I should be sorry to ask the reader to burden his memory unnecessarily; but as the Second Division and Light Division took such a prominent part in the battle, it is well to remember of what regiments they were made up.
The Second Division, then, which was on the right, with the Light on the left, was composed of the 30th, 55th, and 95th regiments, under Pennefather; and the 41st, 47th, and 49th, under Adams. It was commanded by Sir De Lacy Evans, who was a true hero and a good soldier. He had fought in the Peninsula, in America, and at Waterloo.
The Light Division (Sir George Brown's) had also six regiments—the 7th, 23rd, and 33rd, under brave Codrington; and the 19th, 77th, and 88th, under Buller.
Between the villages of Bourliouk and Tarkhanlar were many enclosed gardens, their stone walls running towards the river. Many of these were all a-tangle with vines. Right opposite, on the other side of the river, was the famous Kourgané Hill, and its batteries some distance back.
Our skirmishers, going on at the double, first encountered the Russian fire from the village of Bourliouk and those vineyards; but the enemy was driven from there after setting fire to the little town, the flames and smoke of which added much to the terrible character of the scene. Our Light and Second Divisions began to deploy as the shot and shell from the Kourgané battery tore through their ranks and burst over them. There was here another delay, owing, I believe, to our right being too close to and hampered by the French.
This delay, it is said, was not accidental but part of the plan, and our divisions were waiting to let the French artillery get up by the road I have already mentioned. For Canrobert's infantry and Prince Napoleon's division could not advance without the support of its guns.
Soon, however, and before the proper time, a staff officer rode from the French commander asking Lord Raglan to push on.
Then, indeed, the tug of war began in deadly earnest; for the order to advance was given, and on dashed our troops.
About the same time Lord Raglan, singularly enough, with a few of his staff, rode round the right of the village, crossed the Alma, and stationed himself on a height well within the enemy's lines, from which, while he could observe what was going on, he could scarcely be expected to issue orders. Moreover, he was in a position of danger. This certainly proved him a brave man, but was not quite in accordance with the tactics of the best generals.
But come, reader, you and I shall, for a time, join Brown's command on the left, for it is the first to advance; and like Llewellyn yonder with his Highlanders, we are burning to fight. He, however, has not the chance afforded him yet. We have, so hurrah!