IN PROGRESS - NOT FOR PUBLICATION
VICTORIA CROSS EXCERPTS
Awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the life of 1295 Trumpeter Hugh Crawford, 4th Light Dragoons. He was decorated by Queen Victoria at a ceremony held in Hyde Park on 26th of June 1857.
Citations for the award of the Victoria Cross, London Gazette,
(Click on image to enlarge)
From the citation for the Victoria Cross, published in the London Gazette, 27th of February 1857:
[Source: http://www.chargeofthelightbrigade.com/furtherinfo/victoria_cross/victoria_cross_lb_londongazette_2to3.jpg London Gazette, 27th of February 1857.] _________________No. 635 Private Samuel Parkes
In the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava, Trumpet-Major Crwford's horse fell, and dismounted him, and he lost his sword; he was attacked by two Cossacks, when Private Samuel Parkes (whose horse had also been shot) saved his life by placing himself between them and the Trumpet-Major, and drove them away by his sword.
In attempting to follow the Light Cavalry in the retreat, they were attacked by six Russians, whom Parkes kept at bay, and retired slowly, fighting, and defending the Trumpet-Major for some time, until deprived of his sword by a shot."
Awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in the Charge at Balaclava, 25th October 1854.
Recommendation for the award of the Victoria Cross, London Gazette, 24th of February 1857.
(Click on image to enlarge)
The recommendation states:"17th Lancers: Troop Sergeant-Major John Berryman [his rank at the time of the presentation]
Served with his Regiment the whole of the war, was present at the Battle of the Alma, and was also engaged in the pursuit at Mackenzie's Farm, where he succeeded in capturing three Russian prisoners, when they were within reach of their own guns.
Was present and charged at the Battle of Balaclava, where, his horse being shot under him, he stopped on the field with a wounded officer (Captain Webb) amidst a shower of shot and shell, although repeatedly told by that officer to consult his own safety, and leave him, but he refused to do so, and on Sergeant John Farrell coming by, with his assistance, carried Captain Webb out of the range of the guns.
He has also a Clasp for Inkerman."
[Source: http://www.chargeofthelightbrigade.com/furtherinfo/victoria_cross/victoria_cross_lb_londongazette_2to3.jpg London Gazette, 27th of February 1857.]