Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Manchester & Salford Crimea & Indian Mutiny Veteran’s Bazaar Badge, by G. Kenning & Son, Manchester, an attractive brooch, in gilt base metal, 40 x 30mm, centre with overlapping miniature representations of the Crimea and Indian Mutiny Medals, with inscription ‘Manchester & Salford Crimea & Indian Mutiny Veteran’s Bazaar, May 20-28 1908’, at base an integral Crimea Medal style bar, this inscribed ‘Lest we forget’, the reverse with original brooch fitting and two small loops, to which were stitched the miniature medal ribbons of the two medals, good very fine, an interesting piece. £40-60

The Veteran’s Relief Fund was formed by Lord Roberts, V.C., K.G. in the Spring of 1908, the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Indian Mutiny, in order to provide some relief for veterans of the wars of that period, many of whom were destitute. In response several towns formed relief committees.

The Manchester & Salford Crimea and Indian Mutiny Veterans Bazaar, 20 - 28 May 1908, held at St. James’s Hall, was opened by Prince Arthur of Connaught. In the opening ceremony, 132 veterans of the two wars were lined up, each with his medals or ribbons showing, with a Guard of Honour provided by the 8th Battalion The Manchester Regiment. The aim of the promoters of the Bazaar was to raise £10,000 to enable the veterans to spend the rest of days in comfort. This was handily achieved, with over £5,000 being raised on the first day alone, it being noted in the Manchester Evening News of 21 May 1908, that Prince Arthur made several purchases in aid of the fund. Sold with a folder containing copied details relating to the Veteran’s Relief Fund and copied extracts from the Manchester Evening News of the time, relating to the Bazaar.