C1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth…

The idea

The Battle of Balaclava (1854) was a key Crimean War engagement defined by heroic stands and disastrous miscommunications. The outcome was a tactical draw, as Russian forces failed to capture the British base. This outcome was heavily influenced by the role of Lord Raglan, the British commander. Raglan's vague written orders and his high vantage point, which did not match the limited view of his subordinates, led directly to the Charge of the Light Brigade. Poor communication between Raglan, Nolan, and Lucan caused the cavalry to charge the wrong artillery battery, suffering heavy casualties. The successful 'Thin Red Line' and the Charge of the Heavy Brigade prevented a Russian victory despite Raglan's significant command errors.

What earns the marks

• Explain how Lord Raglan's vague orders contributed to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade.
• Describe the impact of the terrain and Raglan's high vantage point on the misinterpretation of his orders by Lord Lucan.
• Analyse the role of the 'Thin Red Line' (93rd Highlanders) in halting the Russian cavalry advance.
• Evaluate the success of the Charge of the Heavy Brigade in disrupting the Russian attack.
• Assess the overall outcome of the battle as a tactical draw but a strategic failure for the Russians.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating that the Charge of the Light Brigade was a complete military defeat for the British.

  Put it right: While casualties were high, the Light Brigade did reach the guns and force a Russian retreat, and the overall battle prevented the Russians from taking Balaclava.

• Blaming only Lord Raglan for the Light Brigade disaster.

  Put it right: The disaster was a combination of Raglan's vague orders, Nolan's poor delivery, and Lucan's failure to clarify the objective.

• Confusing the roles of the Heavy and Light Brigades.

  Put it right: The Heavy Brigade successfully charged uphill to defeat a larger Russian cavalry force, whereas the Light Brigade charged down a valley into concentrated artillery fire.

Exam tips

• Clearly distinguish between the actions of the Light Brigade, the Heavy Brigade, and the 93rd Highlanders when explaining the battle's outcome.
• Focus on the chain of command and communication failures when evaluating Lord Raglan's role.
• Use the Battle of Balaclava to illustrate wider themes of aristocratic leadership and military incompetence in the nineteenth century.