Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Colour Sergeant W. Stait, 23rd Foot, who was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his gallantry at the Battle of the Alma, 20 September 1854

Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2465. Cr. Serjt. Wm. Stait, 1st. Bn. 23rd. Foot) reverse struck approximately 10 degrees off true, suspension claw repinned; France, Second Empire, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, 63mm including crown suspension x 41mm, silver, gold, and enamel, poincon mark to tassel, minor enamel damage to last, nearly very fine (2) £240-£280

William Stait was born in Warwick in 1825 and attested for the 23rd Foot in October 1843. Promoted Corporal in 1847, and Sergeant in 1848, he served with the Regiment in the Crimea (entitled to a 3 clasp Crimea Medal), and was awarded the French Legion of Honour (London Gazette 4 August 1856). It seems likely that this was for his action at the Alma: ‘Sergeant William Stait, who was close beside his Colonel, remained alone with the body under very heavy fire for some time after the regiment fell back, until he was able to carry the Colonel’s body to the rear and hand it over to the surgeon. This act was performed in the immediate presence of the enemy, and evinced great courage as well as devotion to his commander. Throughout the siege Sergeant Stait also displayed on occasions great zeal, coolness and courage.’

Stait was promoted Colour Sergeant in 1857, and saw further service in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny (entitled to a 2 clasp Indian Mutiny Medal). He was was discharged on 22 October 1864, after 21 years’ service, and died in Winchester in 1876.