The Crimean War

The Battle of the Alma took place on 20th September 1854. After a number of unsuccessful attacks, the British and French eventually were victorious against the defending Russians.

This map depicts the heights, river and bay of Alma, which were surveyed by the officers of HMSV Spitfire. It also shows the positions of troops on both sides.

On 25th October 1854, the famous 'Charge of the Light Brigade' occurred during the Battle of Balaklava. It was a disastrous charge by British cavalry against Russian troops, resulted in a resounding defeat.

This map shows the changing positions of the British and Russian troops and artillery, as well as contours and roads, with annotations made later during an 1863 court case.

On 29th January 1856, Queen Victoria issued a Royal Warrant creating the Victoria Cross. This is an award given to members of the armed forces for 'most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy'. It is still the highest award of the British honours system.

The warrant itself set out the conditions and requirements for the award and detailed those who were eligible for it. It may be awarded to a person of any rank and, since its inception, has been earned by more than 1,300 people.

This photograph, taken in January 1898, depicts Crimean War veterans who were recipients of the Victoria Cross during that conflict.

Taken at a dedication ceremony at Prior Church, Brecon, you can see the medal pinned to the majority of those in the photograph.