Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Corpl. Willm. Cantell. 4th Dragoon Guards.) engraved naming, with an attractive top silver riband plaque inscribed ‘Charge of Heavy Brigade Balaklava 1854’, suspension re-affixed, traces of brooch mounting to obverse field, fine £400-500

William Cantell is confirmed by the muster rolls as being on active duty with his regiment for the whole of the quarter of the 1st October to the 31st December 1854, and it is most probable, therefore, that he took part in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, 25 October 1854; most members of the Heavy Brigade entitled to the Balaklava clasp, in the absence of any evidence or status details to the contrary, took part in the Charge. He was discharged to Pension on 14 April 1865.