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The Final Destruction of Bomarsund, September 2nd 1854.
On 21st June 1854, three British ships bombarded the Bomarsund fortress. Artillery from the shore responded and while both sides suffered some damage, the casualties were light. The first battle was indecisive. During the battle, Charles Davis Lucas tossed a shell overboard which had landed on board. The shell exploded before it reached water. For saving his ship he was the first man to be awarded the Victoria Cross. The bombardment of the main fortress started late on 15th August 1854 with land based guns and the navy opening fire. The second tower, Notvik, was also destroyed after British artillery opened fire from their hill opposite to the tower. With only a few guns capable of firing in the direction of the bombarding ships, the Russian forces hoped that the French and British forces would attack by land. However, after the bombardment continued into the 16th August without any indication of landings, it became apparent to the Russian commander that the British and French intended to reduce the fortress with artillery fire. After eight hours of bombardment they managed to create a gaping hole in the fortress walls. After most of the guns had been destroyed, the commandant of the tower surrendered to the British and French forces on 16th August 1854. After the surrender, French and British forces demolished the fortress. British engineers remained until mid September to ensure it could not be easily rebuilt. |
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