Free Essay

Light Brigade

In:

Submitted By JackBugeja15
Words 883
Pages 4
History Vima

How far do sources 1, 2 and 3 agree with the view that the charge of the light brigade was a disaster?

On one hand there is a substantial agreement with the sources regarding the charge of the light brigade and that it was complete disaster. For example in source 1 it depicts the theme of injury and death, the newspaper referred to the majority of the soldiers as “wounded men” and when they were charging the Russian soldiers were “cutting them down” this shows that the battle of the light brigade was a disaster as there were many wounded men and vast casualties at such a short period of time. The theme of death and injury is further echoed by source 2 where it gives a more graphic representation of the theme of injury and death, The source says to back up this theme “A corporal who rode on the right was struck by a shot or shell full in the face, completely smashing it, his blood and brains bespattering us” this further backs up the theme of death and injury as the solider gives a very brutal and horrific example of death that occurred on the battlefield. Therefore this further supports source 1 that it was a disaster as there was very violent and horrific deaths. Also this was probably not the only example of horrific death on the battle field as cannonballs were flying at them from all sides. Nevertheless it is key to note that source 2 is a very credible source to use to back up this point. This is because by looking at the provenance of the source it was written by Sergeant Mitchell who rode in the light brigade and survived; this puts weight behind this theme and the question at hand because the solider was actually there and experienced it. This also could be why there is such a graphical representation on what happened.
Another theme that is quite common between the sources that agree that the charge of the light brigade was a disaster is the theme of troops being dismounted. For example in source 1 it says “Dismounted troopers flying towards us” this shows that the theme of dismounted troops is strong in this source, also the word flying suggest they were being dismounted at a high scale and the attack on the light brigade was very strong; this links to that it was a disaster because many troops were dismounted and were unable to continue the charge after which mean little to none actual battle must of went on. This is further shown by source 2 where it says “Which brought down men and horses in heaps” this further backs up the theme of troops being dismounted as troops were in heaps which shows that many troops were being dismounted which links to the theme of death because many soldiers would die after being dismounted by a cannonball. This backs up that the charge of the light brigade was a disaster as many troops were dismounted so they were unable to fight if they were not on their horses and many deaths would of took place.

On the other hand there was also an agreement between the sources that the charge of the light brigade was not a complete disaster. For example in source 1 it shows the theme of the bravery of the British soldiers, it says “Their desperate valour knew no bounds” This suggests that it was not a complete disaster as the times depicts the men as heroic men and their bravery was unlimited. This view is further reflected by source 3 where the poem says “boldly they rode and well” this further supports the theme of bravery as the poet describes the soldiers as riding bravely although they had cannonballs flying at them from all directions. For these 2 sources to write in such positive ways about the charge could mean that they did not think it was a complete disaster. But however it is important to know that source 1 was written by the times newspaper which is a very patriotic newspaper and was written for the upper class; so you should take care as the newspaper has a very nationalistic view.
Overall the majority of the 3 sources agree with the question at hand that the charge of the light brigade was a complete disaster. Because by looking at the provenance of source 1 is a very patriotic and nationalistic newspaper so it only challenges the statement, but source 3 is by a poet called Alfred, Lord Tennyson and he was the Queens poet. So he may celebrate certain aspects of the charge but he mainly would write about what he saw and base most of his poem by fact and the poet would have a much unsanitised view because he would not have been influenced by anyone. This is also the case with source 2 as the solider was actually in the charge so he witnessed first-hand what happened so this give great weight and agreement with the statement. In conclusion these source do agree that the charge of the light brigade was a complete disaster, but only to a certain extent due to source 1 being a very nationalistic newspaper.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Charge of the Light Brigade

