March 28 in Military History — On This Day

⚔️📍 London and Paris1854

Britain and France Declare War on Russia — Crimean War

Britain and France formally declared war on Russia after Russian forces failed to withdraw from Ottoman Moldavia and Wallachia, and after Russia destroyed an Ottoman fleet at Sinope. The war would be fought primarily on the Crimean Peninsula.

The Crimean War was the first major European conflict since Napoleon, introduced war correspondents and photography to the battlefield, and inspired Florence Nightingale's nursing revolution.

Outcome

Crimean War begins; 500,000 total casualties

Casualties

500,000

Battle of Hlobane Mountain

Colonel Evelyn Wood's mounted force attacked the abaQulusi Zulu stronghold on flat-topped Hlobane Mountain. As the assault proceeded, the main Zulu army appeared moving toward the British camp at Kambula, threatening encirclement. The withdrawal became a rout as Zulus descended on retreating mounted troops. Buller personally rescued at least three unhorsed soldiers by pulling them up behind him under fire, earning the Victoria Cross.

Hlobane demonstrated that Zulu tactical capability remained intact after Isandlwana. The battle set up its own reversal — the main Zulu army attacked the fortified British camp at Kambula the following day.

Full battle details →