Charge of the Light Brigade

The Charge of the Light Brigade took place during the Battle of Balaclava on October 25, 1854, one hundred and fifty four years ago today, during the Crimean War. The charge itself was led by Lord Cardigan.

Most people remember the battle best by the famous poem below. Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem would change the memory of the charge from a disastrous last blow to a symbol of courage during warfare that would inspire many boys who would go on to give their lives during the First World War.

G.A. Henty first volunteered for the British Army in 1854 at the beginning of the Crimean War. He was assigned to the Hospital Commissariat. The Commissariat helped to supply food for the staff and patients of the Army. In 1855 he was sent to Crimea. While in Crimea, he learned just how horrible war really was. I have always wondered what Henty's thoughts were about that final "Charge of the Light Brigade."