six o'clock
It was not until next morning that the effect of the fire was visible . The faces of the Russian batteries were pitted and scarred , but no injury of importance had been inflicted upon them . All day the fire continued with unabated fury on the side of the allies , the Russians replying intermittently . Presently the news circulated through the camp that an assault would be made at six o'clock , and all officers and men of duty thronged the brow of the plateau , looking down upon the town . At half-past six a body of French troops were observed to leave their trenches , and , in skirmishing order , to make their way towards the Mamelon . The guns of the Russian fort roared out , but already the assailants were too close for these to have much effect . Soon a great shout from the spectators on the hill proclaimed that the Zouaves , who always led the French attacks , had gained the parapet .