This day in history - October 25

[seamusTX]

1863 - The disastrous charge of the Light Brigade took place during the Crimean War.

The British cavalry unit called the Light Brigade was ordered to stop Russian forces from removing artillery from a particular location that the Russians had captured. The orders were transmitted orally, and the commander of the brigade, Major General the Earl of Cardigan, led the attack on the wrong battery of guns.

Over 600 mounted soldiers rode straight into Russian artillery, resulting in the deaths of 118 men and 335 horses. Another 127 men were wounded and many captured by the Russians.

In the aftermath, the military brass and Parliament engaged in what we would call a whitewash, and much of the blame fell on Captain Louis Edward Nolan, who had died in battle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_of_ ... ht_Brigade" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Jim

[KBCraig]

Also worth mentioning: Agincourt, where English longbowmen destroyed the French Army (casualties were 100:1 in favor of the English), thus establishing artillery, or at least its 15th Century equivalent, as the King of Battle.

And don't forget the peak fighting in Leyte Gulf, where the U.S. Navy effectively destroyed the Japanese fleet and secured the Philippines.

[longtooth]

Thank you gentlemen. Seamus I really enjoy these. To you to KB. Dad was there. USS Lunga Point CVE 94. It was his 1st combat after getting to the war zone. Hope this thing still flying in 6 months.

[seamusTX]

Thanks. I choose these topics somewhat arbitrarily, because I am interested in them for some reason. Everyone is free to post their own, of course.

- Jim

[longtooth]

All of yours have bee GOOD/

[seamusTX]

- Jim

[bryang]

Thanks, again, Jim for excellent posts.

-geo