Rubicon,” No. 38, and 
the centre division with Captain Maude, 4 Lieut. Whinyates, 5 and myself 
in the “Harkaway,” No. 39. There was some delay in consequence of 
the crews being short-handed, but after a few days we were towed to 
the Downes, where we had to anchor, the wind being against us. We 
sailed from thence on the 27th of April, After entering the channel 
the wind continued dead against us, and in beating down we soon 
parted company. The “Sultana” and “Rodsley” put into Portsmouth 
1 Major A. Yandeleur died 6th June, 1860. 
2 Major H. W. T. Dashwood died 19th August, 1857. 
3 Major-General W. W. Barry, c.b.. died 19th April, 1883. 
4 Now Colonel Sir George Maude, k.c.b. 
5 Now Major-General F. T. Whinyates. 
