ABSTRACT
Menshikov deployed 35,000 ofhis troops along the Alma River, half way between Evpatoria and Sevastopol. His columns were savaged by French artillery and British line tactics, but the Allies also paid for a spirited drive against the Russian artillery batteries. Following the retreat from the Alma, the Russians concentrated on shoring up Sevastopol, sinking their heavy ships in the harbour, converting the sailors into soldiers, and constructing a set of earthworks with heavy guns on the northern side under the direction of engineer Adjutant E.I. Totleben. Menshikov hirnself departed from the stronghold and turned the command over to Admiral Kornilov. 5
On 17 October the Allies, who had redeployed to Balaklava about twelve miles southwest ofSevastopol, started to bombard the fortress. Russian direct hits on the French artillery demoralized them and prevented any assault. Kornilov was killed on one of the key outer defences, the Malakhov Kurgan, and the supreme command passed to Admiral Nakhimov.
