Illustrated London News

October 1854 Crimea War: Battle of the Alma

The Battle of the Alma was fought on 20 September 1854 during the Crimean War. Allied British, French and Ottoman forces defeated the Russian army on the heights above the River Alma in Crimea.

Why it was important: It was the first major land battle of the Crimean War after the Allies landed in Crimea. The victory opened the road towards Sevastopol, the main Russian naval base and the Allies' principal objective. However, the Russian army was not destroyed, and the Allies failed to pursue the retreating Russians effectively, allowing them time to strengthen the defences of Sevastopol.

It was a turning point in the opening of the Crimean campaign, and it was also significant for the Illustrated London News, which provided its readers with dramatic illustrated reports of the battle and the campaign.