Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grenadier Guards Medal 1855, obv. regimental cypher of Queen Victoria, ‘Grenadier Guards’; rev. inscription, ‘From Maj. Gen. Bentinck to [blank] in Recognition of the Recipient’s Distinguished Conduct during the Campaign in the Crimea 1854-5’, 35mm., silver, unmounted, Ref. Balmer R132, nearly extremely fine

Medals were prepared for the three Guards regiments for award to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for distinguished conduct in the Crimea campaign. They were awarded by Major-General Sir Henry Bentinck, K.C.B., who commanded the Guards Brigade. In the event medals were only issued to the Grenadier Guards and 3rd Foot Guards, being awarded 13 and 5 (plus one to the 90th Foot) named medals respectively. The Coldstream Guards refused theirs after a inter-regimental ‘squabble’.