**Answer:** No, Cardigan's actions were not always competent. During the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, he misinterpreted an order and led his men into a disastrous frontal assault against heavily defended Russian artillery. This action resulted in heavy casualties and criticism of Cardigan's leadership abilities.
The Quintessential Quizzmaster: Unravel the Enigmatic Life of James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan!