Hammer

£3,800

44th / 45th Regiment Crimea War Medal gallantry group of five

A scarce combination group awarded to Private John Burnside who fought with the 44th Foot during the Crimean War and was rewarded for his actions during the attack on the 18th June on Sevastopol with the French Medaille Militaire. Comprising: Crimea Medal three clasps “Alma”, “Inkermann”, “Sebastopol” “3013 John Burnside 44th Regt”, China Medal clasp “Taku Forts 1860” “John Burnside 44th Regt”, Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal “1346 John Burnside 45th Regt”, French Medaille Militaire, (Heavy enamel loss), Turkish Crimea Medal (English issue Engraved) “N. 3013 J. Burnside 44th Regt”. Medals are loose three retaining their original ribbons. Contact wear GC.

The Publication British War Medal and how they were won page 466 describes “Private John Burnside was always ready and willing for any duty and was present on the 18th June at the attack on the Cemetery”. On this day the French and British made a large scale combined attack on Sebastopol, only one section of the line was successful, that on the buildings and cemetery at the bottom of Picket House Ravine. The Russian bombarded the British troops throughout the day, desperate to recapture their lost ground. The British held and the position and was fortified by the Royal Engineers through the night. Of the 2,000 men that attacked 600 became casualties. Private John Burnside a native of Donegal and enlisted at Belfast in September 1846. He remained with the Regiment after the war, serving in China and in 1865 volunteered for service with the 45th Regiment. He was discharged with Four Good Conduct Badges in May 1868. Campaign medals entitlement confirmed.