Crimea War Medal 1854-56, with clasps: 'Alma', 'Balaklava', and 'Sebastopol', awarded to Major-General (later Field Marshal Sir) Colin Campbell

Circular silver campaign medal with, on the obverse, a portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem, with the inscription, 'Victoria Regina' and date, '1854'. On the reverse, Winged Victory places a wreath on the head of a soldier in classical armour, with the inscription, 'Crimea' to the left. The medal is suspended on a pale blue ribbon with yellow edges with clasps, 'Alma', 'Balaklava', and 'Sebastopol'.

In the Crimea, having been promoted major-general on 20 June 1854, Campbell commanded the Highland Brigade with notable success at the battles of the Alma and Balaklava; he later commanded a division. His career was crowned by his appointment as Commander-in-Chief in India and the suppression of the 1857 mutiny in the Bengal Army. He was ennobled as Lord Clyde in 1858 and promoted field marshal in 1862.

The Crimean War Medal was sanctioned by Queen Victoria on 15 December 1854 . Two clasps were also authorised at this time, for the battles of Alma (20 September 1854) and Inkerman (5 November 1854). The clasp for the battle of Balaklava (which took place before that of Inkermann, on 25 October 1854) was not authorised until 23 February 1855. The clasp for the fall of Sevastopol (9 September 1855) was granted on 13 October 1855.

Donated by the Royal United Service Institution.