A Crimean Winter of Discontent: The Crimean War Letters of William John Rous

The letters of William John Rous, who arrived in the Crimea in December 1854 with his regiment, the 90th (Perthshire) Regiment, describe the ordeal of life in the trenches before Sevastopol in graphic detail. Ian Fletcher has edited and illustrated Rous's work for republication, shedding new light on one of the most famous but tragic campaigns ever fought by the British army.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

As the snow fell upon my face, it instantly froze, creating a crisp and icy coating on my hair and eyelashes. The chilling cold was so intense that whenever I had to venture out to the sentries or face the blustering winds, my nose would burst open, expending all my energy and leaving me exhausted. Despite the overwhelming discomfort, there was a sense of determination that kept me from collapsing in the snow. This harrowing experience is just one of many vivid passages from the letters written by William John Rous during his time in the Crimea in December 1854.

Rous, a member of the 90th (Perthshire) Regiment, embarked on a series of letters that vividly depicted the hardships of life in the trenches before Sevastopol. These letters, which have remained unpublished since their creation, have now been edited and illustrated by Ian Fletcher, one of the foremost experts on the Crimean War. The letters were penned during a particularly contentious period of the conflict, as the British army faced severe challenges amidst a harsh winter. During this period, more British soldiers succumbed to cold, disease, and exhaustion than were killed by enemy action. Rous's words vividly convey the appalling conditions in the trenches, including the lack of sleep, relentless overwork, constant fear of a Russian sortie, and the ever-present dangers posed by Russian guns within the city.

Rous's firsthand account sheds new light on one of the most renowned yet tragic campaigns in British military history. His experiences highlight the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who faced such extreme conditions, as well as the sacrifices made in the name of national pride. The letters serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who served in such challenging circumstances.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399062138