Disembarkation - Kertch

Watercolour by William Simpson (1823-1899), 24 May 1855.

The port of Kerch guarded access to the Sea of Azov, which was an important supply route for Sevastopol during the Crimean War (1854-1856). Much to the disgust of the British, a previous Anglo-French expedition to capture Kerch had been abandoned in sight of its objective when the French force was suddenly recalled. However, on 22 May 1855 a second expedition was launched which was successful. The artist, William Simpson, was permitted by Lord Raglan to accompany both expeditions.