Crimean War Medal 1854-56, with three clasps: 'Alma', 'Inkermann', and 'Sebastopol', awarded to Major Nathaniel Steevens, 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers)

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', 'Inkermann', and 'Sebastopol'.

Nathaniel Steevens was commissioned ensign in the 20th (The East Devonshire) Regiment of Foot on 19 December 1845, transferring to the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) in 1850. Promoted captain on 27 October 1854, he served throughout the Crimean campaign, later working up his letters (owned by the Museum, NAM 1965-01-183) into the book 'The Crimean Campaign with The Connaught Rangers'. This was published in 1878, 12 years after Steevens' retirement from the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel.

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.