A very fine four clasp Crimea Medal to Sergeant Charles Avison, 11th Hussars, who as one of the oldest men of the regiment to embark for service in the Crimea where he served as Farrier Major & Staff Sergeant. An incredibly important figure within his regiment, he is unlikely to have charged with “The Cherry Pickers” at Balaklava.
Crimea Medal 1854-55, 4 clasps: Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (SEJt. CHAs. AVISON, 11th HUSs.) Hunt and Roskell engraved naming.
Condition: Attractively toned, Good Very Fine.
Charles Avison was born in the parish of Dewsbury in the County of York and enlisted into the 11th Light Dragoons on 22 May 1930 at the age of 21 years, 2 months. A Smith and Farrier by trade, he went on to served for six and a half years in Meerut and Cawnpore in the East Indies before embarking with his regiment for Turkey and Crimea. He had been appointed Farrier Major & Staff Sergeant on 8th August 1852, a rank he held until his discharge on 17 August 1855.
Avitson was discharged on account of being “unfit for service from chronic Rheumatism, consequent of long service”.
Alison was 46 years and 5 months old, and was discharged at Chatham. He died, aged 56, on 14 May 1865 at 8 Belgrave Mews East, London from the progressive wasting disease Phthisis, more commonly known as pulmonary tuberculosis. His occupation was given as Foreman to Veterinary Surgeon.
