Orders, Decorations and Medals

Crimea 1854-55, 3 clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Pte. J. Kilburn, 5th Dgn. Gds.) contemporary engraved naming, fitted with an attractive engraved ribbon buckle, very fine

Private Joseph Kilburn served throughout the Crimea as ‘batman’ to Lieutenant & Adjutant R. T. Godman, 5th Dragoon Guards, and is confirmed on the medal roll as a member of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava. Kilburn is mentioned throughout Godman’s Crimean letters which were published in 1977 under the title The Fields of War. He features in a painting by John Fearnley, holding Godman’s charger ‘The Earl’ and was photographed with Godman in the Crimea by Roger Fenton in April 1855. It is evident from Godman’s letters that Fenton was not yet the household name that he was destined to become: ‘The Photograph man has taken a picture of our camp, the officers and horses standing about, my hut does not come in well. He has also taken me and my horse (in fighting costume) and Kilburn, the latter likeness is excellent, when I can I will tell you where to go in London for copies, as many as you please at 5s each.’ Joseph Kilburn died in 1889 aged 61 years. The medal is accompanied by a copy of The Fields of War and confirmation from the medal rolls.