Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Crimean War D.C.M. and Victorian M.S.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant-Major William Allan, 72nd Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Corpl. W. Allan. 72nd Regt.); Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (2445. Serjt. William. Allan. 72nd. Highlanders) regimentally impressed naming; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Serjt. Wm. Allan, 72nd Highlanders); Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Sergt. Major Wm. - Allan Late 72nd Foot); Turkish Crimea, British issue, unnamed, light contact marks, otherwise better than very fine (5) £2,400-£3,000

D.C.M. 24 December 1856, for service in the Crimea.

M.S.M. recommendation submitted to the Queen, 3 March 1873.

William Allan was born in Dundee, Forfar, and attested for the 72nd Highlanders at Paisley on 18 January 1848, aged 14 years 3 months. He was appointed Drummer in July of that year and promoted to Corporal in November 1854; Sergeant, January 1856; Sergeant-Major, April 1866. He transferred as Sergeant-Major to the 2nd Admin. Battalion, Renfrew Volunteers, on 7 August 1872, and was discharged at Fort George on 29 October 1872, whilst serving as Supernumerary with the Renfrewshire Rifle Volunteers.

William Allan served abroad 15 years 11 months, viz: West Indies 1 year 7 months; Malta 5 months; East Indies 9 years 7 months; North America 3 years 3 months; and the Crimea 1 year 1 month. At the time of his discharge he was ‘in possession of a Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field. Also the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct.’ His L.S. & G.C. medal would have been exchanged for the M.S.M. after discharge, in compliance with the regulations in effect at that time.

Allan was one of three sergeants to form part of the Camel Detachment which operated in Central India during the Mutiny with the primary mission to capture Rao Sahib and Tantia Topee. There were 100 men in the detachment which fought several engagements and inflicted many casualties upon the mutineers. During 17 months in the field under canvas the detachment travelled over 3000 miles.

Sold with copied discharge papers.