Lord Cardigan's Memorandum on the Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854

Cardigan delivered his memorandum to Lord Raglan on 27 October, two days after the Charge. The section reproduced reads as follows:

'A few minutes afterwards the Lt General [Lucan] came in front of the Brigade, ordered the 11th Hussars to fall back in support and told me to attack the Russians in the Valley, about 3/4 of mile distant with the 13th Lt Dragoons & 17th Lancers. I answered "certainly but allow me to point out to you that the hills on each side are covered with Artillery & Riflemen. The Lt General replied "I cannot help it, you must attack, Lord Raglan desires the Lt Brigade immediately to attack the enemy. A few minutes afterwards whilst advancing Capt. Nolan came in front of the Brigade with a view as it appeared of hurrying it on. A shell burst between him & me which was the cause of his death. I led the Brigade down the [? hill] in front of the Russian battery of heavy guns firing shells, grape shot & round shot'.

From a collection of papers belonging to Field Marshal Lord Fitzroy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan, Commander in Chief, 1854-1855 (c).