Crimean War

Battle of Alma

• Revealed the shortcomings of the British army

• Little coordination between armies or commanders, lack of preparation before battle, indecisive leaders and time wasting

Battle of Balaclava (1854)

three major battle moments

• Thin Red Line - Russian cavalry unable to break the 93rd foot highlanders.

• Charge of the Heavy Brigade - Lucan moves his cavalry to support the highlanders and they charge the Russians uphill who, inexplicably, stand still and thus are forced to retreat.

• Charge of the Light Brigade - became emblematic of the Leadership problems in the Crimea: poor planning; poor communication; vague generalship; and conflicting orders.

The siege of Sevastopol (Sept 1854-Sept 1855)

• Nov 1854, and initial attack at Inkerman caused heavy British losses

• Nov 1854 also sees a severe storm that destroys British ships carrying supplies

• Soldiers and horses starved as they faced the Crimean Winter unprepared, as well as disease

• By 1855 there were improvements including a railway being built to Balaklava

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