The allied fleet left Kamiesch on the 7th of October, with about 5000
British troops on board, and a still larger number of French. Appearing
off Odessa to alarm that place, and to mislead the Russians, they
proceeded directly for Kinburn.
The troops landed about three miles south of Kinburn early on the 15th,
and the bombardment soon afterwards commenced; but it was not till the
17th that the grand attack took place, thus described by an
eye-witness:--
"Continually on the move, the steamers and gunboats, firing as they
went, swept down the defences of the Russians, silencing their guns,
killing the men, or forcing them to take refuge underground. Then a
grand movement of the fleet took place. The admirals and their
three-deckers were observed at noon entering into action in splendid
order, French and English advancing in line under steam, and approaching
close into the land. The fleet in the lagoon closed in at the same
moment, and simultaneously heavy broadsides were poured in from all
quarters. The central fort was the only one which replied, and then
only with a solitary gun at long intervals. Nothing of a grander or
more imposing effect could be witnessed than the three-deckers veering
round to deliver their fire, their jibs set to bring their guns to bear.
Three times the _Montebello_, commanded by the French admiral,
delivered a broadside from every gun in her sides. As she did so, she
became lost in wreaths of white smoke. The iron shower swept over the
fort with a din that surpassed all other sounds, and the air
reverberated with the roar of ordnance. All round the enemy the fire
was delivered in continuous discharges, and there was no pause. It was
then that the Russians gave signs of surrender. A struggling form was
seen on the ramparts, waving a white flag as a token. As by magic, the
firing ceased."
The old Russian general shortly afterwards came out of the castle, and
delivered his sword to Admiral Sir Houston Stewart and General Bazaine.
Only two seamen were hit; but the Russians lost 43 men killed, 114
wounded, and upwards of 1200 prisoners.