25 October 1854. Major General James Brudenell, 7th
Earl
of Cardigan stands with Lieutenant General George
Bingham, 3rd Earl of Lucan. Frosty resentment simmers
between them, as old sentiments brew.
Cardigan: “Well sir, I’ll be damned if i’m leading the
brigade into that valley. It’s utter
suicide. Look at the
guns!”
Lucan: “You’ll do as you’re damned-well told and to hell
with you!”
A cold silence hangs.
A diminutive figure shambles up...
“Erm? Hello?”
Lucan: “What! Who the hell are you?
“General Other Sir! Given the strategic positioning of the
Russian artillery, and the lack of clarity of the
instructions
provided to you Sir, I respectfully advise you consider
your
decision here very carefully”
Lucan: “And who are you to advise me on my choice of
strategy!”
Other: “It’s my role and duty sir. I am to inject an
independent, objective view at times when others might
make a rash decision, in the heat of the moment”
Lucan: “Harumph! Tosh! And other Words!”
Cardigan: “Hmm. Well sir, in the light of that, I could
lead
a charge up over the ridge to the south to seize the guns
there...”
Lucan: “Oh Bloody-well Alright! Go on then!”
And so, the 600 didn’t charge to their death.