Crimean War Medal 1854-56 awarded to Colonel Thomas Egerton, 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot

Thomas Graham Egerton was first commissioned into the 77th (The West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot in December 1829, taking over its command with the purchase of his Lieutenant-Colonelcy on 27 December 1850. He greatly distinguished himself at the Battle of Inkerman on 5 November 1854 by leading four companies of his Regiment - just 259 men - in a successful attack against a Russian regiment 1500-strong.

An unmistakable figure, six feet eight inches tall, Egerton was promoted colonel on 28 November 1854. He was killed on 19 April 1855 at the moment of victory during the attack led by him against the Russian rifle pits, the regimental history telling how, 'as Colonel Egerton was pointing out the flying Russians to Captain Chawner, he was struck in the mouth by a rifle bullet, which, carrying away four of his front teeth, passed through the spine at the back of his neck, and he fell dead.' Egerton's Crimean Medal includes the clasps for Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol.