Crimea Medal 1854-56. With clasp 'Alma' (Major. A. Willett. 17th Lancers.)

Important: Major Augustus Saltern Willett was the Officer Commanding 17th Lancers at the time of his death - due to 'cholera' - at Balaklava, Crimea, only 2 days prior to the famous 'Charge of the Light Brigade'

Naming: The medal is officially engraved named by 'Hunt & Roskell' style

Note: Medal and clasp verified per the respective campaign medal roll of 17th Lancers (ref WO 100/24). The recipient was additionally entitled to a second clasp 'Sebastopol', however, the medal roll is annotated to show that the medal with single clasp 'Alma' had already been 'Sent to Rep' (presumably a reference to the medal having been sent to the recipients legal representative, or nominated next of kin). Whether the representative or next of kin of Major Willet ever subsequently received a loose 'Sebastopol' clasp is not known - the medal here offered being exactly as issued with a single 'unpierced' clasp

Provenance: B.A. Seaby, March, 1978 (ref item Z3C13)

Reference 'Record of Old Westminsters' (1927, Volume 2), the below following biographical entry was taken:

Quote ,

Willett, Augustus Saltren, eldest son of John Saltren Willett, of Torrington, Devon, by Elizabeth Percy, daughter of George White, of Newington House, co. Oxon.; b, Oct, 25. 1817; adm. Jan. 26, 1830; left Whitsuntide 1832; R.M.C. Sandhurst; Cornet 17th Lancers Dec. 9, 1836; Lieut. Dec. 31, 1836; Capt. Jun. 11, 1842; Major. May. 28, 1852; served in the Crimea; d. unm, at Balaclava, of cholera, Oct. 22, 1854; Memorial Column

Unquote.

Reportedly a strict disciplinarian, Major Willett, frequently awarded the 'lash' to regimental defaulters. Major Willett was inspecting the outlying picquets the evening before his death, and was subsequently buried within hours of his death. Contemporary accounts mention he was buried in his cavalry cape - ironically an item of uniform that he - together with Lord Cardigan - considered a most unbecoming item of uniform

A cousin of Major Willett - Cornet Archibald Clevland, of Tapeley Park, Instow, Devon, was also in the 17th Lancers, at the time that his cousin was the Officer Commanding. Cornet Clevland had the distinction of subsequently riding unwounded through the 'Charge of the Light Brigade' at Balaklava, but was less then a month later was mortally wounded at the battle of Inkerman, on, 5 November 1854, and who died the following day

A scarce seen Light Brigade officer's medal

Condition: GVF

Code: 20940