Actor’s Book Highlights Welsh War Horse’s Heroism

Actor Martin Clunes has commended a Welsh war horse that endured the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, characterizing the unwitting sacrifice of animals in combat as “heartbreaking”. Sir Briggs, a champion steeplechaser owned by Newport landowner Lord Tredegar, was sent to Russia in the 1850s for military engagement. The actor, known for his roles in Doc Martin and Men Behaving Badly, conveyed to Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales his sorrow that numerous horses entered combat unaware of their impending fate. His recently published book chronicles true stories of animal bravery, devotion, and camaraderie, including how Sir Briggs managed to win races once more after overcoming significant challenges in the war. Clunes, an enthusiast of animals, has owned horses for an extended period, even bringing his large Clydesdale, Bruce, to visit hospice patients to uplift their spirits. He stated, “We’ve given horses medals for gallantry, put up statues in their honour and venerated them for their service,” adding, “I feel sad when I think of all the horses who went into battle with no idea of what awaited them.” Although Sir Briggs was accustomed to navigating fences and ditches in competitive races, his destiny was determined when his owner, Godfrey Morgan, also known as Lord Tredegar, assumed leadership of a squadron during the Crimean War. Subsequently, Sir Briggs was transported to Russia for combat and participated in the renowned Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854. This event was a component of the Battle of Balaclava, where British light cavalry confronted Russian troops, and its details are largely preserved due to Alfred Lord Tennyson’s well-known poem of the identical title. In the poem, Tennyson lauded the courage of the soldiers as they advanced into the “valley of death”. A misinterpretation of commands led to the Light Brigade, comprising the 17th Lancers under Captain Morgan mounted on Sir Briggs, being ordered to charge directly into Russian artillery fire on 25 October 1854. The Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum cite Captain Morgan’s account of the engagement, where he stated: “Our pace increased amidst the round shot and shell, whistling and cracking overhead. “Horses and men dropped by scores every yard.” Recounting his experience riding Sir Briggs during the charge, he further remarked: “Digging my spurs in my horse’s sides he went at it as he has often gone at the big fences in Monmouthshire.” Although the Light Brigade managed to reach Russian positions, they were compelled to withdraw, traversing back through the “Valley of Death” to safety. The British Army Museum characterized the event as “one of Britain’s most spectacular military disasters”. Prior to their return home, Captain Morgan presented Sir Briggs with an additional challenge. Clunes noted, “They survived the Charge of the Light Brigade, which not a lot of people did,” adding, “Sir Briggs got a little scratch… but before coming home he [Captain Morgan] entered him in a quick steeplechase out in France, which he won.” Sir Briggs subsequently returned home, enjoying a lengthy and contented retirement until his death at the age of 28. His burial site is located within the grounds of Tredegar House in Newport, the ancestral residence of the Morgan family, where his memorial stone remains visible today. Tredegar House, currently managed by the National Trust Cymru, has observed the 170th anniversary of the Charge of the Light Brigade. Over 4,000 hand-crafted poppies adorned a precise replica of Godfrey Sir Briggs. This willow homage serves to honor the military heritage of individuals who resided and were employed at Tredegar House. National Trust Cymru additionally stated that it “serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of all who have served their country”.