...How far do the sources give a similar account of the Charge of the Light Brigade? The sources give similar accounts of the Charge of the Light Brigade to some extent. Sources 1 and 3 suggest that the incident that occurred was a disaster whereas source 2 juxtaposes the other sources stating that it was ‘in some ways, a success’. Source 1 is an extract from a poem written and published by Lord Tennyson in 1854 based on the aftermath of the Charge making it a primary source. It shares some similarities with the other sources highlighting the many that died, ‘into the valley of Death, rode the six hundred’. This links to sources 2 and 3 as they both mentioned the ‘high casualties’ that occurred. The blunt evidence shown in source 1 that the Charge was a disaster because of the casualties may have been because during the time of the war, many of the people could not read so obtained important information through songs and poems that were memorable and simplistic. Source 2 is an extract from Orlando Figes’ book on the Crimean War called ‘The Last Crusade’ 2011 which shows a totally different perception of the outcome of the charge suggesting that the belief it was a ‘glorious disaster’, was in fact a myth. He states in the extract that the ‘Light Brigade had achieved its aim’ as the Russians had been ‘frightened’ off the battlefield even though hundreds of soldiers had died attempting to carry out the task. This all suggests that there was a set plan for the soldiers to do which...

Words: 552 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Charge Of The Light Brigade Essay

...The Crimean War is famed for “The Charge of the Light Brigade” written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson; this war “fundamentally alter[ed] the balance of power in Europe and set the stage for World War One” (Lambert). Tennyson wrote “The Charge of the Light Brigade” in a melodramatic way that simultaneously commemorates the soldiers involved while denouncing the act of war itself. Through this poem, the reader follows the British light cavalry as it charges the Russian forces. Soldiers at war do not question decisions made by a higher power, they simply perform what is asked of them and because of this Tennyson regards the soldiers as heroes while criticizing those who decide to act in wars as well as those who command soldiers to sacrifice their lives. Stanza one describes the soldiers as...

Words: 965 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Syntax In The Charge Of The Light Brigade

...Poetry allows an author to relay a message to a reader through different literary devices and each reader can interpret the author’s words differently. However, in this poem, the author makes his point clear. Lord Tennyson Alfred uses syntax, different figures of speech and abstraction in the poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” to illustrate the honor and heroism of the six hundred in the valley of death. Tennyson uses syntax to create an irregular poem that does have some repetition. There are six stanzas but they all have an irregular sound pattern. However, there are places in the poem that the words at the end of the lines rhyme without having the same letter endings. For example in stanza two lines five through seven, the final words end with the “y” sound, “Theirs not...

Words: 1200 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Charge of the Light Brigade

...How far do sources 2 and 3 support the view of the Charge of the Light Brigade given in source 1? The charge of the light brigade was an important moment in British military history and the strategy of this battle and the military leaders came under huge scrutiny. The 3 sources I am going to tale about are descriptions of the Charge of the light brigade, in this essay I will compare and analyse each source and work out how far sources 2 and 3 support the view of source 1. Source 1 is from Timothy Gowing, who was in the British army and an eye witness to the charge of the light brigade, it was published in the ‘Ranks’ in 1895. He describes how the ‘field was covered with the wreck of men and horses’ this gives you the image of how the battle really was, that the battle had clearly not gone well and they had lost many men and horses. He also says how ‘an officer very kindly lent me his field-glass’ this is indirectly praising the hierarchy of the British army, he is portraying them as caring and trying to take the blame off them for how badly the battle went. He also makes a point of how savage and brutal the Russians are, he says how the enemy were ‘hacking at the wounded’ and that they were ‘bloodthirsty’ this is trying to remove the blame from British incompetence. However Gowing does praise and recognise the courage of the normal British soldiers. Source 2 is from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poet and published in a newspaper in 1954, he was also the poet of the queen. As the...

