Published on 2025-03-09 by Teagan Pacheco
What is the difference between bravery and foolishness? Is it courageous to persevere despite the odds, or wiser to retreat to fight another day? Should we more greatly desire calculated strategies or unrelenting forces? The answers to these questions are not absolute but dynamic with the circumstances. No situation is exactly the same as another.
~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.~
The Battle of Balaclava was fought during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War between the Allies and the Russians and Cossacks. The Russian General Liprandi pressed with 25,000 strong to capture Balaclava, a valuable British supply depot. The British could not afford to lose this location for the logistical advantage. The battle began with a Russian artillery and infantry attack on the Ottoman redoubts. When the redoubts fell, the Russian cavalry moved to engage in the South Valley, held by the British 93rd Highland Regiment in what came to be known as the "Thin Red Line."
This line held and repelled the attack, as did General James Scarlett's British Heavy Brigade, which charged and defeated a significant proportion of the cavalry advance, forcing the Russians onto the defensive. However, a final Allied cavalry charge, from a misinterpreted order from commander-in-chief Lord Raglan, led to the famous and ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade.
~Forward the Light Brigade, was there a man dismayed? Not though the soldier knew,
someone had blundered. Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die. Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred.~
This onslaught of the Light Brigade was a military action against Russian forces, resulting in many casualties to the cavalry. The Light Brigade, led by Lord Cardigan, mounted a frontal assault against Russian artillery well-prepared with fields of defensive fire. The foray occurred because of a misunderstood order from Lord Raglan, who had intended the Light Brigade to attack a better-suited objective. The Light Brigade charged under withering direct fire and reached its target, scattering the gunners, but was forced to withdraw.
~Cannon to right of them, cannon to left of them, cannon in front of them, volleyed and thundered. Stormed at with shot and shell. Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, into the mouth of hell, rode the six hundred.~
The Charge is a striking example of perseverance despite overwhelming odds. The lionhearted soldiers pressed forward, knowing the near-certainty of failure. In our own lives, we often stomach situations where the odds seem stacked against us. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, perseverance can inspire others and demonstrate our resilience. It’s not always about winning but showing courage and commitment to the cause.
~Flashed all their sabers bare. Flashed as they turned in air, sabering the gunners there. Charging an army while all the world wondered. Plunged in the battery smoke. Right through the line, they broke. Cossack and Russian reeled from the saber stroke, shattered and sundered. Then they rode back, but not, not the six hundred.~
The Light Brigade tells us of the dangers of conformity. The soldiers followed orders without questioning the flawed strategy. This raises an important question: Should we always comply or confront leadership when we see potential defects? While loyalty and cooperation are essential, blind obedience can shepherd poor outcomes. Critical thinking and the grit to question authority when necessary are equally important. This means fostering a culture where feedback is valued, and we, as leaders, are open to being waylaid.
~Cannon to right of them, cannon to left of them, cannon behind them, volleyed and thundered. Stormed at with shot and shell, while horse and hero fell, they that had fought so well. Came through the jaws of Death, back from the mouth of Hell. All that was left, left of six hundred.~
While faith in leadership is imperative, it should not come at the expense of prudence. The soldiers’ unwavering belief in their commanders led them into a disastrous situation. We should strive to balance trust and skepticism in our personal and professional lives. Trust is vital for teamwork, but circumspection ensures we don’t naively follow a path that may lead to ruin. Leaders must take responsibility for their decisions and provide clear communication. We should contend to work with leaders who value transparency and accountability. At the same time, we should hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, even when following orders.
The Battle of Balaclava and the Charge of the Light Brigade are potent reminders of the complexities of leadership, followership, and intransigence. They teach us that perseverance is admirable but must be guided by clarity and purpose. Critical thinking is essential, even in the face of authority. And accountability is a shared responsibility between leaders and followers.
~When can their glory fade, O' the wild charge they made, All the world wondered. Honor the charge they made, honor the Light Brigade, noble six hundred.~