Plan of the defences of Kronstadt during the Crimean War

A separately-issued plan of the Russian fortress island of Kronstadt, built to defend the approaches to St Petersburg, Russia's only northern port open all year.

On the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854 an Anglo-French fleet was sent to blockade St Petersburg. The fleet was expected to attack Cronstadt, but Admiral Napier judged this suicide, an understanable conclusion when you look at this plan, so made no attempt. At the end of the campaign season Napier was removed from his command because of this 'failure'; however after the war the Russians admitted they were hoping he could be lured to destruction under their artillery.