Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Garrn. Sergt. Major J. Beer, late Staff, Western District) good very fine £300-350

James Beer was born in the Parish of Broadwood Valley, near Okehampton, Devon. He attested for the Coldstream Guards on 22 May 1847, aged 19 years. He was promoted to Corporal in September 1847 and to Sergeant in September 1853. With the Coldstream Guards he served in the Crimean War and was awarded the Queen’s medal with four clasps and the Turkish medal. Transferred to the Depot Battalion in April 1857, he was promoted to Sergeant-Major in October 1858 and transferred to the General Staff in March 1865. Beer was awarded the Long Service medal and c.1878 was awarded the M.S.M. with an annuity of £10. He was discharged at his own request on 20 November 1877 and died in 1891. Sold with copied discharge papers.