The ‘Heavy Brigade’ Crimea Medal awarded Private J. Rodger, 2nd Dragoons

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (J. Rodger. 2nd. Dragoons.) officially impressed naming, edge bruising and contact marks, very fine £1,000-£1,400

Dr. A. A. Payne Collection, Glendining’s, July 1918; Glendining’s, June 1992 and June 1994.

James Rodger (also recorded as Rodgers) was born in Edinburgh in 1826 and attested for the 2nd Dragoons at Brighton on 4 December 1841, aged 15 years and 10 months. He served with the Regiment in the Crimea and is shown on the Muster Rolls as serving on active duty with his regiment for the period between 1 October and 31 December 1854; it is most probable, therefore, that he took part in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava on 25 October 1854, in which the Scots Greys had two men killed and 56 wounded. Seven men from the Regiment were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was discharged on 16 March 1857 and 11 years and 295 days’ service.

Note: The 2nd Dragoons were not present at Inkermann and Rodger’s medal should technically have clasps for Balaklava and Sebastopol only. The mistake is easily explained by examining the regimental medal roll compiled ‘Camp Crimea. 11 January 1855’ (WO 100/24) which clearly shows the letter ‘I’ in the column for ‘Inkermann Novr. 5’ against many names, including Rodger, in addition to the letter ‘B’ to indicate entitlement to the clasp for Balaklava. Consequently, many men of the 2nd Dragoons were officially issued with the Inkermann clasp. A separate roll was compiled in November 1855 listing those entitled to clasps for Sebastopol.

Sold with copied service papers.