Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Crimea, M.S.M. group of three to Sergeant William Clark(e), 11th Hussars, who probably rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava
Crimea 1854-55, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (Corpl., 11 Hussars) contemporary engraved naming; Turkish Crimea 1855 (1367 Serjt., X1 P.A.O. Hussars) fitted with replacement suspension; Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Sergt., 11 / Hussars) contact marks but generally nearly very fine (3)

Lummis and Wynn in ‘Honour the Light Brigade’ do not confirm this man as a charger and state that he is not entitled to the clasp for Balaklava. However, the 11th Hussars muster roll confirms his entitlement to the clasp and his service papers quite clearly state that he was in possession of the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaklava and Sebastopol. Clarke was invalided from Scutari to England on the 1st January,1855, along with others of his regiment who had been wounded in the charge. He was one of eight men of the 11th Hussars (3 officers, 5 other ranks) to be presented with his Crimea medal by Queen Victoria on Horse Guards Parade on 18th May, 1855. After leaving the Army Clarke was on the permanent staff of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry , stationed at Calne in Wiltshire. He died at Teddington, Middlesex, in October 1906, the 21st Lancers providing full Military Honours at his funeral. The lot is sold with copy service papers, muster rolls and a report from the Surrey Comet on his funeral which states that he did take part in the famous charge.