Though the Charge of the Light Brigade is probably the most famous single incident of the Crimean War, at least in English-speaking countries, we shouldn't forget that the British actually won Balaclava -- and indeed the Alma and Inkerman, too. Not to mention the logistical feat of keeping an army over 30,000 strong supplied and in fighting condition thousands of miles away from British territory. I don't really think the Crimea is very good evidence for the "British army was shit" meme.