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October 25, 1854By: John Beilun / Time TravelerIn 1853, the Russian Empire decided tocarve a piece out of the Ottoman realm andarbitrarily appropriated a portion of its holdings.Allied with the Turks, the British and French threatened the Russianswith war if they did not withdraw, which they shortly did thereafter.Now, this should have been the end of the matter. However, Britainand France suddenly felt like flexing their muscles. So, in September1854, they invaded a Russian held peninsula that jutted into the BlackSea – a neck of land called the Crimea.The fighting stopped after nearly two years, when both sides grewtired, with no one gaining advantage. Known as the Crimean War, thisunnecessary and meaningless conflict is infamous for the countlessmilitary errors committed by both sides.The Battle of Balaclava is probably the most egregious example.On October 25, 1854, Major General the Earl of Cardigan viewed thevalley to his front. The hills on each side and the opposite end weredefended by over fifty heavy artillery pieces and twenty battalions ofinfantry. Nevertheless, Cardigan’s brother-in-law and immediatesuperior, Lieutenant General the Earl of Lucan, had commanded himto attack.Due to the unfavorable terrain and the enemy’s overwhelmingfirepower the order was essentially suicidal. And in this instance, it wasmade even more so because Cardigan’s force was comprised solely oflight cavalry, armed only with lance and saber. Cardigan and Lucanhowever detested each other,and many historians believethat their animosity taintedthe Lieutenant General’sjudgment.Despite his misgivings,Cardigan led his brigade’scharge into the valley.Meanwhile, the incredulousRussians primed their artillery.Cardigan’s men fell indroves. Lucan’s promisedsupport never materialized.Yet, the British continued on.Miraculously, remnants ofCardigan’s brigade reached theopposite end of the valley andoverran the guns positionedthere.However, their elation was cut short when the Russians unleashedtheir infantry battalions. Outgunned and outnumbered, the Britishretreated back the way they came. Replacing shells with canister, theenemy resumed their cannonade.Theirs not to reason why. Theirs but to do or die. Into the Valley ofDeath rode the six hundred.Thus, ended the Charge of the Light Brigade.NLV Dept 3An 11-year officer inthe United StatesAir Force Reserves,Judge AdvocateGeneral (JAG) Corps“...earning high marks for fairness and efficiency.Judge Lee’s experience and temperament carry the day.We urge a vote forJudge Chris Lee.”9/15/2064October 2020