The Destruction of Lord Raglan: A Tragedy of the Crimean War 1854-5

London: Wordsworth Editions. 1999. Octavo Size [approx 15.5 x 22.8cm]. Very Good condition. Illustrated with Black & White Photographs & maps. Robust, professional packaging and tracking provided for all parcels. 338 pages. In 1854 Lord Raglan was appointed to the command of the British troops sent to the Crimea in co-operation with a strong French army under Marshal St Arnaud. His diplomatic experience stood him in good stead in dealing with the generals and admirals, British, French and Turkish, who were associated with him during the Crimean War. Raglan and his staff were blamed by the press and the government for the hardships and sufferings of the British soldiers in the terrible Crimean winter before the Siege of Sevastopol. During this unhealthy winter, the British contingent had 23,000 men unfit for duty due to ill health and only 9,000 fit for duty. Raglan was unaware of the growing rivalry between the Earl of Lucan and the Earl of Cardigan which would have tragic consequences in the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade. At Balaklava he made several errors for which he received criticism, sending small British units against larger Russian contingents; which occasioned the complete destruction of the British units. One month later the British and French allied army gained a decisive victory at the Battle of Inkerman. During the trying winter of 1854–55 the anxieties of the siege began to seriously undermine his health and although he found a friend and ardent supporter in his new French colleague, General Pélissier, the failure of the assault of 18 June 1855 affected him further, and very shortly afterwards, on 29 June, he died due to complications brought on by a bout of dysentery. . Reprint. Softcover.