The fall of Sebastopol to the allied forces on 8 September 1855 was a crucial step towards the end of military action in the Crimea, which finally ceased in March 1856. After three days of bombardment the Malakoff tower was stormed and captured by the French, and within a few hours the Russians began to retreat. The Russians can be seen here pulling back from the south side of Sebastopol to the north across a floating bridge. They set the powder magazines on fire as they did so, preventing the allies from entering the city for four days.