A VERY FINE FRENCH CRIMEA 1854 AND AWARD DOCUMENT TO A LIEUTENANT OF THE 95E RÉGIMENT WHO WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED AT AND AWARDED THE LÉGION D’HONNEUR FOR HIS GALLANTRY DURING THE 1ST ATTACK ON THE MALAKOFF REDOUBT, 18 JUNE 1855

CRIMEA 1854, FRENCH ISSUE, CLASP, SEBASTOPOL, UNNAMED AS ISSUED, WITH ORIGINAL ARMÉE D’ ORIENT AWARD DIPLOMA, 7 APRIL 1857 ‘CAPTAIN CHARLES HITSCHLER 95E RÉGIMENT D’INFANTERIE’.

Captain Charles Hitchsler was born in Colmar on 23 September 1828 and joined military school in September 1850. Promoted Corporal in July 1851 and Sergeant in September that year, he joined 68e Régiment d’Infanterie as Sous Lieutenant in August 1852. After Staff training, he served as Lieutenant d'etat-major (regimental Staff) from 1 August 1854, joining 95e Régiment d’Infanterie and served on the staff with this regiment in the Crimea from 26 October 1854 until 6 August 1855, taking part in the siege of Sebastopol.

Lieutenant Hitschler was severely wounded during the 1st attack on the Malakoff redoubt, 18 June 1855, which was made simultaneously to the British attack on the Great Redan that day. Both attacks were repulsed with huge losses, particularly the French who lost 3500 men (some sources say 5000). For his gallantry at the Malakoff, he was made Chevalier, Légion d’Honneur, 29 July 1855, one of approximately 29 such awards for this battle, his recommendation stating:

“Hitschler, lieutenant in the staff corps; 5 years of service, 2 campaigns. Young officer of spirit and future. Seriously wounded near General Mayran in the fight of June 18”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Malakoff

Promoted Capitaine 2e Classe, 13 August 1856, he continued serving in various ranks and units until 1872. In addition to the Crimea War, Hitschler served in Italy 2 Mail 1859- 11 June 1860 and was awarded the Sardinian Order of SS. Maurice and Lazarus on 2 August 1861. Serving in Mexico 22 March 1865 – 14 March 1867, Army of the Rhine (Franco Prussian War) 28 July – 29 October 1870 and in France 29 October 1870 – 22 March 1871. He weas created Officer of the Légion d’Honneur on 30 July 1872.

Condition VF, minor EK and some wear. Sold with research, including digital service and decoration details (31 pages) and 95e regiment history. A good French Officer casualty medal.