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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 161

Three: Colonel E. W. Cuming, 79th Regiment of Foot (Highlanders)

Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Maj. Edwd. Wm. Cuming. 79th Highrs), engraved in flowing script; Turkey, Ottoman Empire, Order of Medjidie, breast Badge, silver, gold and enamel; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue (Maj. Edwd. Wm Cuming. 79th Highrs), engraved in flowing script, mounted for display on a contemporary mounting bar, light contact marks, very fine (3)

Turkish Order of the Medjiedie London Gazette 2 March 1858.

Edward William Cuming became an Ensign with the 79th Foot (Cameron Highlanders) on 24 July 1846, being promoted Lieutenant on 31 March 1848 and Captain on 8 October 1854.

Cuming along with Currie and Quartermaster McGill served throughout the Crimean War of 1854-55, including the Battles of Alma and Balaklava, seige and fall of Sebastopol including the assaults of the 18 June and 8 September, expedition to Kertch and Yenikale (Medal & 3 clasps, Turkish Order of the Medjidie). The Regimental History gives more detail for his actions:

'On the 9th the Army again broke ground before Sebastopol, when the 79th and other Regiments of the Division furnished strong covering and working parties to guard the trenches and batteries.

On the 17th the English and French batteries opened fire upon the Russian defences, and the Regiment furnished, along with others, ten volunteers, and the brigade one subaltern officer, to act as sharp-shooters in picking off the enemy's gunners and engaging his riflemen. Lieutenant Edward William Cuming of the 79th was the volunteer officer from the Brigade, and he rendered good service in the performance of this very important duty.'

He was duly promoted Major on 14 December 1868, Lieutenant-Colonel on 1 October 1877 and to Colonel on 1 July 1881.

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Sold for
£950

Starting price
£550