Note 203 — 1855-56. 13th September-1st March. DEMOLITIONS AT SEBASTOPOL.

To remove the gates without injury, under fire from the north side of the harbour, was a tedious service. In each half gate, weighing about thirty tons, there were no less than 1720 rivets, every head of which had to be cut off and the pins punched out. Every screw had also to be removed by the usual means—a difficult process, arising from the oxidation of the several parts. The sheets were cut into twelve pieces for easy carriage. The iron girders, twelve in number, which like ribs sustained the structure, were drawn up by block and tackle; and then, lowered to rollers, were conveyed away. The greatest efforts were given in pulling up the heel-posts, of which there were two; and the strong unyielding haul of 150 men brought them without flaw from their rocky beds. One of the girders was broken in rolling it away, but its place was supplied by one from another gate. This was the only accident which had occurred during the operation. Sergeant John Docherty was Colonel Bent’s foreman. An average of five sapper blacksmiths were daily employed at the work. Mr. Rumble, engineer of the ‘London,’ with two seamen, assisted until their removal to Malta. Some handy blacksmiths of the artillery also aided, and sergeant Welton of that regiment was remarkably active with the gear and tackling.