Crimean Inadequacies Flashcards
Why were the soldiers unable to cope with the Weather?
The Winter of 1854 was especially bad leading to many soldiers struggling with the cold weather - November 14th Great Storm which led to many ships carrying winter uniforms sinking. The Duke of Cambridge argued that the British forces should be stationed at Balaclava however, Raglan refused leading to 5% of officers resigning their commissions. Some officers also left for personal reasons due to worsening situation. Winter Clothes arrived in the Spring.
What were the main supply problems during the Crimean War?
Crimea was six weeks sailing away however the 6 mile road from Balaclava to Sevastopol was incredibly underdeveloped which made it incredibly difficult to transport artillery.
14th November major storm in Crimea which sunk ships including the Prince which held 40’000 pieces of Winter Clothing, The Progress which held three weeks worth of horse food and French ships containing food.
Spring 1855 railway line finally laid from Balaclava to Sevastopol.
Other Concerns surrounding the Army?
Scavengers robbing the dead.
It took several days to bury the dead and get the wounded to hospital.
Hundreds of soldiers either deserted or surrendered.
British soldiers often complained to authorities and wrote newspapers.
Comparison with the French Army
The French soldiers had winter clothes.
French soldiers ate meals together whilst British ones made their own meals.
The French had huts as opposed to tents, Stables and shops amongst other things.
Paved road from Kamiesh to Sevastopol.
They were experts in foraging for food.
Lower death rate in the Winter than the British but worse in the Summer due to disease.
Why was the initial medical situation in Crimea so poor?
1853 - Army Medical department and Ordinance Medical department merged by Dr Andrew Smith - very few resources e.g. Wagons, Stretchers.
Only 4 medical assistants as Raglan wanted space for troops.
Voluntary doctors and pensioner stretcher-bearers.
There were only 2 medical ships in Varna which were turned into ship carriers, 4 ships were handed to the Medical Department in August 1854.
Scutari opened in September and held 6’000 people, 5’000 more beds later.
18’000 casualties in the Crimean war 1’700 killed in action.
What was the response of Sidney Herbert?
Sidney Herbert Secretary of State for War asked Florence Nightingale to head nursing staff at Scutari.
She arrived in November 1854 with a team of 38 nurses, she answered to Dr Menzies.
Impact of Florence Nightingale?
She arrives just before Inkerman.
Doctors at the hospital ostracised the female nurses.
Dr Menzie was incompetent and threw away limes to avoid paperwork.
She put pressure on the Commissariat and when they failed she stole medication and distributed it immediately.
She was present during operations.
She received recourses such as knitted clothes through the Nightingale fund and generate £30k in pledges.
Not an amazing nurse but an incredible administrator - Florence was impersonal but effective.
What major medical developments did Florence Nightingale introduce?
She created the polar area diagram which enabled her to keep track of the casualties and the number of cases of each disease. She also introduced different wards for different diseases to stop the spread.
What was Mary Seacole before she went to Crimea?
Daughter of White army officer and Jamaican Army officer.
Identified as British.
Married to Nelson’s Godson.
Fascinated by War and friends with soldiers deployed to Jamaica.
Reads the Times and reads about the cholera spreading in Crimea and feels an attachment to soldiers.
She received letters of recommendation but is rejected by the War Office.
Rejected by Nightingale’s nurses.
She used funds from husband, raising money and selling her hotel to chart a ship to Crimea and built a hotel on Crimea as its closer to the frontlines than Scutari.
What did Mary Seacole do in Crimea?
