'Screw ships under command of Rear Admiral Chads proceeding through the Ango channel to Bomarsund, HM Surveying Steamer Lightening, leading, July 28th 1854.'

Tinted lithograph by J Needham after O W Brierly. Published by Day and Son, 1 February 1855.

On 28 June 1854 the British Cabinet agreed to attack the Russian fortress of Bomarsund on the Aland Islands during the Crimean War (1854-1856). French troops were disembarked and on 13 August a bombardment was commenced from the landward side. Three days later the Russians surrendered. After destroying Bomarsund's fortifications the Allies sailed away.