The Russian guns of all the batteries bearing upon the scene of action opened it, while those of our right attack, which were close to the French, opened their fire to aid our allies.

Had the Zouaves been supported, it is probable that they would have carried the Round Tower with their rush, but this was not in the plan of operations, and, after fighting heroically for some time, they fell back to the Mamelon.
The fight on the British side had been less exciting.

With a sudden rush our men had leaped on the advance trenches and driven the Russians from their position in the quarries.

Then, rapidly turning the gabions of the trenches, they prepared to hold the ground they had taken.

They were not to maintain their conquest unmolested, for soon the Russians poured down masses of troops to retake it.