Lord Fitzroy Somerset entered the army in 1804 aged 16. In the spring of 1854, he was selected to command the British troops in the Crimea. Although he had never led troops in the field, his diplomatic and military experience which had raised him to the peerage of Baron Raglan, as well as his character and charm, made him an obvious choice. The worsening conditions, mounting casualties and failed attacks on the Malakoff and the Redan, were felt deeply by Lord Raglan and his health failed. He died on 28 June 1855. Queen Victoria wrote in her journal that she and Prince Albert 'were dreadfully shocked and startled' by the news.