Words: 998 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Compare and Contrast “the Charge of the Light Brigade” and “Dulce Et Decorum Est”

...Contrast “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and “Dulce Et Decorum Est” In this essay you will notice the differences and similarities between “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and “Dulce Et Decorum Est”. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” was written in the nineteenth century by Alfred Lord Tennyson. In contrast, “Dulce Et Decorum Est” was written in the twentieth century by Wilfred Owen. The main similarity observed is that they both capture wartime experiences. However, the poets’ present these events using their own style and the effect is two completely different observations of war. The themes of the two poems are portrayed in very distinctive ways. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” explains in a majestic approach that fighting in war is something every soldier should honor. The poem is also about the loyalty of the soldiers, not the bad luck or foolishness of men. Tennyson presents this in his poem to show the bravery of the soldiers, although, he only highlights on the benefits of war. Tennyson’s poem glorifies the war, celebrating the sacrifice they had made for their country with the statement “Honor the charge they made”, (“The Charge of the Light Brigade”, line 51, Tennyson). By glorifying the Brigade, Tennyson has ignored the obscurity and massacre of the war. This is shown by the loyalty that the soldiers have for their country. The commitment of war in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is only shown because...

Words: 1868 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Exam Technique

...Exam Technique How far do Sources 2 and 3 support the impression of ….. given in Source1? Explain your answer using the evidence of Sources 1,2 and 3 (20 marks) Technique This is an example of your first question. It is a short answer question and you should not write more than three or four paragraphs. You are only asked to write a judgement on the evidence. The question does not ask you to write about the specific event. However, you will apply your own knowledge to help you comprehend the sources and the issues they raise. Steps 1. Analyse the impression given in Source 1 – what was it written for? What image does it conjure up? Select a few words from Source 1 to support your analysis. 2. Use Sources 2 and 3 to explore whether the impression is confirmed, developed or modified by their evidence. Take into account the nature, origin and purpose (NOP) of the sources 3. Reach a conclusion about how far the impression given in Source 1 is supported. How do you cross reference effectively? Cross referencing means making direct connections between two or more sources by identifying and examining areas of agreement and disagreement between them, with reference to specific examples from the sources. As part of this process, it is vital that you use brief quotations to support your examination of the agreement or disagreement between the sources. Many students start their main points with a paragraph or more on how the sources broadly agree with each other over...

Words: 605 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Crimean War

...such as food, shelter and clothing.  At Balaclava the aim of the Russian forces was to cut the British lines of communications from the port of Balaclava.  The 93rd Foot withstood the Russian attack: the Heavy Brigade of cavalry also beat off a Russian attack, but the Light Brigade, through mistaken orders carried out a disastrous charge immortalised in Tennyson’s poem.  All regiments that had landed in the Crimea before 8th September were awarded the battle honour Sevastopol. In May1855 the KDG was warned for service in the Crimea, and in July embarked at Liverpool on the transports Arabia, Himalaya, and Resolute, arriving at Balaclava in August with strength of two field officers, four captains, 8 subalterns, 6 staff officers, thirty-five NCOs, and 318 rank and files, with 268 troop horses.  The Himalaya was one of the first screw-propelled steamships, and when launched was the largest in the world. The KDG were encamped on arrival in the Crimea at Kadikoi, but within ten days were moved further inland due to an outbreak of cholera. The KDG together with the Carabiniers reinforced the original regiments of the Heavy Brigade (the 4th and 5th Dragoon Guards, the Royals, Greys and Iniskillings).  The Cavalry Division, which included the Light Brigade (4th and 13th Light Dragoons, 8th and 11th Hussars, 17th Lancers, now reinforced by the 10th Hussars and 12th Lancers), was now commanded by General Scarlett.  One wing of the regiment was present at the battle of Tchernaya.  The...

Words: 469 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Essay

...Comparing “The charge of The Light Brigade” to “Dulce Et Decorum Est” The Charge Of the Light Brigade starts off saying “Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward!” This imagery makes me imagine soliders running of to war excited ready for blood and vengeance. Where on the other hand, Dulce Et Decorum Est, begins with “Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, knock-kneed, coughing like hags..” This imagery makes me imagine solidiers barely making it through the battlefield. The author Wilfred Owen and Alfred, Lord Tennyson, seem to have two different motives about describing war! The tone of “The Charge Of The Light Brigade” is like one of a heroic movie that’s hides the real work of things, and paints false pictures into people’s minds, instead of telling the real literally “Bloody” truth. The tone is as if someone could perhaps be performing infront of an audience trying to get an applause. This also takes away the rawness of the story by the figures of speech he gives such as “Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them…”. Yes, this does show some type of imagery, but it doesn’t really seat you right at the front row seat of war. On the other hand Wilfred Owen, Author of the Dulce Et Decorum Est. His imagery is very blunt force. He uses words such as “Sludge, Limped , Blood-Shod, fire, lime, guttering, choking, and drowning to help infasize the rawness and realistic nature of war....

