Day 3 Part 1 The Battle if Balaklava 1854 Flashcards
When did the Charge of the Light Brigade take place?
25 October 1854, during the Battle of Balaklava in the Crimean War.
What qualities does the Charge of the Light Brigade symbolize?
Heroism, duty, steadfastness, futility, waste, incompetence, and poor communication.
The “Eight Points of Good Leadership” from the Defence Leadership Management Centre, based at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom at Shrivenham, are
- Inspire confidence.
- Motivate others to follow.
- Raise the goals of others (at personal risk).
- Build a team.
- Provide a personal example of physical/or moral bravery, or both.
- Achieve the task.
- Instill and maintain discipline.
- Delegate authority
Name three innovations first used during the Crimean War.
Military telecommunications, percussion rifles, and war correspondents.
Why did Britain and France intervene in the Crimean War?
To counter Russian expansion and protect their trade routes in the Mediterranean.
What event triggered concern for British and French interests?
The Russian Navy’s defeat of a Turkish flotilla at Sinope in November 1853.
What was the strategic goal of the allied forces in Crimea?
To capture Sevastopol and cripple Russian naval power.
Who commanded the British and French forces?
Field Marshal Lord Raglan (British) and General François Canrobert (French).
Who commanded the Russian Army?
Prince Aleksandr Menshikov, with General Pavel Liprandi as second-in-command.
Who commanded the British cavalry division?
Lieutenant General George Bingham, Earl of Lucan.
Who led the Heavy and Light Brigades respectively?
Heavy Brigade: Brigadier General Sir James Scarlett. Light Brigade: Major General James Brudenell, Earl of Cardigan.
What relationship did Lucan and Cardigan have?
They were brothers-in-law who despised each other, impairing communication.
What did Lord Raglan observe from the Sapouné Ridge?
A panoramic view of the battlefield, although terrain features were misleading.
What was the first Russian move on 25 October 1854?
Liprandi crossed the River Chernaya with 25,000 men and attacked redoubts held by Turks.
What was the response of General Cathcart to Raglan’s orders?
He refused initially, citing his men’s fatigue, and only moved after repeated orders.
How did the Cossacks respond to the Light Brigade drawing swords?
They retreated back over the Causeway Heights.
What was the “Thin Red Line”?
A long line of two ranks formed by the 93rd (Highland) Regiment to stop a Russian cavalry charge at Balaklava.
Who commanded the 93rd (Highland) Regiment during the “Thin Red Line”?
Major General Sir Colin Campbell.
What was the traditional tactic for infantry facing cavalry in the open?
Forming a defensive square.
What famous quote did Sir Colin Campbell shout during the Thin Red Line?
“Ninety Third! There’s no retreat from here! Ye must stand!”
What weapon gave the Highlanders an advantage against the Russian cavalry?
The ’53 Pattern Enfield rifled percussion musket.
Why did the “Thin Red Line” become a stirring victory instead of a defeat?
Because of strong leadership and new military technology.
What tactic did the Heavy Brigade use in their charge?
They charged uphill against the Russians, who had the high ground and numerical advantage.
Who led the Heavy Brigade?
Brigadier General Sir James Scarlett.
