The battle of Balaclava 1854

• What year did the Battle of Balaclava take place?

  1854
• What was the main objective of the Russian attack during the Battle of Balaclava?

  To capture a British-held port in Crimea
• What was the outcome of the British defense against the Russian attack?

  The British fought off the Russians successfully
• How many Russian cavalry charged the British line?

  2000 Russian cavalry
• What was the composition of the British and Russian troops during the battle?

  British: 2000 troops; Russian: 2500 troops
• What was the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava?

  • An unnecessary cavalry assault
  • Resulted in significant casualties
  • Occurred later in the battle
• Who led the 93rd Highlanders during the battle?

  Sir Colin Campbell
• What type of rifles did the 93rd Highlanders use?

  Minié rifles
• How did the 93rd Highlanders position themselves against the Russian cavalry?

  They formed two-deep lines in red tunics
• What was the ratio of British soldiers to Russian cavalry during the battle?

  Outnumbered four to one
• What was the result of the Highlanders' volleys against the cavalry?

  They drove off the cavalry successfully
• What was the role of the Heavy Brigade during the battle?

  They defeated a large force of Russian cavalry
• What led to the huge loss of life during the battle?

  Old methods against modern rifles
• Who was Lord Raglan?

  The British commander at Balaclava
• What criticism did Lord Raglan face after the battle?

  Shortages of clothes and supplies
• What mistake did Lord Raglan make regarding the Russian forces?

  He did not reinforce the British troops
• What was the consequence of Raglan delaying the attack on Sebastopol?

  Gave the enemy time to build defenses
• What did Lord Raglan order Lord Lucan to do during the battle?

  To recapture the Russian cannons
• What was the issue with Lord Raglan's orders to Lord Lucan?

  The orders were vague and poorly explained
• What did Lucan mistakenly interpret Raglan's order to mean?

  To attack the Russian cannons
• How many men were in the Light Brigade?

  673 men
• What were the casualties suffered by the Light Brigade?

  113 killed, 134 wounded
• What happened to most of the horses in the Light Brigade?

  Most had to be destroyed
• What supported the British supplies during the campaign?

  A railway network and strong transport system
• What features of warfare were shown in the Battle of Balaclava?

  Older features:

  1. Cavalry charges
  2. Traditional infantry formations
  3. Use of red tunics
  4. Reliance on manual supply lines
  5. Limited communication
  6. Direct engagements
  7. Heavy reliance on honor
  8. Lack of reconnaissance
  9. Slow troop movements
  10. Use of outdated tactics

  
  

  Modern features:

  1. Use of rifles
  2. Defensive positions
  3. Coordination between units
  4. Strategic planning
  5. Use of artillery
  6. Supply chain management
  7. Communication technology
  8. Tactical flexibility
  9. Combined arms operations
  10. Emphasis on logistics