Kertch

The Straits of Kertch were dominated by a sand spit projecting from the eastern shore into the middle of the channel, forcing vessels close to the western shore. The channel was over 1 mile wide and 15 feet deep close to the spit, with 4 fathoms reported in mid-channel. The Straits were blockaded by Captain Giffard’s squadron from mid-January. To report on the state of the ice, the barrier and batteries, Giffard pushed up within 2 miles of Kertch. When he first approached, on 2 February, the Russians fired red-hot shot, but accurate return fire from the ships ensured they did not trouble the squadron when it returned four days later. On the 22nd Leopard drove a large body of troops out of a position on the Kouban Lake, returning on the 24th to destroy 10 heavy guns, boats, barracks and provisions. Giffard reported troops were passing into the Crimea almost daily; new batteries were thrown up to cover their passage. Reinforced by Highflyer, Swallow and Viper, Giffard drove the Russians out of Soujak Kaleh on 13 March and on the 8th Viper demolished another Martello tower on the Anapa–Kertch road. ¹ Rejoining the fleet in early April Giffard left Captain Moore, Highflyer, in command, while Lyons sent Spratt to join the squadron. On 24 April Moore captured a coaster carrying a nobleman’s coach and sent Viper inshore under a flag of truce, offering to return it. Aboard the gunvessel were Major Gordon, RE and Commandant de Sain, sent to inspect the Straits at Paget’s suggestion. The offer being accepted, the coach was landed on a beach near Kamisch Point, which proved ideal for amphibious operation. Although Russian defensive preparations were advancing, Lyons was satisfied with the report and, on 1 May, Canrobert agreed to provide the troops. ²