To What Extent Was the Charge of the Light Brigade the Fault of Lord Raglan?

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To what extent was the charge of the Light Brigade the fault of Lord Raglan? For the past 200 years Russia had been expanding its empire and in 1783 they took over Crimea. On the 28th of March 1854 Britain, France and Turks decided they’d had the last straw ordering a formal declaration of war on Russia. Throughout the battles disastrous mistakes were made and lives were lost, one of the biggest mistakes being the charge of the Light Brigade. But to what extent should all the blame be put on Lord Raglan (commander in chief)? Historians may argue that Lord Raglan was greatly to blame for the fault of the charge of the Light Brigade. They may put across arguments for him playing a large extent for the military blunder. For example, he was the commander in chief therefore had the greatest power of authority making decisions and commands for others below his status. They may also argue that he had a better perspective of the “valley of death” than Lucan and Cardigan. Lord Raglan could see the Russians patiently waiting in the north valley ready to make their attack; this means that he should have had a better strategy to attack giving clear orders instead of just demanding they attack the guns. Finally historians may argue that rivalry between positions of authority (Lucan and Nolan were brothers-in-laws who hated each other making no attempt to cover it up) led to the blundering disaster. Raglan should have been aware of the rivalry between the two brothers in-laws and sorted out the situation which would have led to better co-operation. In contrast to the above, there is evidence which implies that there are others at fault other than Lord Raglan. For instance Captain Nolan, an excellent horseman that was chosen to deliver messages. On arrival of Lucan and his brigade he stated in a rather excitable manner to “Attack immediately!” When asked where and what to
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