Thin Red Line - Crimean War - The Battle of Balaclava 1854

The true story of the origins of the British army's Thin Red Line at the Battle of Balaclava in 1854 during the Crimean War.

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The Battle of Balaclava 25th October 1854 broke into 4 phases:
1) The Russian attacks on the redoubts (forts) constructed by the British to protect their supply route from the port of Balaclava to their positions on the heights above the Russian naval base at Sevastopol.

2) The stand of the 93rd Regiment of Foot against the ranks of Russian Cavalry.
Despite this action lasting less than 15 minutes, the unorthodox and courageous decision to stand in two straight lines rather than forming a square drove off the Russian attack and gave rise to the term: "The Thin Red Line."

3) The charge of the Heavy Brigade.

4) The Charge of the Light Brigade - a major blunder where British cavalry were sent down the wrong valley. Instead of attempting to recpature some British guns that were being dragged away they rode against Russian guns instead.

At the end of the morning, despite those 3 courageous actions, the British had effectively lost the battle.
Whilst the Russians had failed in their objective of capturing the port of Balaclava, they had cut the British main supply route and had pulled away 7 British cannon.

Nevertheless, the British army celebrated the Battle of Balaclava as a valiant, courageous engagement and those regiments present were allowed to include Balaclava on their regimental colours (standards).

#thinredline #thebattleofbalaclava1854 #crimeanwar

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Chapters:
0:00 The Crimean War
1:00 Siege of Sevastopol
3:20 Russian counter-attack
4:15 Russians storm redoubts
5:25 Campbell & the 93rd
8:06 The Thin Red Line
11:20 Charge of the Heavy Brigade
13:29 Charge of the Light Brigade
17:04 Battle of Balaclava outcome

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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.

History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.

My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"

Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[robdavidson]

I'm a 67 year old American however my Dad was born and raised in the Scottish Highlands. My family there had a couple generations in the Scots Guards and other Highland Regiments. Dad had me memorize the poem Charge of the Light Brigade while I was in 3rd grade. I grew up hearing him describe details of famous Scottish battles through the ages. I should note he was a public speaker in demand here in the U.S. He could make action come alive. When kids my age were listening to Three Dog Night (that's rock and roll) I was listening to bagpipes and Scot military bands. Then I went to the U.S. Marines. Just seemed like the right thing to do. Thanks for your channel and your efforts.

[KochiJA]

I discovered your videos just as I discovered an interest in British military history. As a career officer in the US Army who has worked with British troops, I had always been struck by how similar the two nations' soldiers are in mentality, humor, grit, etc., when deployed. When our troops would intermingle with the Brits, it could be hard to remember they were from two separate countries as they would instantly bond as though they had known each other for years. Watching your videos, I can see that that resoluteness, courage, patriotism and dark dry humor 1) isn't limited to Americans and 2) has a long history in the British forces. Keep up the good work, your history lessons are entertaining as well as informative.

[whitewinederarck]

Dear Chris Green, sadly, I have only discovered your marvellous histories recently. Although I’m 67 years old and fairly well educated, to my shame, (and the education system) I possessed the flimsiest knowledge of our military actions of 19 th century. Your knowledge, pride and enthusiasm has helped to fill these huge gaps in my understanding . Please accept my grateful thanks. Marvellous!! Derek.

[jamesschaffner]

No history of the Crimean conflict would be complete without the revolutionary work in hospital management of Florence Nightingale. Statistics, structure, order, purpose and a duty to help the suffering in the face of an antiquated system. Please do a video of FN. There are many, but each generation needs to hear it afresh.

[fredazcarate]

Thank you Sir for retelling of the Thin Red Line and the Battle of Balaclava. A tough British army, skillful middle and junior officer corp, and blundering senior commanders. Yet at the end of the day victories. Thank you Sir for producing another gem. Bravo!

[robg]

Excellent presentation Chris! I grew up close to Crimea Street in Belfast and the city has many streets named after Crimean War battles. The soldiers of that era were tough men and they certainly did not shrink from doing their duty.

[GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

My great great grandfather was a member of the 93rd Southerland Highlanders and was in the Battle of Balaclava. We've have a copy of The Thin Red Line painting in our living room for the past 50 years to remember him.

[SeanRCope]

So glad you’re making these no nonsense primary/contemporary sourced military history programs. Thank you.

[Yagdrol]

Just found this channel by looking into 'The Thin Red Line.' These videos should be preserved forever. Really looking forward to viewing these videos, especially Rorkes Drift. About 10 years ago I was fascinated when I heard about some veterans from Pontypool who had searched for the resting place of a survivor of Rorkes Drift. They found him and cleared the overgrown cemetery. I believe they hold an annual service for him.

[chriscann]

Inkerman - "the soldiers' battle" definitely deserves an episode to itself. It is worth noting that, while none of the three senior cavalry officers at Balaclava (Lucan, Cardigan and Scarlett) had any battlefield experience, Scarlett was the one who acknowledged his shortcomings and sought to remedy by surrounding himself with highly experienced staff officers, like Eliot, who had experience in the only consistent theatre of war for the British Army since Waterloo - India. This is something that Cardigan, with his well-known dislike of "indian officers" would never have done.

[geraldmiller]

sir, you are beyond a doubt one of the best story tellers i have ever heard. please keep up your good work. thank you very much.

[fahimhyder]

You are the very best historian of the 21st century. I thank you so very much. Take care.

[richardthompson]

Well done Chris! You have a marvelous gift for being able to paint compelling insights into history that stimulates the theatre of the mind. Please keep 'em coming.

[johngardner]

Well done. As an American I enjoy Military History of all nations very much.
Your commentary was very good and I look forward to watching more.

[robertdeen]

I usually save this word for the USMC but the 93rd, outstanding !

[howardjolley]

With regards to the charge of the Heavy Brigade, it was the formation of the two lines of cavalry that saved the Heavy Brigade. It was the second line hitting the flanks of the encircling Russian cavalry (and the fact the the Russians were halted when the British charged) that compelled the Russians to retreat. Thank god the right commanders, Sir Colin Campbell and Sir James Scarlett, were on the spot and made the bold decisions that saved the day.

[richardiervolino]

The background in all of the sayings our parents and grandparents said when I was younger. I’m not British, I’m American but I appreciate these valiant soldiers and their battle history.

[mrwood]

Please post longer videos, chilling out in the garden under the sun. Listening to your videos. Heaven

[andrewsteele]

Brilliant, loved every minute. I had to roll a few jobs over before I could sit with my coffee and absorb the full presentation. I was actually very lucky to be at the National Army Museum in Chelsea many years ago where there was a presentation done on the table top, with figurines etc. That was excellent and so was yours, Five Stars from me⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, cheers

[stephenmcdonald]

Hello Chris, I have followed your videos since day one, trouble is it's like reading a book you can't put down but hat's OK. Keep going mate, love the videos. Hello from Australia.