The Charge of the Light Brigade (poem) facts for kids

The Charge of the Light Brigade is a famous poem written in 1854 by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It tells the story of a brave but tragic event involving a British cavalry unit called a brigade during the Battle of Balaclava. This battle was part of a bigger conflict known as the Crimean War. The poem honors the soldiers who followed orders, even when it meant riding into extreme danger.

What is the Poem About?

Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote "The Charge of the Light Brigade" very quickly after he read about the event in a newspaper. He wanted to celebrate the incredible bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. The poem describes how 600 cavalrymen rode directly into a valley where enemy cannons were firing at them from three sides.

The Real Event: The Charge

The actual event happened on October 25, 1854, during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. The Light Brigade was a group of soldiers who rode horses and used light weapons. Their job was usually to scout ahead or chase down enemies.

A Terrible Mistake

During the battle, there was a misunderstanding of orders. The commander, Lord Raglan, sent an order for the Light Brigade to stop the enemy from taking some British cannons. However, the order was not clear. The officer who delivered it pointed in the wrong direction. This led the Light Brigade, led by Lord Cardigan, to charge directly at a different group of Russian cannons that were well-protected.

The soldiers knew it was a very dangerous mission. They were riding into a valley of death, with cannons firing at them from the front, left, and right. Despite this, they followed their orders with incredible courage. Many soldiers and horses were killed or wounded in the charge.

The Crimean War Explained

The Crimean War (1853–1856) was a conflict mainly fought between Russia on one side, and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom, and Sardinia on the other. The war was mostly about who would control parts of the Ottoman Empire and influence in Europe. The Battle of Balaclava was one of the most famous battles of this war.

Why is the Poem Important?

Tennyson's poem became very popular because it captured the spirit of heroism and duty. It reminded people of the bravery of soldiers, even when facing impossible odds or mistakes made by their leaders. The phrase "Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die" from the poem is still famous today. It talks about the soldiers' duty to obey orders without questioning them, even if it means sacrificing their lives.

The poem also helped to make people think about the conditions and leadership in the army. It showed the high cost of war and the sacrifices made by ordinary soldiers.

Images for kids

• 

  Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the poet

• 

  An 1894 painting of the Charge of the Light Brigade by Richard Caton Woodville Jr., showing the event that inspired the poem