Satellite technology used to analyse the field of battle.
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Charge of the Light Brigade
finnegansword — 15 years ago(July 18, 2010 06:56 AM)
Some years ago I remember seeing a BBC documentary programme about the terrain where the Charge of the Light Brigade took place. The area had been off-limits to the West as it was a Russian Military Training Ground. Access only became possible with the collapse of the USSR.
When the borders in the Ukraine were opened, a team was permitted to inspect the ground. This they did using satellite technology to establish elevations precisely, and what countryside could be seen by the High Command and what was obscured as a consequence of the contours in the landscape.
So far as I can remember, the modern data confirmed the theory that it was impossible for Lord Cardigan who commanded the Light Brigade to see his intended foe, whereas the High Command from their loftier position could see the Russians carrying off the guns from the redoubt at the side of the road. Incidentally, great significance was placed on the fact that British guns were being carried off. It symbolised victory for the Russian side.
I have been unsuccessful in tracing this BBC documentary. Perhaps someone more expert than I can find it? From a technical standpoint it was very interesting and the team had to pick their way carefully across ground that for decades had been used for Russian war-game training. It was littered with unexploded ordnance going back, perhaps to the 1850s.
While we are on the subject of the Crimean War, why not take a look at some of Roger Fentons wonderful photographs taken in the 1850s, right at the beginning of the photographic era. Their quality is amazing.
Whether Capt. Nolan realised the error and tried to correct it, is another matter. He was the first to die of shrapnel from a long-range exploding shell. According to Lord Cardigans report, he was about 100 yards ahead of him and riding from left to right. Perhaps he was attempting to direct the Light Brigade down the adjacent valley towards the redoubt? We will probably never know.
One thing is certain in military tactics; a brigade of horse is never used to charge directly at ordnance, as happened on that fatal day. The only other occasion that I am aware of was when in WW2, Polish cavalry charged against invading German tanks.
http://www.google.co.uk/images?sa=3&q=roger+fenton+crimean+war+photographs&btnG=Search+images