The series revolves around the Crimean War, a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of at least 95% of the population. A coalition of French and British beat the Russians. Sevastopol was a Russian military stronghold that France and Britain opted to attack instead of declaring victory instantly. Contrary to the challenging circumstances, the coalition overcame the Russians in the initial run-in. The Heavy Battalion and Scottish settlers fought together in response to a Russian counterattack. The British then focused their attention towards Causeway heights. Lord Fitzroy Somerset raglan sleeve, the British commanding officer, commanded the troops to recapture lost momentum. (Kim, 2011)
The Russians opened fire on the Light Brigade from three separate directions as they attempted to attack the enemy position. Despite several losses and wounded, the troopers managed to reach their target, even without the help of the armoured knights. Russian artillery from the Causeway Peaks Bombarded British cavalry as they returned. Finally, the Light Brigade incurred a 40% loss rate, losing around 110 of the 670 men and 375 horse riders, whereas another 160 men were disabled. While the probabilities were against them and the reasoning was comical, the troops of the Light Brigade headed recklessly into the raging jaws of hell to face some considerable incarnation of evil, just like in fairy tales. (Lychman, 2021)
Although cavalry deeds were spectacular, not everyone made it out alive. So, Tennyson intended this poem to serve as a cautionary tale of how far humanity may go with the strength of fearlessness and trust in each other’s abilities. After the Russians agreed to a peace agreement, British soldiers relinquished the naval fleet and the city a year afterwards. Alfred Tennyson wrote a poem honouring the heroics of the Light Brigade, titled “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The poem written in honour of the Heavy Regiment’s heroics was not as appreciated as expected. (Lychman, 2021)
References:
Kim, E. (2011). THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE: GIVING MEANING TO A MEANINGLESS WAR. CONCORD REVIEW, 101.
Lychman, I. (2021). The reflection of war and notion of duty and dignity in AL Tennyson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade in comparison with selected poems of The First World War.
The True Story Behind The Charge Of The Light Brigade | Crimean War | Timeline. (2020, December 5). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MjWVCy0Jp8
