Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine ‘Thin Red Line’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant David Laing, 93rd Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Corpl., 93rd Highlanders); Crimea 1854-55, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (No. 1976 Serjt., 93 Highrs) naming engraved in the regimental style, the first clasp sprung from its carriage; Indian Mutiny 1857-58, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Cr.Sergt., 93rd Highlanders); Turkish Crimea, British issue (Color Sergt., 93d Highlanders) fitted with Crimea suspension, contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine (4)

D.C.M. recommendation dated 8 January, 1855.
David Laing was born in Saint Andrews, Fife, and attested for the Ninety Third on 24 February, 1846, aged 17 years and 10 months. Promoted Corporal, November 1853; Sergeant, February 1855; Colour Sergeant, March 1857; reduced to Sergeant, February 1863; tried and reduced, 9 March, 1864; restored to Sergeant 12 March, 1864; discharged 31 October, 1866. Sergeant Laing is known to have been still alive in 1907 but his date of death is not known. His service record confirms the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, with Gratuity of £10, for services in the Crimea, and his campaign medals and clasps.
In the Crimean campaign the 93rd formed part of the Highland Brigade who so nobly responded to the appeal by Sir Colin Campbell, “Make me proud of my Highland Brigade.” At the Alma they did not disappoint, gaining the heights amidst a most destructive fire from the enemy. Their conduct at Balaklava, later immortalised in the painting ‘The Thin Red Line’ by Robert Gibbs, R.S.A., was witnessed by the Times War Correspondent, Dr. Russell, who wrote: “With breathless suspense everyone awaits the bursting of the wave [of Russian Cavalry] upon the line of Gaelic rock, but ere they came within 200 yards another deadly volley flashes from the levelled rifle, and carries terror into the Russians. They wheel about, open files right and left, and fly back faster than they came. Brave Highlanders! Well done! shout the spectators.”