October 25, 1854 witnessed a quick succession of 3 heroic military operations by the British Army at Balaclava, but how different they were!
The Charge of the Heavy Brigade under William Simpson and, especially, the Thin Red Line under Colin Campbell were deeds worthy of legends. The Charge of the Light Brigade was an unmitigated slaughter, a narcissistic fantasy of Cardigan who needlessly killed more than 500 of his men just to share the laurels with Simpson and Campbell.
But no matter what, the bravery of the Brits on that day was unsurpassable.
Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Someone had blunder'd:
Their's not to make reply,
Their's not to reason why,
Their's but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
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