Battle Of Balaclava, 1854 Flashcards
When was the Crimean War?
1854-56
How was Lord Raglan’s base of food and ammo. protected?
With 2000 infantry who were mainly poorly trained turks, 1500 cavalry and 26 guns
What did Raglan do after receiving news Russian troops were coming?
Didn’t reinforce the base
How many Russians attacked on 25th October?
25000 Russian infantry, 3500 cavalry and 78 guns
What happened to British defence guns positioned in the hills?
Began to fall to the hands of Russians as Turkish troops were outgunned by cannons
Who did Brits initially try to save themselves?
By taking cover behind a ridge but were pounded by artillery
What did Sir Colin Campbell (Highlands commander) do after 2000 Russian cavalry advanced towards them?
Told British to stand and face the enemy
How was Sir Colin Campbell’s order good?
Russians cvalry retreated after 3 rounds of fire and infantry were armed with minie rifles
What did William Howard Russell write about the red tunics of the Brutish defence?
They looked like a ‘thin red streak, tipped with steel.’ This ‘thin red line’ was weirdly a powerul force
How did Raglan become frustrated in the Charge of the Heavy Brigade?
Raglan was in the hills and in a perfect position to manouevre troops. He ordered 800 Heavy Brigade cavalry to reinforce remaining guns but they came across 3k advancing cavalry. Lord Cardigan chose to attack the Russians which ended the Russian attack on Balaclava but it wasn’t necessary and therefore annoyed Raglan as he watched in frustration.
How did Lord Ragland and Lord Lucan miscommunicate in the Charge of the Light Brigade?
Raglan sent a message to Lucan to use the cavalry to occupy the area the Russians retreated from. Lucan didn’t see this as an order and it gave Russians enough time to capture back allied guns. Raglan sent a written message to ‘advance rapidly.’ Lucan ordered Cardigan to attack russian guns, knowing it was stupid.
