Orders, Decorations and Medals

Colonel Sir William James Montgomery-Cuninghame, Bart., V.C., Rifle Brigade

Carte de Visit by Maull & Fox, 187a Piccadilly, London, facing wearing uniform wearing his Decorations and Medals,105 x 165mm., good condition £100-140

V.C. London Gazette 24 February 1857.

‘On 20 November 1854 in the Crimea, Lieutenant Cuninghame, with another lieutenant was with a party detailed to drive the Russians from some rifle pits. Advancing on the pits after dark they launched a surprise attack and drove the Russian riflemen from their cover, but in the fierce fighting which ensued the officer in command of the party was killed. The two lieutenants, however, maintained their advantage, withstood all attacks from the enemy during the night and held the position until relieved the next day’ (Ref. The Register of the Victoria Cross). The other lieutenant involved in the action - C. T. Bourchier, was also awarded the Victoria Cross.

A handwitten note in k on the reverse reads, ‘gift of his daughter Lady Lilley, 20 Sept. 1948, she died March 1949’.