Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Crimean War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Hon. Captain and Quarter-Master Alexander McGregor, 42nd Royal Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Qr. Mr. Serjt., 42nd Foot); Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Alma, Sebastopol, unnamed as issued; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Qr. Mr., 42nd Rl. Highlanders); Turkish Crimea, Sardinian issue, light contact marks, otherwise generally good very fine (4) £1500-2000

The D.C.M. and Crimean awards Ex Samson Collection June 1991. The Indian Mutiny has subsequently been reunited with the group.

Alexander McGregor was born at Dundalk on 4 March 1819, and enlisted for the 42nd Foot, as a Boy, at Brewick-on-Tweed, in March 1833. He was promoted to Quarter-Master Sergeant in October 1852 and served throughout the Eastern campaign of 1854-55, including the battles of Alma and Balaklava, expedition to Kertch and Yenikale, siege and fall of Sebastopol (Medal and clasps). He was awarded the D.C.M. in February 1855 for his services in the Crimea, together with an Annuity of £20, and was promoted to a commission as Quarter-Master in May 1855. He served with the regiment in the campaign of 1857-58 against the mutineers in India, including the action at Kudygunge, siege and fall of Lucknow, attack on the fort of Rooyah, action at Allygunge, and capture of Bareilly (Medal with clasp). In August 1859 he transferred to the 22nd Depot Battalion at Stirling Castle, and was placed on Half Pay in April 1863, in consequence of ill health. He transferred, as Quarter-Master, to the 98th Regiment, in August 1864, and was placed on Half Pay with Hon. rank of Captain in August 1868. He died at Stirling on 4 April 1878. Note: although his services shown in the Army List state that he was present at Balaklava, there is no other evidence to support this. Regimental records show entitlement to clasps for Alma and Sebastopol only.