The sole understanding arrived at was that the armies were to march at six in the morning; that General Bosquet's division, which was next to the sea, was, covered by guns of the ships, to first carry the enemy's position there; and that when he had obtained a footing upon the plateau, a general attack was to be made.

Even this plan, simple as it was, was not fully carried out, as Lord Raglan did not move his troops till nine in the morning.

Three precious hours were therefore wasted, and a pursuit after the battle which would have turned the defeat into a rout was therefore prevented, and Sebastopol saved, to cost tens of thousands of lives before it fell.

The Russian position on the Alma was along a crest of hills.

On their left by the sea these rose precipitously, offering great difficulties for an assault.