Battle of Balaklava, 1854

25 October 1854 - During the battle of Balaklava, 670 British cavalrymen made the famous "Charge of the Light Brigade" including four Sinclairs. Privates Donald, Duncan, John and NiellSinclair against a heavily fortified Russian position. The casualties were heavy; of the 670 horses and men of the Light Brigade who charged the Russian guns, 362 horses and 110 men were killed, 196 men were wounded and 57 were captured. Despite the efforts to praise the gallantry of the Light Brigade, the operation was a disaster.

French General Bosquet remarked - "C'est magnifique, mais ce nes pas la guerre" (It is magnificient, but it is not war.)

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote 10 April 1864

Half a league half a league Half a league onward All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred: `Forward the Light Brigade Charge for the guns' he said Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred Forward the Light Brigade! 'Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Some one had blunder'd: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do & die, Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley'd & thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot & shell, Boldly they rode & well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred. Flash'd all their sabres bare, Flash'd as they turn'd in air, Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army while All the world wonder'd: Plunged in the battery-smoke Right thro' the line they broke; Cossack & Russian Reel'd from the sabre-stroke, Shatter'd & sunder'd. Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volley'd & thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot & shell, While horse & hero fell, They that had fought so well Came thro' the jaws of Death Back from the mouth of Hell, All that was left of them Left of six hundred. When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wonder'd. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!

Best Sinclair