Light Brigade

[geraldryan]

I bought this years back and when Roy Dutton brought his excellent book out "Forgotten Heros" on the Light Brigade. I discovered a photo at the rear of his book which shows the survivors of the brigade at a banquet in Birmingham in 1895 (25th Oct) which is on this the pin of this rather strange old medal. It was obviously a gift to remember that day to a steward who was there. The only thing I remember when I bought it was that the man had a connection with the 42nd Reg. Apart from that nothing. I have a swagger stick to the 42nd CSM Chas Christie 1480. 10/5/41 Cpl. 1847 Sjt 1850 SM Stirling Depot 1856. Discharged 1866. D 1869 ? L, D Hon. Sgt Roll but not listed on medal roll.? I have put this in for general info for Crimea interest folk. If there is anyone out there who may have information on the Birmingham medal, I would love to hear from them.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Gerald - the banquet is quite well known and I have seen photos of the surviving members - however, I have never seen this

Cross. The inscription of J. E. Mitchell and the word STEWARD would indicate to me, that he was probably an office bearer

with-in the Association. I somehow doubt that they would give silver crosses to the staff. However, you never really know

about these things. Cannon Lumis wrote the definitive book on the chargers and I have always found it useful. One of my

greatest regrets is allowing a collector to persuade me to part with my Charger group. Mervyn

[geraldryan]

Hi Mervyn I never thought of an association connection!! I wonder if there would be paperwork lodged somewhere regarding the running of it?? must start making some inquiries along those lines. Maybe start with Roy himself. I have been collecting for over 40yrs now and yes I regret selling off some items which would cost me a lot of money to replace now. I just collect at my leisure now, mostly miniature medals. You will see an undress sabretach in my collection which is named to Colonel Burroughs who has the inside annotated with "Colonel Burroughs 93rd Highlanders 1872" He was also Colonel of the Orkney Volunteer Artillery (hence the sabretach to them) on Routhsy Island which he owned and retired to after leaving the 93rd in 1872. He apparently can be picked out on the famous painting of the Thin Red Line in the Crimea when the 93rd repulsed the Russian Cavalry charge. Its a very interesting pouch because it contained the original ink holder and pen, there was also an old pencil in it as well!!. I have had a lot of sabretach,s and still do but have never seen one with its original contents. Burroughs went on to fight in the Indian Mutiny and was recommended for the VC but never got it due to Sir Colin Campbell,s way of allocating them, Burroughs fought this decision for many years afterwards, interesting man and his name is spelt the same as mine?? thats why I never parted with it.!!! cheers Gerry