Transcribed , Manythanks to Trish Gurney for lending her copy of original so thatthis transcription could be made.
The Cause of the Charge ofBalaclava
Oct 25th
1854
by
Thomas Morley
17TH Lancers
The Man of the Hour
Entered at Stationers Hall. All Rights Reserved.
p. 1The Manof the Hour!
(SEE 19th CENTURY,MAY, 1892.)
THOMAS MORLEY,
Late Sergeant of 17thLancers,
Captain of Cavalry through American Civil War.
p.2INTRODUCTION.
The charge of the Light Brigade,one of the most magnificent assaults known in Military annals,and one of the greatest blunders known to military tactics, hasnever yet been properly described. This may be accountedfor by the party bias which has colored all accounts of thebattle according to the views entertained by the variouswriters. Having seen so many of these accounts for the lastforty four years in various newspapers and Magazines, and havingbeen interviewed myself many times I have felt impelled to writewhat I know about the action, and to give a plain unvarnishedaccount of the same without indulging in any fine language or intechnicalities, but using only soldiers’ phrases and givingthe details “with malice toward none” and the truthabout all.
The British Cavalry in the Crimea consisted of five heavyregiments, called the Heavy Brigade, commanded by GeneralScarlett, and five light regiments called the Light Brigade,commanded by Lord Cardigan. Attached to the cavalry was onetroop of the Royal Horse Artillery comprising six guns, commandedby Captain Maude. This Cavalry Division was commanded bythe Earl of Lucan who had his headquarters at Balaclava Harbour,his command being in camp about two miles nearer toSebastopol. Their duty was to defend Balaclava, which wasthe depot of supplies for the British Army engaged in the siegeof Sebastopol.
In addition to the Cavalry Division Sir Colin Campbellcommanded about eight hundred Highlanders (Scotch Infantry), andin camp near Balaclava we had also some sailors and marinesstationed on the heights near the harbour and a British frigatewas moored so that her broadside could protect it. Therewere in addition about twelve hundred irregular Turkish Infantrycommanded by Ruste