The distance, however, was too great, and the Russians came steadily on, although the shot from the British batteries were plunging thick among them.
When within 250 yards of the Highlanders another flash of fire swept out along the line, and this time so great was the effect that the Russian squadrons recoiled, and in another minute were galloping back towards their main body, while a cheer ran along the heights from the marine battery to Sebastopol.
Lord Raglan now sent orders to Lord Lucan to advance, and the Heavy Brigade moved forward just as a large body of Russian cavalry came over the brow in front of them.

The British trumpets rang out the charge, and the Scots Greys and Inniskillings, who formed the first line of the Heavy Brigade, dashed at the enemy.

Gathering speed as they went, these two splendid regiments rode at the heavy masses of Russian cavalry.

Faster and faster grew their speed till, with a mighty shout, they flung themselves upon the foe.

For a moment all seemed wild confusion to the spectators.