THE helmet worn by General Sir James York Scarlett, Burnley's greatest military hero, has been obtained by the government in an inheritance tax settlement with an unidentified person.
The brass helmet, with red and white plumes, has a dent in it that is thought to have been made as General Scarlett led the charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava on October 25 1854, during the Crimean War.
Unlike the Charge of the Light Brigade, which occurred on the same day, the battle was a great success, as an 800-strong British contingent broke through an advance of 3,500 Russian cavalry.
The helmet, said to be worth a five-figure sum, was received with three medals awarded to General Scarlett.
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