Lord Cardigan

Lord James Thomas Brudenell was born on 16th October 1797 and became 7th Earl of Cardigan in August 1837. He was a pampered aristocrat who grew up surrounded by a doting mother and sisters. He joined the 8th Hussars in May 1824 and served 6 years ibuying his way up to the rank of major. In March 1832 he bought the position of Commanding officer of the 15th Hussars. His appalling style of leadership, and his duelling, led to his ignominious dismissal but because of his family's influence and despite the matter being debated in Parliament, he gained the Lieutenant- Colonelcy of the 11th. He hated officers who had served in India and within a few years they had all left the regiment. He planted spies in the officer's mess to report any talk that was against him. He was keen that the 11th have the best horses in the army: to this end he spent '10,000 a year of his own money. There is no doubt that the 11th was considered the smartest cavalry regiment but Cardigan, himself lacked common sense and was totally self-absorbed. His quarrels with fellow officers came to the attention of the press which turned him into a hate figure. It was a disastrous decision to place him in charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava especially since his estranged brother-in-law, Lord Lucan was his immediate superiour. He was, however, brave and a fine horseman. He was 57 and a Major-General when he charged at the head of his old regiment towards almost certain death but amazingly, he escaped injury. He was promoted to Lieutenant-General in February 1861 while he was Colonel of the regiment. Having lived his life as a cavalryman it is ironic that it was his horse that killed him. He was thrown and crushed by the animal on 27th March 1868 and died the next day.

Regimental details | Lieutenant-Colonels of 11th Hussars | Lieutenant-Colonels of 11th Light Dragoons