The Charge: The Light Brigade, the Crimean War and a Military Disaster

During the Crimean War, the Light Brigade's cavalry charge became an iconic disaster due to internal rivalry, incompetence, and the obsessions of Lord Lucan, the commander-in-chief. John Harris' book rejects the conventional wisdom and presents a fresh view on the subject, showing that the men who took part in the charge were intelligent, able, and courageous. The Charge is a brilliant battle epic that describes the conflict's slow mounting to the inevitable climax and the Battle of Balaclava in detail.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Canelo

The cavalry charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War is a legendary disaster in British military history, and bestselling author John Harris offers a fresh perspective on this iconic event. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Harris argues that the calamity was not solely due to the incompetence of the commanders or the bravery of the soldiers. Instead, he suggests that internal rivalry, incompetence, and the obsessions of the commanders-in-chief played a significant role in causing the tragedy.

Lord Lucan, the divisional commander, was an earnest and unpopular man who was plagued by the over-cautious commander-in-chief, an inexperienced and hot-headed 'expert, and a petulant and unmanageable brigadier itching for glory. The combination of these factors led to the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful day.

The story of the Light Brigade is not just about the commanders; it is also about the men who took part in the famous charge. Harris presents them as intelligent, able, and courageous individuals led by officers who were far from unpopular fools. The book delves into the lives of these men, showing their humanity and the sacrifices they made for their country.

The Charge is a brilliant battle epic that builds tension slowly, leading up to the inevitable climax of conflict. The second half of the book describes the Battle of Balaclava in detail, providing a vivid account of the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who fought in this battle.

In conclusion, The Charge by John Harris offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the Light Brigade tragedy. By examining the complex factors that led to the calamity, Harris sheds light on the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the human experience of conflict.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804361856