British Military Intelligence in the Crimean War, 1854-1856

by Harris,Stephen M.

• ISBN13: 9780714646718
• ISBN10: 0714646717
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This is the first scholarly work to focus purely on British military intelligence operations during the Crimean War. It details the beginnings of the intelligence operations as a result of the British Commander, Lord Raglan's need for information on the enemy. Charles Cattley, the recently expelled British Consul at the Crimean port of Kertch, supplied intelligence on Sevastopol's garrison, on Russian strength, dispositions and reinforcements throughout the Crimea. This system of long-range espionage and prisoner interrogation helped to ensure that the Allies were never caught off guard for the remainder of the war, and also directed their blows with some presicion, thus paving the way to victory. Even after the deaths of Raglan and Cattley before the fall of Sevastopol, the system continued to function and even expand its operations under the direction of other civilians and new commanders. This work demonstrates that intelligence was a fundamental part of the Crimean War and also that this war forms asignificant chapter in the history of British intelligence.

Table of Contents

Illustrations	viii
Tables	ix
Maps	x
Acknowledgments	xi
Foreword	xiii
Introduction: `Much Valuable Information'	xxi
Raglan, Simmons and the Want of Reliable Intelligence in the Principalities	1	(26)
Into the Unknown	27	(18)
The Lottery: British Intelligence from Calamita Bay to Inkerman	45	(15)
The Diplomat Turned Spymaster	60	(32)
Regiments, Rations and Reinforcements: Cattley's Intelligence Efforts from November 1854 to July 1855	92	(39)
Tracking the Beaten Enemy	131	(24)
Conclusion	155	(8)
Appendix	163	(2)
Bibliography	165	(12)
Index	177