Description:"Of the 600 men who took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, there is only one survivor - Troop-Sergeant-Mayor Edwin Hughes of the 13th Light Dragoons, whose two sons reside in Birmingham. For a long period Mr Hughes lived in the city, before going to Blackpool to live with his daughter, Miss Mary E. Hughes of Egerton Road, Blackpool. It was stated a few days ago that Pensioner Pyner, now a resident in Chelsea Hospital, was the only survivor of the Charge, but the relatives of Mr Hughes communicated with Chelsea Hospital and the Governor, in reply, stated that the old soldier Pyner was not a cavalry man at all, but probably saw the light cavalry charge, as he was present at the action with his regiment - the 63rd.
Two divisions of infantry, the 1st and the 4th were granted the clasp for Balaclava, but they took no part in the cavalry charge itself.
Mr Hughes was one of the 52 survivors of the charge who celebrated the historic day at the Old Royal Hotel, Temple-Row, Birmingham. Ten years ago the survivors numbered 12, and in 1920 two remained. Mr Hughes and Mr W.H. Pennington, who died at Stoke Newington a short time ago at the age of 90.
On 12 December Mr Hughes will be 94. Although he had the misfortune to break a rib in August he has quite recovered. Born at Wrexham he became a shoemaker, subsequently enlisting at Liverpool on 29 October 1852 and embarked for Russia on 6 May 1854. At Balaclava Mr Hughes had his horse shot from under him. He also took part in the battles of Sebastopol, Inkerman and Alma. While living in Birmingham, Mr Hughes was for twelve years instructor to the Worcestershire Yeomanry. His sons are Mr Horace Hughes of Ombersley Road, Balsall Heath and Mr T.H. Hughes of Wills Street, Lozells.
Article from the Birmingham Gazette.