The Thin Red Line

[A Hay]

When I visited Cessna152towser (Alex) in Scotland in January, one of the places we visited was Stirling Castle. The Regimental Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Regiments is located there.

I bought a print of a portion of a larger painting entitled "The Thin Red Line" by Robert Gibb.
It depicts the 93rd Highland Regiment repulsing the charge of the Russian Cavalry at an incident in the Crimean War. The title has come to represent incredible bravery and dicipline in the face of a superior enemy.

When I returned to Germany, I went to the Craft Shop on Base and framed the print. I had done some framing before, but the instructor gave me a good refresher and some new tips, for which I am greatful.

The result is below. Size of the overall frame and print is 55/22 by 86/34
cm/inches.



Regards,

Tom

[thescot]

Great picture, and well-done on the framing. Thanks for sharing.

I know you'll enjoy that the rest of your life. The event is one of my historical favorites. The officer in charge, Sir Colin Campbell, pointed out that there were only Russians in front and water behind. "There is no retreat from here, men. You must die where you stand," he told them.

A moment of bravery, integrity, and a willingness to do one's duty even though success is unlikely. The regiment was defending Balaclava, and the line was only two deep and, obviously, spread very thin. It is my understanding--and my memory is not very good, so excuse the heck out of me if I am inaccurate--that the Russian commander recalled the cavalry after 3 or 4 volleys believing it to be a trap.

The point is not the fire power of so small a force but the bravery and willingness to sacrifice that is so often shown in combat by common soldiers. Against all odds, the men stood firm and accomplished their objective.

Bring a tear to an old Marine's eye.

[Pleater]

And it's Tommy this, and Tommy that - and Tommy how your soul?
But its Thin Red Line of Heroes when the drums begin to roll.
When the drums begin to roll, my boys
When the drums begin to roll
But its Thin Red Line of Heroes - when the drums begin to roll.

Kipling.

I think it was four volleys, the last one being depicted at just about point blank range in the painting - and the Highlanders set off after the cavalry when the retreat was sounded and had to be called back.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Radge]

And it's Tommy this, and Tommy that - and Tommy how your soul?
But its Thin Red Line of Heroes when the drums begin to roll.
When the drums begin to roll, my boys
When the drums begin to roll
But its Thin Red Line of Heroes - when the drums begin to roll.

Kipling.


'Twas Jock not Tommy that held the Thin Red Line Mr Kipling....

P.S. Great picture and framework Mr Hay.

[Redshank]

'Twas Jock not Tommy that held the Thin Red Line Mr Kipling.

Whatever, but he does make exceedingly good cakes

[Radge]

Whatever, but he does make exceedingly good cakes

As well as being an Anglocentric Imperialist? I've underestimated him...

[cessna152towser]

Excellent piece of framing work, well done Tom, nice result.

[English Bloke]

Nice piece of framery there Tom.

[MacBean]

hmm, thought so... here are two links to other parts of the same battle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_..._Heavy_Brigade

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_..._Light_Brigade

and for the Crimean War in general
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_War

Sounds like this began as yet another war for control of the Holy Land, this time between the Russians and Napoleon III.

[Semiomniscient]

Excellent. My dad has this print up in his office now. We used to have it in the den when I was a little kid. I actually for a long time never asked the history about it... but it had guns, and I was only interested in swords.
I would like to get some great Scottish historical battle prints for my own home in the future. Are there any that even come close to this quality and artistry available?