FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2023-172 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (October 25, 2023) – Today’s edition of Fun with Maps reminds us of the importance of understandable and clear communication.

HALF A LEAGUE, HALF A LEAGUE, HALF A LEAGUE ONWARD

On October 25, 1854 a misunderstood military command led to a confrontation that became immortalized as an act of bravery and valor.

“The Charge of the Light Brigade” was taken on by the British troops fighting a well-prepared Russian artillery force during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War.  They misunderstood where they should attack.  Despite the rather quick retreat, the British cavalry did not shirk in carrying out the attack although soon realizing the overwhelming odds of defeat.

The Light Brigade rode swift horses, was armed with lances and swords, and was intended for brief skirmishes.  The Heavy Brigade, made up of sturdy steeds and heavily armored soldiers, was intended for the sort of fight that ensued.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote a poem about the brave troops, and it was published about a month after the battle.  It became incredibly popular and was widely distributed in pamphlet form.

A key principle of military commands is that they should be issued so that they are never misunderstood.   There was a failure here. 

Crimean peninsula is shown here by Tallis from 1851.   

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.