Crimea Medal 1854-56. With 4 x clasps 'Alma' 'Balaklava' 'Inkerman' & 'Sebastopol' (P. Wilson. XIth. P.A.O. Hussars)

Naming: The naming is impressed in a contemporary regimental /depot style, of which several variant format styles known are known to this particular regiment, some of which include the recipients regimental number, others 'sans' the P.A.O. abbreviation

Clasps: Mounted in the correct order of precedence. First clasp face sprung on one side. The top clasp only (often issued separately) with unofficial rivets, the lower clasps fitted with their original rivets.

Note: Medal & all 4 x clasps clasp verified as entitled per the respective campaign medal roll of 11th Prince Albert's Own Hussars, a.k.a. 'The Cherry-pickers' (ref WO 100/24), wherein the recipient is recorded as No 1379 Private P. Wilson, 11th Hussars

No service papers, or pension records appear to be extant for Peter Wilson (or Willson) at The National Archives, however details of the recipient and his services are contained in the book 'In Search of the Light Brigade' (Lawrence W. Crider, 2011), which is an assiduously researched work based on a study of the contemporary muster rolls and other primary sources of the period. Peter Wilson (or Willson) first entered service with the 11th Hussars in April 1848. He appears in the musters of the regiment throughout the Crimean War period, showing that he was a Troop 'Cook', with the service company's. He is reported to have died at 'Kensington' (London?) on 17 May 1858

Important: There is no single definitive list of confirmed 'Chargers of the Light Brigade'. Nominal lists of 'Known Chargers' have been published based on, casualty returns, witness narrative accounts, those decorated for gallantry, those 'wounded', and other secondary published accounts from national newspapers, pension funds, commemorative dinners, diaries, unpublished manuscripts etc. While there is no evidence to support that Private P. Wilson - a Troop Cook - was a 'Charger', it should be remembered that at least one celebrated 'Butcher' who was not supposed to ride in the charge, did on his own will, ride in the charge, and was decorated for his gallantry with the Distinguished Conduct Medal, viz, Private John ‘Butcher Jack’ Fahey, 17th Lancers, arguably the most colourful character who rode in the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava. Whether Private Peter Wilson was a charger, or possible charger, or was just a witness to 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' what is is certain beyond any doubt is that Private Wilson was entitled to and was present at all the major battles - including 'Balaklava' - that adorn this hard earned campaign medal for service during the Crimean War

A desirable 'Light Brigade' Crimean War Medal to a Troop Cook of 11th Hussars

Some minor rippling to rim edge basis the hand tooled impressing done by the regimental armourer, and fairly typical for regimental or depot impressed medals

Condition: VF

Code: 20938