Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Private J. Stocker, 60th Rifles

Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Inkermann, unnamed; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small reverse letters (39 James Stocker, 4th Battn. 60th Rifles); Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue, unnamed, pierced with ring suspension, edge bruising, very fine (3) £260-300

James Stocker was born in Norly, near Honiton, Devon. A Labourer by occupation, he attested for the 85th Regiment at Awliscombe, Devon, 25 July 1845, as a Boy aged 16 years. In April 1854 he was transferred to the 55th Regiment and the unit posted to Turkey and the Crimea; in May Stocker was selected as a servant to one of the staff officers. Served at the battle of Inkermann, 5 November 1854. On 10 November Stocker was at Scutari (probably with his officer) and soon after returned to the UK. He continued to serve as a servant/batman until c. January 1856. On 20 September 1857 Stocker was posted to the newly raised 4th Battalion 60th Rifles. With the battalion he served in Canada, July 1861-December 1864. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. with a gratuity of £5 in July 1866. He was discharged on 11 August 1868 and was admitted as an Out-Pensioner of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. He died at the hospital on 8 January 1897.

With a quantity of copied research including service papers.