Death Valley ( Charge of the Light Cavalry Brigade ).

\ „Ataka legkoĭ kavalerii“ — vypolnenie brigadoĭ angliĭskoĭ lëgkoĭ kavalerii nepravilʹno ponyatogo prikaza, privedshyee k samoubiĭstvennoĭ atake horosho ukreplennyh russkih pozitsiĭ.Dannoe sobytie prozoshlo vo vremya bitvy pri Balaklave 25 oktyabrya 1854 goda vo vremya krymskoĭ voĭny.

This battle became the basis of the well-known poem Charge of the Light Brigade , written by Lord Tennisan , whose line was built to attack a symbol of courage and tragedy of British soldiers. The phrase \Slovosochetanie „ataka legkoĭ kavalerii“ stalo v angliĭskom yazyke sinonimom otchayannoĭ beznadëzhnoĭ ataki.This light cavalry at Balaklava polegshaya , the numbers made ​​up of representatives of the aristocratic families. Balaclava day will forever remain the funeral date in the military history of England.

Balaklava battle .

The attack was carried out under the command of Lord Cardigan against the Russian army.As part of the Light Brigade had been fourth and 13th Dragoons compound , 8th and 4th Hussars detachment under the command of Cardigan . Together with the Irish heavy cavalry , consisting of a detachment of 4th Royal Irish Dragoon and Scottish connections , led by James York Scarlett .Total command summary Cavalry Brigade was entrusted to Lieutenant-General Count Lucania.

Cardigan and Lucan were half-brothers , and actually hated each other.

Lucan received an order from Lord Raglan Commander of the Army : Lord Raglan wishes the cavalry to quickly close to the enemy attacked and persecuted him .Do everything possible to prevent the evacuation of Russian artillery. French cavalry covers the left flank. Forward. Raglan actually wanted to capture marine guns in redoubts on the left flank . Raglan could see from his point of view , with which he planned the battle , the location of Russian troops deep in the canyon.However, the order was issued and forwarded by Captain Louis Edward messenger Nolan orally. When Lucan asked what tools to attack the messenger instead of the left wing pointed to Russian redoubts , standing deep in the valley about a mile from the location of the original goals .The reason for this tragic mistake could not figure out , because the officer was killed in battle .

In accordance with the order , Lucan instructed Cardigan story of their 673 ( some sources call other numbers 661 and 607) troopers directly through the valley between Fedyukin heights, and heights of the mountains Gasfort .This valley was named - Death Valley (the poet Tennyson ). Russian troops consisted of about 20- and 50 battalions of artillery under the command of Paul Liprandi. Troops were stationed on either side of the valley of death, and occupied a dominant position , is also housed in the interior valleys of much of the Russian army.Lucan led the fight in the light cavalry , which was behind him had to support the connection of heavy cavalry.

Light Cavalry launched an attack in the valley in front cardigan with the Lord .

Almost simultaneously with the beginning of the attack Nolan ( messenger ) , rushed to the front to the commander. Perhaps he saw wrong and tried to order transmitted to stop the attack.But he was killed by Russian artillery and cavalry continued to advance . Despite the cross-fire from three sides, the light cavalry was able to attack and oust the Russian forces at the end of the valley, and knocked them out of the redoubts. However , after suffering huge losses, was forced to otsupit .

Russian gunners retreated back to the guns , and opened heavy fire on the rear of the cavalry . Lucan failed to provide any support cardigan, and it was taken as a basis for widespread speculation about his personal dislike of the two half-brothers . Heavy cavalry troops entered the valley and stopped at the beginning of not moving forward.He explained this by saying that the position was most favorable to the rear cover and the retreat of the remnants of the Light Brigade . Distinguished itself in battle, the French cavalry , Chasseurs d'Afrique, which broke the Russian line of defense in the Fedyukin Heights , and later was able to cover the retreat .

a war correspondent , William Russell , described the tragedy of this is our Light Brigade, was destroyed by his own impetuosity and cruelty ferocious enemy.

Cardigan survived the battle , although rumors that he was not present .In fact, he led the soldiers to come and just did not look to see what happens to the troops behind. He had reached the opposite side of the valley and took part in the battle. Later , after returning from the battle alone, he did not care about the organization and the onset of any concern for his troops.Later, he said that all what he could think of at this point is about revenge Captain Nolan , who he thought was trying to take over command of its parts. After returning from the battle , believing that everything possible has already been done , he went on board his yacht , moored at Balaklava , where to enjoy dinner and champagne.

He later described the circumstances of the battle , in a speech made ​​at the London City Hall, and subsequently in the House of Commons .

results .

The brigade was not completely destroyed, but suffered heavy losses : 118 killed , 127 wounded. After regrouping, only 195 soldiers had horses and were in line.

Reputattsiya British cavalry after the battle of the rose can not be said of its commanders .

Slow message of those times was the reason that news of the tragedy reached London only three weeks later . This event was devoted to the special edition of London newspaper on November 12, 1854.Raglan lays the blame on Lucan , because he sent light cavalry , and he took refuge . Raglan blamed Lucan is that he wants to make him a scapegoat for their failures. Cardigan , who fearlessly carried out the order , returned home a hero and was promoted.

Our time.

Now Death Valley - vineyards agrofirm golden beam .

During the Yalta konferenitsii in 1945 Churchill , a historian and horseman in the past, been at this location.

Samu battle the British study in military schools , as an example , when the elite troops are defeated as a result of not clear and precise orders.

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