The desperate assaults on the defences of Sebastopol during the Crimean War inspired the people of Worthing.

On November 5, 1855, the town's boisterous bonfire boys staged a violent re-enactment of the assault on a Russian strongpoint called the Malakhoff Tower.

More than 1,000 people gathered in the town centre and on the seafront to watch the thrilling spectacle, with the police, often the subjects of the bonfire boys' rough attentions in the past, standing nervously by.

This is an account of the night's adventures, a moment of Worthing's past captured in time and featured in Chris Hare's book Historic Worthing: "Fireworks of every description were flying about and any little knot of ladies was a sure attraction for the squibs.

"Two or three ladies and gentlemen came out on the balcony of the Marine Hotel and attracted the warlike feeling of the people, for they were soon enveloped in a mass of well-directed missiles.

"Similar attacks were made on the Wellington Inn, the windows of which were crowded with spectators.

"Two or three well-directed shells, some of which entered the rooms, caused the windows to be closed.

"Opposite the Town Hall the storming party were assembling. Men in all uniforms - English, French, Turkish, Sardinian, and Red Indians - were conversing with great animation.

"These soon formed into procession, carrying with them the flags of the different nations and others bearing the words Sebastopol, Alma, Inkerman, Balaclava, Oltenitzu, Silistria, Tchernaya, etc.

"The procession consisted of about 200 military and no end of civilians. The band marched in advance, playing the French national air. They started from the Sea House Hotel, transversed Montague Place, through Chapel Street and down South Street.

"Having completed the procession, the besieging party drew up before the Malakhoff (a large lugger on the beach, piled up with faggots with the Russian flag planted on top), from which the Russians were continually throwing rockets.

"The orders from the officers to the men and the remarks flying from one to the other were rather amusing. I'm getten thirsty, Harry', complained a Turkish soldier to his commander. Why, you're always a lushin', Dick' was his excellency's reply.

"The word of command given, the scaling ladders were placed near the Malakhoff and away went the storming party.

"A stout contest ensued and several must have been placed in the ambulances. The odds were certainly in favour of the Allies, who were about 200 strong, and the Russians appeared to consist of about four.

"The place was taken and the Russian standard soon fell to the ground, and it was not long before the Malakhoff was in flames.

"The people cheered lustily. Tar tubs were again set rolling and were followed with the greatest spirit.

Fireworks were popping in all directions and these sports continued until about 12 o'clock."