Orders, Decorations and Medals

Five: Colour Serjeant A. Middleton, 102nd Regiment, late 93rd Highlanders - a veteran of the ‘Thin Red Line’

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (2768 Pte. Adam Middleton, 93rd Highlanders) contemporary re-engraved naming, claw refitted; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow (Adam Middleton, 93rd Highlanders); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (4750 Cr. Sergt. Adam Middleton, 102nd Foot); Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.VII.R. (C. Serjt. A. Middleton, 102nd Foot); Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue (No.2768 Adam Middleton, 93d Highlanders) plugged with ‘British Crimea’ style suspension, early medals with edge bruising and contact marks, fine and better (5) £1000-1400

Adam Middleton was born in Aboyn, Aberdeen. A Gentleman’s Servant by occupation, he attested for the 93rd Highlanders at Stonehaven on 15 April 1852, aged 17 years, 3 months. With the regiment he served 2 years, 4 months in the Crimea and at Balaklava was member of the ‘Thin Red Line’ that decisively repulsed an attack by Russian cavalry. Promoted to Corporal in March 1861, he re-engaged in July 1863 and was transferred as a Private to the 102nd Regiment with whom he served 12 years, 9 months in the East Indies, seeing service in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny. Advanced to Colour Sergeant in November 1864, he reverted to Sergeant in January 1866. In February 1867 he was reduced to Private for drunkenness; however, his sentence was remitted and he regained the rank of Sergeant. In June 1868 he was again ranked as Colour Sergeant. Middleton was granted the Army L.S. & G.C. Medal with a £5 gratuity in 1873 and was discharged on 3 February 1874 having completed his second period of service. He then served as Colour Sergeant on the permanent staff of the 5th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Militia), June 1874-July 1876. He was awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal with an annuity of £10 on 1 April 1910. Middleton died on 16 February 1907.

With copied service papers and roll extracts.