‘My Lord Duke,—The Russian advanced posts in front of our left attack having taken up a position which incommoded our troops in the trenches, and occasioned not a few casualties, and at the same time took in reverse the French troops working in their lines, a representation of which was made to me both by our own officers and by General Canrobert, a detachment of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, under Lieutenant Tryon, was directed on the night of the 20th to dislodge the enemy; and this service was performed most gallantly and effectively, but at some loss both in killed and wounded, and at the cost of the life of Lieutenant Tryon, who rendered himself conspicuous on the occasion: he was considered a most promising officer, and held in the highest estimation by all. The Russians attempted several times to re-establish themselves on the ground before daylight on the 21st, but they were instantly repulsed by Lieutenant Bourchier, the senior surviving officer of the party, and it now remains in our possession. Brigadier Sir John Campbell speaks highly of the conduct of the detachment, and of Lieutenant Bourchier and Lieutenant Cuninghame, and he laments the death of Lieutenant Tryon, who so ably led them in the first instance. This little exploit was so highly prized by General Canrobert that he instantly published an “Ordre Général” announcing it to the French army, and combining, with a just tribute to the gallantry of the troops, the expression of his deep sympathy in the regret felt for the loss of a young officer of so much distinction.
‘(Signed) Raglan.’
The following General Order from Lord Raglan was also issued:
‘General Order, November 24, 1854.
‘The Commander of the Forces cannot pass unnoticed the attack, on the night of the 20th inst., of a detachment of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade under Lieutenant Tryon upon the advanced posts of the enemy, which had been pushed forward so as to enfilade the English trenches, and to take in reverse those of the French troops.
‘The advance was made in the most spirited and determined manner, and was completely successful. And though several vigorous attempts were afterwards made by the enemy to dislodge the gallant band, they utterly failed, and the ground remains in our possession.
‘Lieutenant Tryon, whose conduct was most conspicuous, was unfortunately killed, and several valuable soldiers shared the same fate.
‘The General-in-Chief of the French army so highly prized the achievement that he published a General Order eulogising the conduct of the detachment, and paying a just tribute to the officer who led it.
‘(Signed) J. B. B. Estcourt.
‘Adjutant-General.’
The following is the order referred to issued by the French. General, a most honourable and unusual distinction:—