Medals from the Collection of Paul and Margaret Faber

A ‘Thin Red Line’ group of three awarded to Private Richard Flowers, 93rd Highlanders, who died on campaign during the Indian Mutiny in 1858

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (No. 2932*Pt. Rd.*Flowers 93d Hrs.) correctly engraved in the regimental style; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Rd. Flowers, 93rd Highlanders); Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed as issued, pierced as issued with ring and contemporary straight bar suspension, nearly extremely fine (3) £2,000-£2,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Paul and Margaret Faber.

View
Collection

Richard Flowers attested for the 93rd (Sutherland) Highlanders and served with the Regiment in the Crimea, being present at Balaklava on 25 October 1854, when the 93rd routed the Russian cavalry and won themselves the title of ‘The Thin Red Line’. The Times correspondent, William Howard Russell, who, standing on the hills above, could clearly see that nothing stood between the Russian cavalry and the defenceless British base but the ‘thin red streak tipped with a line of steel’ wrote of the 93rd:
‘With breathless suspense everyone awaits the bursting of the wave [of Russian Cavalry] upon the line of Gaelic rock, but ere they came within 200 yards another deadly volley flashes from the levelled rifle, and carries terror into the Russians. They wheel about, open files right and left, and fly back faster than they came. “Brave Highlanders! Well done!” shout the spectators.’

Proceeding with the Regiment to India, Flowers saw service during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, being present at the Second Relief of Lucknow and subsequent operations, and is shown on the Indian Mutiny roll as ‘Dead’.