Ref Number: 155
The initial forward mustering area of Varna
Ref Number: 155
March 12 1854 – Formation of the Eastern Army
The journal “Monitor” provides details regarding the makeup of this military force. Commanded by Marshal of France Leroy de Saint-Arnaud, the military force consisted of two infantry divisions led by Divisional Generals Cainrobert and Bosquet, one cavalry brigade under General D’Alonville, one reserve corps commanded by Prince Napoleon, one division from the reserve led by Divisional General Fauré, and one cavalry brigade from the reserve commanded by General Cassenol. Brigadier-General de Martinprey holds the position of Chief of the General Staff, while M. Blanchot serves as the Quartermaster-General. The ecclesiastical personnel and needs is overseen by M. Abbé de Parabert, the Chief Military Chaplain.
French troops withdraw from Algeria. They embark on the ships at Marseilles, Toulon, and other locations along the African coast.
March 19th to May 6th a concentration at Gallipoli
The army is advancing towards Gallipoli, which has been assigned as a gathering place for the Allied troops. Marshal de Saint-Arnaud arrived at that location on May 7th and discovered the defensive lines built at Boullaire, which were located two leagues away from Gallipoli.
The new structure of the cavalry was introduced to the army in May, after a decision made on April 20. Under the command of Major-General Morris, the force consisted of three brigades: one consisting of African riflemen, one consisting of dragoons, and one consisting of heavy cavalry. This structure encompasses the brigades of Alonvius and Cassenol.
In late May, arrangements were made to relocate the army’s headquarters to Varna, a city situated on the Black Sea. This move was intended to bring the army closer to the Russian forces, who were concurrently engaged in the siege of Silistra on the Danube.
During the final days of May, a total of 37,000 French soldiers from the entire army, together with 5,500 horses, arrived in Gallipoli. The reserve division under General Fauré was transformed into the 4th Infantry Division.
Initial arrivals at Varna
The first wave of troops begin to arrive and dispurse around various Black Sea Ports, as can be seen in the print landing what appears to be the beach at Asparuhovo below the Galata headland.
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