1853 - 1856

The Charge of the

Light Brigade

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"Lord Raglan wishes the cavalry to advance rapidly to the front, follow the enemy and try to prevent the enemy carrying away the guns.

Troop Horse Artillery may accompany. French cavalry is on your left. Immediate. R.Airey."
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The order which launched the Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854

In response to Field Marshal Lord Raglan's order, Cardigan led the Charge of the Light Brigade in one of the most infamous blunders in military history. The horsemen charged in the wrong direction towards the entire Russian army, rather than towards the guns the enemy had captured earlier, and straight into the 'Valley of Death'.

"Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die."

Alfred Lord Tennyson

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Charge of the Light Brigade

by Richard Caton Woodville Jr.