Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Capt. R. L. Lye. 20th. Regt.) officially impressed naming, edge bruising, cleaned, otherwise nearly extremely fine £1,000-£1,400

Richard Leigh Lye was born in 1821 and was commissioned Ensign, by purchase, in the 20th Regiment of Foot on 3 November 1837. He was promoted Lieutenant, by purchase, on 9 August 1839, and Captain, by purchase, on 30 December 1845, and his service saw him travel to Bermuda in November 1841, and then to Quebec on 21 September 1847, before returning to England in June 1853.

Lye served with the 20th Foot in the Crimea, taking part in the battles of Alma, Inkermann, and Sebastopol. At Inkermann in particular, the 20th took part in vicious hand to hand fighting, and made a gallant bayonet charge against the opposing Russian forces. During the Siege of Sebastopol, Captain Lye, at age 33, was one of a great many officers and men who died as a result of the ravages of disease (often Cholera) and exposure:
‘10th December, (died) in the camp before Sebastopol, Captain Richard Leigh Lye, of the 20th Regiment of Foot, only son of Dr. Bleeck Lye, of Hereford, and nephew of Captain Leigh Lye, of Bath. This promising officer, after gallantly leading his company in the thickest of the fight at Inkermann, has since sunk, worn down by fatigue and exposure. He was much esteemed and beloved by his brother officers for his worth and friendship in the days of peace, and for his true bravery and courage in the hour of danger.’ (Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 6 January 1855, refers).

A monument to Captain Lye was raised in his honour at the Officers’ graveyard at Cathcart Hill.