ABSTRACT
After nightfall on the 17th the ruined works of the Redan were rebuilt and rearmed; although they were battered down again the following day, Russian resistance delayed an allied assault. The French batteries on Mont Rodolph only rejoined the action on the 19th, and were quickly silenced by another magazine explosion. Burgoyne at last understood: ‘It is not a fortress we are attacking, but an army deeply entrenched in strong ground, and with an immense provision of heavy artillery.’ The roads north of Sevastopol remained open for troops and supplies, and the co-operation of Menshikov’s reinforced field army. For another week the allies prepared for an assault, French trenches closing on the Russian works. Totleben ensured the defences were never completely silenced, although morale suffered with the death of Admiral Kornilov on the 17th. He was replaced by the uninspiring General Moller and the fatalist Vice-Admiral Nakhimov. The defence became a grim business under continued heavy bombardment. Without action by the army the city would fall.
