Today is the anniversary of the Charge of the Light Brigade, which took place on 25th October 1854 during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. It was a disastrous frontal assault by British light cavalry against Russian cannon, which became a symbol of both bravery and military incompetence, so says the history books.
It was Captain Louis Nolan who received the order to charge and after receiving the order, Nolan rode towards Lord Lucan and Lord Cardigan and pointed vaguely toward the Russian guns, stating “There, my lord, is your enemy, there are your guns.” He rode ahead of the first line, and while it’s debated whether he was correcting an error or simply urging the brigade on, he shouted the command “Charge for the guns” as he rode past Lord Cardigan.
Into the Valley of Death charged the Light Brigade, their sabres and lances initially useless against the Russian heavy artillery which left some 110 British cavalrymen killed and 160 wounded, 40 percent of the brigade
Some may see this a futile gesture but I see it as typical British bravery in the face of overpowering opposition. I am slightly biased in that my birth name before I was adopted was Michael Nolan and although I have no idea if I am related to the unfortunate Captain Nolan who shouted the order to charge, I would like to point out that in these modern times where everyone believes they are entitled to compensation or reparations for events that happened years and years ago, don’t come chasing me, I wasn’t responsible and I’m not paying up for something that wasn’t my fault.
On the other hand, as my Nolan ancestors came from Ferns, County Wexford in Ireland, if there’s any chance of reparations for the Irish potato famine, I’m open to negotiations.
I am a retired actor, although to be honest I only retired because I wasn't getting any work due to losing my agent when I became a full time carer to my mother who had dementia. and the option of becoming an unemployed actor/waiter at my age was ludicrous, especially as my waiting skills are non-existent.
Having said I’m retired, I don’t think there really is such a thing as a retired actor for I am still available for work, I just don’t have an agent or any connections with regards to obtaining any worthwhile work.
I have over the years done student films when there is nothing else available, always low paid (if at all) the only incentive was always the promised copy of the finished film for your show reel which nine times out of ten always failed to materialise.
I spent many years looking after my aged mother and shortly after her death I was lucky enough to run into an ex-girlfriend of many years ago and our romance blossomed once again, resulting in us getting married in 2013.
My move to the countryside inspired me to write The Diary of a Country Bumpkin which tells of my continuing dilemmas in dealing with the rigors of the countryside from the unexpectedly large number of pollens, fungal moulds and hay products waiting to attack the unsuspecting townie.
I enjoy writing, see my play Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori on The Wireless Theatre Company, The Plays Wot I Wrote and The Battle of Barking Creek both available on Amazon.co.uk and am very fond of classic cars so my ideal occupation would be acting in a film I had written set in the 1930s/40s, we live in hopes.
I am delighted to say that since venturing to the countryside where space is not quite the premium it is in town, I have due to the availability of two double garages acquired more classic cars to form a small collection the pride of which are a 1947 Bentley Mk VI and a 2000 Bentley Arnage.
My various blogs and websites are continually evolving and I’m sure that by following the appropriate links you will find something which will edify or amuse.
I have written a number of different books all available on Amazon, so don't be shy should you feel the urge to purchase. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Joe-Wells/e/B06XKWFQHT/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
The Diary of a Country Bumpkin 
It may have been futile, stupid, gross incompetence, or brave. However, it gave several artists and writers a few weeks of work!
Also people who write about the story on the anniversay!
Those too!