Crimean War Medal 1854-56, 2 clasps: Alma, Inkermann, awarded to Major-General Henry William Adams, 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment

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' and 'Inkermann'.

Adams (1805-1854) was first commissioned ensign in the 12th (East Suffolk) Regiment of Foot on 31 July 1823. He was Lieutenant-Colonel successively of the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot (1840-1844) and the 49th (The Hertfordshire) Regiment of Foot (1844 until his death).

Having previously seen action in the 1st China War, he was appointed brigadier-general on 21 February 1854 and given command of the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Division. At the Battle of Inkerman on 5 November 1854, he defended the Sandbag Battery against heavy odds during the early stages of the fighting with 700 men of the 41st and 49th regiments until a wound in the ankle forced him from the action. Promoted major-general on 12 December 1854, he died of his wound at Scutari a week later.

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 Major P R Adams.