October 25, 1854. Balaclava, near Sebastopol, Crimean Republic, Ukraine. The Charge of the Light Brigade was one of the most disastrous events in the history of the British Army. During the Crimean War, as a consequence of the incompetence of its officers, the Earls of Cardigan and Lucan, brothers-in-law and sworn enemies, who fought over matters of prerogative and recognition while military organization suffered. Through lack of clear communication, organizational confusion and petty infighting, the brigade was doomed to destruction. The Brigade, a cavalry company, was commanded to attack a well-entrenched and defended Russian machine-gun position, and was consequently slaughtered. Around 200 survived, many to die later of battle wounds and infection.