Siege Operations in Chatham – Detonation of a Mine, 1854

Training exercises that occurred on British soil beforehand brought the Crimean War closer to the British public. This is a depiction of the detonation of a mine in Chatham, which was applauded by onlookers. This mirrored the enthusiasm of the soldiers themselves when they cheered the impact of mortars during the siege of Sevastopol.

Siege Operations in Chatham – Detonation of a Mine, wood engraving, no date, unknown artist; source: Illustrated London News, 22 July 1854.