Words: 251 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

History

...How far do the sources suggest that Captain Nolan was to blame for the disastrous charge by the Light Brigade at Balaclava? Having analysed all three sources it can be said that the sources disagree to a considerable extent that Captain Nolan was to blame for the disastrous charge by the Light Brigade. Source one strongly disagrees with the suggestion of his blame, however this is to be expected as the provenance states it is extracted from Captain Nolan’s obituary, meaning it shall be in favour of the man as it is not likely the writer would disrespect the dead. Due to this fact I believe the source is one sided. “The blame was hastily attached to Captain Nolan” is reflected in an initial inspection of the source but after facts becoming public regarding the charge it is shown Nolan was vindicated of blame as he was only carrying out orders. This belief he is not to blame is also reflected through the writer’s use of terminology. “We are aware” and “It is alleged”, gives off the strong impression that the writer of the source wants us to believe differently. At the end of the source it reads of Nolan’s “excess of enthusiasm”, cross referencing with source 2 where it says that Lord Lucan was influenced by the “eager spirit of Captain Nolan”, showing us that he may have been forceful towards an attack however not realising the outcome that will unfold due to lack of his organisation. This also calls into the question of his suitability for the role. Source two, although also...

Words: 1066 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Force Management in British Army

...(QDR, 2010). As the United States military undergoes sequestration, we will become increasingly more reliant on the support of our strongest allies to deter our enemies and, if necessary, project the international will to our collective enemies. In order to fully understand their system, it is important to understand their current force structure and the radical changes they are making under Army 2020, their current manpower reduction plans, their equipment capability development and material development systems, and the documentation methods. British Military as our Strongest Ally Over the last decade, the British has been our strongest ally in Afghanistan and Iraq. Currently, the United Kingdom is one of only three countries with a brigade deployed to Afghanistan (US, UK, and Germany) (NATO, 2013). They currently have 7900 personnel deployed to Afghanistan which is more than 9% of the coalition total. As Force Managers, it is important for us to have an understanding of the force structure, personnel, and equipping plans of our strongest ally in order to have an appreciation of what they will be able to bring to a future conflict. As President Obama stated in the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance, “Europe is our principle partner in seeking global and economic security, and will remain so for the foreseeable future” (DSG, 2012). Current Army Structure In order to understand the magnitude of the change that the British Army is making, it is critical to have a...

Words: 2777 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

History of Division 1 Nigerian Army

...deemphasise the former regional structure. Each division thus had access to the sea thereby making triservice cooperation and logistic support easier. This deployment formula was later abandoned in favour of the present assignment of sectors to the divisions. Thus 1 Division with HQ at Kaduna is allocated the North West sector; 2 Division with HQ at lbadan South West sector, 3 Division with HQ at Jos North East sector and 82 Division with HQ at Enugu South East sector."[citation needed] Division headquarters remains in Kaduna in the north-west.[2] 1 Division 1 Division 241 Recce Battalion Nguru 1 Mechanised Brigade(Sokoto) 65 Mechanised Battalion 81 Motorised Battalion 223 Light Battalion Other formations of the division include the 3rd Brigade (Kano), 41 Division Engineers, a signals formation of brigade size, and the 31st Artillery Brigade.[3] Commanders • Col M Shuwa JSS 30 Aug 67-20 Sep 69[4] • Brig ID Bisalla Psc 24 Sep 69-14 Dec 73 • Brig IB Haruna JSS 15 Dec 73-31 Jul 75 Owoye Andrew Azazi was appointed the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army in January 2005, and subsequently appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in June 2006. References 1. General Olunsegun Obasanjo, 'My Command: An Account of the Nigerian Civil War 1967-70,' Heinemann, Ibadan/London/Nairobi, p.18 (Via Joint Services Command and Staff College Library)...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Swallowing The Bitter Draught: A Comparative Analysis

