2-914-061 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Balaclava, the Scene of the Successful Cavalry Charge, 1854. Crimean War. 'On the 25th October the Russians attacked the right of our position at break of day; the Turks, to whom the security of that portion of our lines was entrusted, ran away like a pack of cowards. The Russians took possession of the batteries held by them; and, thinking that none but Turks were opposed to them, made a dash across the plain intervening, with the 2nd Regiment of cavalry (2000 men), expecting to obtain possession of the town and harbour of Balaclava; but were astonished to find that, instead of Turks, they had the 93rd Highlanders to contend with; upon which they retired, and were charged by our Heavy Cavalry, in a splendid manner, and totally routed; leaving about forty men dead on the field, besides many wounded; our own loss at this charge being only some five or six killed, and about twenty wounded...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.