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1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:45 pm
by Felix/FFDS
.......

1854 Charge of the Light Brigade


In an event alternately described as one of the most heroic or disastrous episodes in British military history, Lord James Cardigan leads a charge of the Light Brigade cavalry against well-defended Russian artillery during the Crimean War. The British were winning the Battle of Balaclava when Cardigan received his order to attack the Russians. His cavalry gallantly charged down the valley and were decimated by the heavy Russian guns, suffering 40 percent casualties. It was later revealed that the order was the result of confusion and was not given intentionally. Lord Cardigan, who survived the battle, was hailed as a national hero in Britain.

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:55 pm
by ATI_7500
Umm...listed in the section "incompetent commanders" in the book "The dumbest mistakes in military history". I think the author was right.

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:29 pm
by Flt.Lt.Andrew
Hey! Just because you haven't won a war since one of those Franco Prussian jaunts! For the record, one of my ancestors was there, (Sgt.Mjr. Berryman)

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:13 pm
by Felix/FFDS
[quote]Hey! Just because you haven't won a war since one of those Franco Prussian jaunts! For the record, one of my ancestors was there, (Sgt.Mjr. Berryman)

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:37 am
by Flt.Lt.Andrew
True, but everyone makes mistakes!
Anyway, he was a Lord, he's excused.


A.

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:31 am
by H
True, but everyone makes mistakes!
And you've been quick to point them out, as suited, and make your own in the process. The biggest problem is that some people have to figure out how you mean something rather than only what you mean. Sometimes you often have a predetermined thought of something relative but don't explain that part of it out and we don't exactly relish having to read your mind. :P 8)

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:08 am
by Flt.Lt.Andrew
Thats a very correct and true analysis....teachers always encourage me to 'be more clear' or show 'just exactly what I mean'... good work H.


A.

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:37 am
by ozzy72
The Charge of the Light Brigade on a par of military excellence in the same way a Pot Noodle is haut cuisine ;D

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:22 am
by Felix/FFDS
Were it not for the peom, would the Charge even be remembered as it is?

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:21 pm
by Smoke2much
Felix is right.  Let's face it no one discusses the Charge of the Heavy Brigade which was one of the direct causes of the Light Brigade fiasco.

Basicly the heavies charged uphill against the Russians who out numbered them and won.  Not to be out done the Light Brigade were up for anything that would make them look good.  Bad move.

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:39 pm
by C
[quote]Hey! Just because you haven't won a war since one of those Franco Prussian jaunts! For the record, one of my ancestors was there, (Sgt.Mjr. Berryman)

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:01 pm
by Flt.Lt.Andrew
Damn nice work Charlie! Even I didnt know that!

A.


P.S is the VC exclusive to the Army?

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:08 pm
by Felix/FFDS

P.S is the VC exclusive to the Army?


No.  Other services have recipients as well.

Even I know that!

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 2:40 am
by Flt.Lt.Andrew
I'm just double checking!



A.

Re: 1854 25 OCT Half a league, half a league

PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 3:41 am
by ozzy72
Tut tut Andrew not knowing that ::)
Guy Gibson? Commander of 617 for the Dambusters raid?