One of the biggest b*****s in British history died today in 1868. He was James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan and he is famous for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade down the wrong valley at Balaclava during the Crimean War. He was arrogant, impetuous and deeply stupid, buying his way through the cavalry ranks with his enormous private income. His men quite liked him; to them he was Jim the Bear because he growled a lot. His officers detested him however and he made their lives hell just because he could. he should never have been given a regiment to command, still less a cavalry brigade.
Ironically, he died from a fall from his horse.
In other news ...
the British Navy sank 7 Italian warships on this day in 1941 at the battle of Matapan, off Crete. The British suffered no losses and the battle is commemorated every year during the Six Nations Rugby competition when there is always a similar scoreline between Fortress Twickenham and the Azzurri.
