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The Charge of the Heavy Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, 25 October 1854
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The Charge of the Heavy Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, 25 October 1854
5920406 The Charge of the Heavy Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, 25 October 1854, 1897 (oil on canvas) by Giles, Godfrey Douglas (1857-1941); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: The Charge of the Heavy Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, 25 October 1854.
Oil on canvas by Godfrey Douglas Giles (1857-1941), 1897.
During the Crimean War (1854-1856) Russian forces mounted an attack on the British position at Balaklava. A large body of some 3, 000 Russian cavalry threatened the road to the harbour of Balaklava itself.
The British Heavy Brigade, about 800 strong, consisted of ten squadrons of heavy cavalry, commanded by Major-General (later General) The Honourable (later Sir) James Yorke Scarlett. Seeing the Russian horsemen halted, and thus vulnerable to attack, Scarlett immediately charged uphill with three of his squadrons, being successively reinforced by the remaining seven squadrons of his brigade. Reeling from this series of attacks, the Russian cavalry retired in disorder a few minutes later.
The painting depicts the action as the first line of the Heavy Brigade crashes into the Russian cavalry. In the foreground is the 2nd squadron of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, while in the background are two squadrons of the 2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons (later Royal Scots Greys). In reality, because of the difficult ground it had to cover, the pace of the Heavy BrigadeAs attack was far gentler than the painting suggests.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22567976
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Carbine Cavalry Charge Firearm Tactics
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Charge of the Heavy Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, 25 October 1854" is a captivating oil painting by Godfrey Douglas Giles that depicts a pivotal moment during the Crimean War. In this intense scene, we witness Major-General James Yorke Scarlett leading his British Heavy Brigade in a daring uphill charge against the Russian cavalry. The artist skillfully captures the chaos and bravery of this historic battle. The foreground showcases the 2nd squadron of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons crashing into their adversaries with unwavering determination. Meanwhile, in the background, two squadrons of the 2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons (later Royal Scots Greys) await their turn to join the fray. Although Giles' interpretation may exaggerate the speed and intensity of this charge due to artistic license, it does not diminish its significance. The British forces faced overwhelming odds as they defended Balaklava from thousands of Russian cavalrymen threatening their position. This dramatic artwork serves as a testament to courage under fire and highlights Scarlett's strategic brilliance in seizing an opportune moment for attack. With each successive wave reinforcing their comrades, these brave soldiers managed to rout their enemies and secure victory on that fateful day. Giles' painting immortalizes this heroic event within history's annals while allowing us to reflect upon both its triumphs and sacrifices. It stands as a tribute to those who fought valiantly during one of history's most renowned battles – forever capturing our imagination with its vivid portrayal.
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