Into the Valley of Death: British Cavalry Division at Balaclava 1854 Hardcover – 8 May 1998

This is the single best source for information on the uniforms of the British cavalry in the Crimea. Its a reasonable source on their organisation and background, and a gives reasonable explanation of their deployment. However, if you want a complete run-down on the Charge of the Light Brigade this book is not for you. With the Mollo family uniforms always come first. The only possible criticism of the work within its own frame of reference is that several of the excellent colour plates show Heavy Brigade regiments that are so similar that the several paintings could be regarded as redundant. Conversely, there would therefore have been more room for the 2nd Line Light Brigade regiments to get a bit more attention. Photos and illustrations are also good. Just don't expect maps and battle reports. Hard to find, and not cheap either for that reason.

Although this book is clearly aimed at military modeller's - and given the quality of the illustrations it's a must for them- it gives an excellent overview of the British cavalry at the time, in particular the very successful role of the heavy brigade at Balaclava which has largely been overshadowed by the disastrous charge of the light brigade.Highly recommended for anyone interested in the British cavalry of this period.

Lovely book from a Great series of books. I like the coverage of the Heavy Brigade which often seems to be sidelined.