The most notorious, and most contentious, cavalry charge in history
still remains an enigma. Though numerous books have been written about
the charge, all claiming to 'reveal the truth' or to understand 'the
reason why'; exactly what happened at Balaklava on 25 October 1854
continues to be fiercely debated. Voices from the Past, The Charge of
the Light Brigade relives that fateful day not through the opinions of
such historians but from the words of those that were there.
This is the story of the charge told by the soldiers of both sides, in
the most detailed description of the Battle of Balaklava yet written.
Gallop with the light dragoons and lancers into the mouths of the
Russian cannon as the shells and cannonballs decimate their ranks. Read
of the desperate efforts to return down the Valley of Death as the enemy
pressed around the remnants of the Light Brigade, and of the nine
Victoria Crosses won that day.
Possibly more significant are the accusations and counter-arguments that
followed the loss of the Light Brigade. Just who was responsible for
that terrible blunder? The leading figures all defended their own
positions, leading to presentations in Parliament and legal action. Yet
one of those senior figures made an astonishing admission immediately
after the battle, only to change his story when the charge became
headline news. Just who was it that made the fatal error that cost the
British Army its Light Brigade?