Battle of Bomarsund

8–16 August 1854, Bomarsund, Åland Islands

Allied victory; Bomarsund taken and destroyed

Napier's fleet could not risk attacking Kronstadt or Sveaborg, so the allies struck at Bomarsund. About 10,000 French troops were landed and laid siege to the fortress from the land, while the fleet bombarded its towers from the sea; the old blockships Edinburgh, Ajax and Hogue tried out long-range fire with their heaviest guns, and Penelope ran aground under the guns and had to throw her own guns overboard to get free. The Russian garrison of about 2,000 surrendered on 16 August, and the fortress was blown up.