Eight months on active service, or, A diary of a general officer of cavalry, in 1854

20 September 1854 (8 September Old Style)

Battle of the Alma

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 77

Wednesday, 20th September—The army marched this day to the Alma. On approaching the river, and the position on the heights, a tremendous fire of Minié balls and artillery opened upon us. The battle commenced at about | p.m. and the heights were taken, and a glorious victory obtained at 34 pM. The cavalry were kept back on the left flank, and took scarcely any part in the engage- ment. Captain Maude obtained leave late in the day to go forward with his horse artillery, and did some execution from the heights (which had been stormed and carried by the Highlanders), upon the retreating enemy. The cavalry were at first halted on the heights, but shortly afterwards were ordered by Lord Raglan, through Major-General Airey, to advance. On advancing, Lord Lucan took half the brigade by one road, leaving me the other half to proceed by another. On arriving on the opposite heights, we could see the Russian army retreating, and a large mass of cavalry covering their retreat. I at first received an order to advance and take some prisoners ;

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 77

when on moving off with all the force I had under me,I received another order, only to send a troop; as it was stated at the time, the Com- mander-in-Chief apprehended that anything like a force of cavalry advancing, might bring on another general action, which was not desired. I therefore sent a troop of the 11th Hussars to do what was required. There were only a few wounded men and stragglers of the Russians taken prisoners on this occasion. I rode with Lord Raglan amongst the regiments, who cheered him immensely; it was a very exhilarating scene. I afterwards bivouacked the brigade in the valley near the river Alma, by order of the Deputy Quarter-Master-General, General Airey. I got my own tent and baggage very late at night. Lieut.-Colonel Lawrenson, commanding the 17th Lancers, went on board ship the following morn- ing ill with cholera.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 93

account of the battle of the Alma from London. The Turkish outposts were drawn in, they having lost seven of our guns yesterday. In the course of this and the two following days, I had upwards of 30 of the horses of the Light Cavalry Brigade shot, being desperately wounded in the affair of yesterday.

5 November 1854 (24 October Old Style)

Battle of Inkerman

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 83

Wednesday, 4th October-—Preparations for siege going on. I rode up this evening to the Second Division under Sir De Lacy Evans. A Russian shell from the Inkerman fell amongst the Second Division, and killed a serjeant and wounded two men. The Governor of Sebastopol reported to have received reinforcements under General Luders. I was very unwell all this time.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 93

Friday, 3rd November.-_Nothing unusual occur- red. I rode with Lord Raglan again. The Light Cavalry Brigade changed its camp to the right near the windmill, on the heights above Inkerman.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 93

Sunday, 5th November——Early in the morning the Russians attacked the right flank of Sir De Lacy Evans's camp on the heights of Inkerman. A false attack was made upon Balaklava. I slept on board yacht, and believed it to be a real attack, and turned out. I left Balaklava at the same time with Sir De Lacy Evans, who left the

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. 99

Went out with my friend De Burgh, to see the outward harbour, and paid a visit to the Duke of Cambridge, on board “ Retribution; ” then went up to Light Brigade camp, and to see new redoubts near Second Division, and called on General Pennefather, who had commanded the Light Division on the day of Inkerman. Sawa Russian who had been wounded in three places, and had been lying out ever since, 13 days, without food.