Crimean War – Battle of BalaclavaOct. 25, 1854

Map of the Field of Battle

Read the poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

In 7 minutes of fighting,110 British soldiers lost their lives.

The poem is referenced in the movie The Blind Side.(Look and listen for the extended metaphor!)

Click on the picture to view the scene.

Michael Oher attended “Ole Miss” - the University of Mississippi. After graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, Michael was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. He continues to play as an offensive tackle.

Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy with their adopted son Michael.

Michael is signed by the Ravens.

The British heavy metal band The Iron Maiden wrote and recorded “The Trooper,” a song about the famous battle.

“The Trooper”by Iron Maiden

You'll take my life but I'll take yours tooYou'll fire your musket but I'll run you throughSo when you're waiting for the next attackYou'd better stand there's no turning back.

The Bugle sounds and the charge beginsBut on this battlefield no one winsThe smell of acrid smoke and horses breathAs I plunge on into certain death.

The horse he sweats with fear we break to runThe mighty roar of the Russian gunsAnd as we race towards the human wallThe screams of pain as my comrades fall.

We hurdle bodies that lay on the groundAnd the Russians fire another roundWe get so near yet so far awayWe won't live to fight another day. We get so close near enough to fightWhen a Russian gets me in his sightsHe pulls the trigger and I feel the blowA burst of rounds take my horse below.

And as I lay there gazing at the skyMy body's numb and my throat is dryAnd as I lay forgotten and aloneWithout a tear I draw my parting groan.