...When referring back to the pieces of art that we discussed in the course, I would have state that much of Warhol’s work would have a greater connection with Paul Revere’s piece, The Able Doctor, or America Swallowing the Bitter Draught. The similarities between the Campbell’s Soup Cans and Revere’s piece is that its intended purpose is to appeal to the masses, and to challenge views. In Revere’s piece we can see two British soldiers holding Lady Liberty down to the ground. One man restrains her hands to prevent a struggle, while the other does the same by holding down her ankles and looks up her dress at the same time. A third man is seen forcibly pouring British tea down her throat. Revere takes what is considered a national figure, Lady Liberty,...

Words: 279 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

True Courage: The Ideas Of Mr. March

...In March, chapters ten through thirteen see Mr. March characterised as uncertain, thus questioning the motives behind many of his prominent ideals. For instance, March’s uncertainty and confusion is exemplified in the eleventh chapter. When discussing his decision to join the army, March reflects, “One day, I hope to go back. To my wife, to my girls, but also to the man of moral certainty that I was that day; that innocent man, who knew with such clear confidence exactly what it was that he was meant to do” (Brooks 184). Mr. March reflects upon and displays a sense of uncertainty, especially regarding his morals. Through his decision to leave his wife and children, he is no longer evident to continue fighting for matters that were once so important to him. Additionally, this same sense of uncertainty is shown in chapter twelve, when March is confronted by the eventual kidnappers of the servants. As March hides, he thinks to himself, “I was sweating and shivering. My mind told my body to move, to crawl, to go out and save the old man. But my sinews had turned to broth” (Brooks 187). Again, March’s uncertainty prevents him from translating his ideals into actions. The constant thought of what he may lose, such as his family, prevents March from defending his ideals. Furthermore, his prominent state of uncertainty reveal many of his underlying motives regarding his decisions, for instance, self-assurance. The notion of March’s uncertainty thus allows Brooks to further explore the...

Words: 483 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Opord

...SAMPLE OF OPORD http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/5-170/appc.htm Appendix C Sample Reconnaissance OPORD A sample reconnaissance OPORD is shown in Figure C-1. Figure C-1. Sample reconnaissance OPORD |______________________ | |Classification | | | |Copy 1 of 10 copies | |HQ, 99th Engineer Battalion | |NK111111 | |080500 JAN 97 | | | |OPERATION ORDER 97-11 | |References: ...

Words: 1816 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

The Thirty-Sixth Infantry Division Analysis

...set to land on several beaches on the coastline of France. One beach the Thirty-Sixth was set to land was Red Beach. Which led the path to San Raphael, whose capture was essential in order to rapidly build up supplies, and Frejus, which would be used as a footstool to prevent enemy regrouping, both needed for the invasion of Southern France, in order to prevent a repetition of Anzio. On August 1944 the invasion convoy holding members of the Thirty-Sixth arrived at the beaches of the riviera, supported by airborne bombardment and naval artillery, the infantry began the approach towards the coastline. The sudden invasion had caught the Germans by surprise, thus allowing the Thirty-Sixth and other divisions to capture the beach with only light casualties. from then on the cities of San Raphael and Frejus were cleared of resistance after small flurries of fighting. With the landings successful, the Thirty-Sixth began to initiate a blitzkrieg in order to disorganise the German soldiers in the area, nullifying any plans for defense or withdrawal. On the morning of the 18th, a task force consisting of battalions from the Thirty-Sixth and other members of Operation Dragoon began to speed into Alpine territory. Followed by the remainder of said battalions, meeting that night at Sisteron. During the invasion, the Thirty-Sixth and its battalions began pushing their line, managing to gain 100 miles in a single day in order to keep up with the 19th German army that was still within the...

Words: 1492 - Pages: 6