British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (Capn. The Hon. G. H. E. Grant, 42nd Highrs.), contemporary engraved naming, with original silk riband and buckle, contained in an old fitted Hunt & Roskell leather case, trace of minor engraver’s correction to name, good very fine £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by The Late John Hillard.

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George Henry Essex Grant (afterwards styled Ogilvy-Grant) was born in February 1825, a younger son of Colonel Francis Ogilvy-Grant, the 6th Earl of Seafield, scion of an ancient and noble Scottish family and, in addition to his military career, a Member of Parliament for Elginshire and Nairnshire.

Young George was appointed an Ensign in the 42nd Highlanders in November 1841, and attained the rank of Captain shortly before his embarkation for active service in the Crimea, in which conflict he qualified for the above described Medal & clasps (the published regimental medal roll refers). Most notably, therefore, he would have been present at the regiment’s uphill advance at Alma, when Sir Colin Campbell famously ordered “Forward 42nd!” - an action that ultimately cost the regiment over 40 killed or wounded.

Grant married Eleanora Cumming, daughter of Sir William Cumming, Bt., on his return from the East in 1855, was placed on the Retired List in April 1865, and died at Crieff in May 1873, aged 48 years.