Battle of Balaclava - battle during the Crimean War (October 25 1854). It was the first of two attempts by the Russians to break the Siege of Sebastopol. Miscommunication, bad organization, and army leaders based soley on aristocracy and not merit caused great confusion, and led to the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade and the British stand known as the thin red line. Despite general incompetence, the British and French were able to hold their positions against the Russians, and the siege continued.