Four: Private James Melville, 79th Highlanders

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (James Melville 79th Regt.) officially impressed naming, together with a second Crimea medal with regimentally impressed naming (3229. James. Melville 1.79. Cameron Highlanders) several unofficial rivets to both medals; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Jas. Melville 79th Highlanders); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (3229 Pte. James Melville, 79 Ft.); Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue (3229. James. Melville. 79th Cameron. Highlanders) regimentally impressed naming, the last three fitted with matching silver ribbon brooch buckles, contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine or better (5) £1,000-£1,200

James Melville was born in Perth and enlisted there into the 79th Highlanders on 9 April 1852, aged 17 years 10 months, a labourer by trade. He served in Turkey and the Crimea for 2 years 1 month, and in India for 12 years 8 months. He was discharged at Parkhurst on 24 June 1873, his discharge papers confirming Crimea and Mutiny medals and clasps. His medal for the North West Frontier was issued in 1891, and his death was reported in 79th News in 1913 together with a photograph of him wearing his four medals. An earlier issue of 79th News gave the following record of his services:

‘James Melville joined the 79th Cameron Highlanders, April, 1851; sailed with the regiment to the Crimea, and served with it throughout the Eastern Campaign of 1854-55, including the battles of Alma and Balaklava, siege of Sebastopol, assaults of the 18th June and 8th September, and the Expedition to Kertch and Yenikale (medal with three claps and Turkish medal).

He also served throughout the Indian Mutiny Campaign of 1858-59, including the engagement at Secundragunge, siege and capture of Lucknow, actions at Rooyah, Allygunge, Bareilly, and Shahjehanpore, capture of Mahomdie, storming of Rampore Kussia, passag of the Gorga at Fyzabad, and subsequent operations in Oude, across the Gorga and Raptee rivers (medal with clasp Lucknow); also throughout the North-Western Frontier Campaign of 1863-64 (medal with clasp).

Mr. Melville left the Regiment at Parkhurst, Isle of Wight, in 1873, after completing 22 years and 11 days’ service. He came to Dundee, and was employed for 35 years in Baxter Brothers, Dens Works. On account of his declining years he retired about four years ago. He is now 81 years of age, and in spite of his long and vigorous life he enjoys good health, and in fine weather he enjoys a daily walk about the city. He is a fine example of those fine old soldiers who upheld the honour of the 79th in days gone by.’

Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.