Orders, Decorations and Medals

Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Alma (Lieut. Francis Montagu, 33rd Foot) contemporary engraved naming, dark toned, nearly extremely fine £400-500

Lieutenant Francis Du Pre Montagu was killed in action at the battle of the Alma, whilst carrying the colours of his regiment. He was born on 7 February 1834, son of Lord William Montagu, and entered the army on 17 August 1852. He fell close to the battery, where a tombstone was erected to his memory, and that of the men of the 33rd Regiment who fell in that memorable battle, by Captain Horace Montagu, Royal Engineers. His death was thus feelingly alluded to by a Sergeant of the regiment: “Mr. Montagu was shot while carrying the colours of the regiment. Poor fellow! he proved himself a very good soldier, for it was in the very midst of the battle when he was shot, while gallantly advancing with the colours.” Lieutenant Montagu was the only officer of the 33rd killed at the Alma.