The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Four: Major W. E. Brown, 57th Foot, later commanding 2/13th Light Infantry

Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol, unnamed as issued; New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1861 to 1863 (Captn. Edwd. Brown. 57th Regt.); Order of the Medjidie, 5th Class breast badge, silver, gold and enamel, lacking reverse back-plate; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Only 28 medals with these dates to the 57th Foot, including four to officers.

William Edward Brown was born at Trichinopoly on 8 April 1831. He was appointed Ensign in the 57th Foot on 10 April 1849; Lieutenant, 26 December 1851; Captain, 29 December 1854; Brevet Major, 14 September 1869; Major, 14 May 1873; exchanged to 13th Light Infantry, 19 November 1873; Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, 1 October 1877; Lieutenant-Colonel, 23 January 1878; half-pay, 8 May 1880.

Lieutenant-Colonel Brown served with the 57th Foot in the Crimea from 5th February 1855, , including the siege of Sebastopol, attacks of the Redan on 18th June (with the storming Column) and 8th September; also at the bombardment and surrender of Kinbourn (Medal with Clasp, 5th Class of the Medjidie, and Turkish Medal). Commanded a party of the 57th Foot with the Column under Brigadier Coghlan at the attack and capture of the Arab village of Sheik Othman [Aden] on the 18th March 1858 (mentioned in despatch, and thanked in General orders). Served for 2 years 4 months in the New Zealand war in 1861-63 (Medal). He was latterly Commandant, Eastern Frontier, Kaffraria, 25 November 1875 to 2 January 1876, and commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 13th Light Infantry 1878-80.

The Illustrated London News of 19 January 1856, published a sketch, with a full description, of ‘Christmas-Day in the Crimea - Dinner of Captain Brown’s Company, 57th Regiment.’ Sold with a copy of I.L.N. article and sketch together with copied record of service and some other research.