A Difficult Commanding Officer

James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, (1797-1868)  earned great fame as the man who led the heroic, but futile Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava in 1854. He insisted on aristocratic manners and once courtmartialled an officer for ordering beer, instead of wine, at dinner. He challenged another to a duel for turning up for dinner with improperly polished buttons. Undoubtedly brave, his prickly temperament and unpopularity with more senior officers led to his retirement in 1866.

from Heroes, Rogues and Rascals by Rupert Matthews.
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