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.