Orders, Decorations and Medals

An important pair awarded to Sergeant Edward Cluff, 52nd Foot, twice wounded and a ‘Stormer of Badajoz’

Military General Service 1793-1814, 11 clasps, Corunna, Busaco, Fuentes D’Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse (E. Clough, Serjt. 52nd Foot); Waterloo 1815 (Edwd. Cluff, Sergt. 52nd Regt. L.I.) naming re-engraved in a contemporary style, fitted with an attractive silver bar suspension inscribed ‘Peninsula’, the first nearly extremely fine, the second with contact wear, nearly very fine (2) £1800-2200

Edward Cluff/Clough was born in the Parish of Brailes, near Shiptston upon Stour, Warwickshire, and enlisted for the 52nd Foot at Colchester, Essex, on 20 April 1805, at the age of 20, for unlimited service. He was promoted to Corporal in 1808 and to Sergeant in 1810, in which rank he served until discharged due to a reduction in the Establishment of the Regiment in December 1818. His service papers state that his ‘General Conduct as a Soldier has been excellent and that he has been wounded by a musquet ball in the neck at Badajoz, 6th April 1812, and left arm by a musquet ball at San Munoz, 17th November 1812, and a Stormer of Badajoz.’

The 52nd had a distinguished career in the Peninsula; at the siege of Badajoz they lost five officers and 66 other ranks killed, and 16 officers and 295 men wounded. At the battle of Nivelle they fared little better with nearly 250 casualties. Sergeant Cluff was subsequently present at the Battle of Waterloo for which he received an additional 2 Years, bringing his total service to Fifteen Years and 303 Days. Sold with copy service papers for which thanks must go to Dave Morris without whose tenacious digging at the PRO this man’s heroic history might not have been revealed.