NAM.1968-07-288-2

Lord Cardigan’s Memorandum on the Charge of the Light Brigade, Crimean War (1854-1856). Cardigan delivered his memorandum to Lord Raglan on 27 October, two days after the Charge. The section reproduced reads as follows: [A] few minutes afterwards the Lt General [Lucan] came in front of the Brigade, ordered the 11th Hussars to fall back in support and told me to attack the Russians in the Valley, about 3/4 of mile distant with the 13th Lt Dragoons & 17th Lancers. I answered ‘certainly but allow me to point out to you that the hills on each side are covered with Artillery & Riflemen. The Lt General replied ‘I cannot help it, you must attack, Lord Raglan desires the Lt Brigade immediately to attack the enemy. A few minutes afterwards whilst advancing Capt. Nolan came in front of the Brigade with a view as it appeared of hurrying it on. A shell burst between him & me which was the cause of his death. I led the Brigade down the [?hill] in front of the Russian battery of heavy guns firing shells, grape shot [& round shot]. Includes reports from Lord George Charles Bingham, 3rd Earl of Lucan and James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan and Gen Canrobert, a General Order to troops, 5 Dec 1854, and papers concerning Lord Lucan's recall, January-March 1855. From a collection of papers belonging to FM Lord Fitzroy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan, Commander in Chief, 1854-1855 (c).

Balaklava, Battle of, 1854 (Crimean War, Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854 (Crimean War 1854-1856)