'Distribution des Medailles de Crimee'

Coloured lithograph after Rene De Moraine, 1856, published by Wild 1854-1855. From the series 'Affaires d'Orient'.

The Duke of Cambridge presents the British Crimean War Medal to French troops in Paris on 15 January 1856. During the Crimean War (1854-1856) the Duke commanded the British 1st Division, but his leadership of this formation at the Battle of the Alma (20 September 1854) was questionable and showed his lack of field experience.

He was also present at the battles of Balaklava (25 October 1854) and Inkerman (5 November 1854), where he showed conspicuous bravery and had a horse shot under him. Invalided back to Britain with exhaustion at the end of 1854, he was mentioned in despatches and received the thanks of Parliament.