Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Inkermann, Sebastopol (R. Downes. Driver. Rl. Horse Arty.) officially impressed naming, polished, minor edge bruising, nearly very fine £300-£400

Robert Downes joined “I” Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, in the Crimea on 30 October 1854, likely as a replacement for those killed or wounded at Alma or Balaklava. He took part in the actions at Sebastopol and Inkermann, and survived the great storm of November 1854 which laid waste to 21 ships bearing stores destined for the Army over the winter of 1854-55. The resultant supply problems caused much suffering, the Inkermann roll stating Downes’ death on 12 January 1855, most likely from disease, starvation or cold.