A fine ‘Light Brigade’ group of three awarded to Sergeant J. Andrews, 4th Light Dragoons, who was decorated with the French Medaille Militaire for his ‘gallant and distinguished conduct’ in the Charge of the Light Cavalry Brigade

Crimea 1854-56, 4 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Sergt. Andrews, 4th Light Drags.) contemporary engraved naming; French Medaille Militaire, lacking its obverse enamel and reverse centre; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue (Serjt. J. Andrews, 4th Lt. Dragoons) contemporary engraved naming, each fitted with original dated and numbered Bailey, Coventry, laurel wearing devices, together with the recipient’s original Parchment Certificate of Discharge, dated 17 December 1860, all dark toned, contact marks, otherwise very fine and rare (3) £6000-8000

John Andrews was born at Kingclere, Hampshire, and enlisted in the 4th Light Dragoons at Chesham in April 1846, aged 23 years.

A Corporal by the time of his disembarkation in the Crimea, he served throughout the campaign and is confirmed as having participated in the Charge of the Light Brigade, the citation for his French Medaille Militaire stating:

‘For gallant and distinguished conduct in the charge of the Light Cavalry Brigade on 25 October 1854. Served during the whole campaign 1854-55. Present at the battles of Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Traktir and the expedition to Eupatoria in October 1855.’

Andrews, who was also present in operations before Sebastopol, was advanced to Sergeant on 1 December 1855, and was discharged in December 1860, in consequence of ‘his having claimed it “Free” with a right to registry for deferred pension of 4d a day on attaining the age of 50 years’. The above described Certificate of Discharge also confirms that he was in possession of one Good Conduct Badge, in addition to the ‘Crimean, French and Turkish Medals’.