Full medal write up
CRIMEA 1854, 4 CLASPS ALMA, BALAKLAVA, INKERMANN, SEBASTOPOL ‘S. M. V. R. GURNEY *’,
Victor R. Gurney emigrated to the USA in 1873 and worked as a clerk but also made a name for himself, dressed in uniform and giving public lectures on his experiences during the charge of the Light Brigade as a Cornet (later Captain) of with 8th Hussars, claiming that for his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
No man with this name served in the Crimea or Indian Mutiny with the 8th Hussars, or any other Regiment. Possibly an ex soldier who was going under an alias but clearly not a VC winner and it must be assumed his entire story was just that a story. Gurney, if that was his real name, latterly lived at Arden, Orange County, New York and died there on 10 October 1893.
The other medals belonging to Gurney have appeared on the market, the Mutiny medal being named in the same style ‘‘CORT V. R. GURNEY’ (pic with research).
Morton and Eden November 2006 Lot 743, consisting Turkish Crimea 1855-56, British issue, engraved (S.M. V.R. Gurney Balaclava Oct. 25. 1854), very fine; offered with a named trio of contemporary miniature medals, comprising Crimea 1854, 4 clasps Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol, Indian Mutiny, 1 clasp Central India, and Turkish Crimea (S.M. V.R. Gurney 8th Husars and variations) Ex J. Coolidge Hills Collection circa 1900.
Condition GVF, contemporary engraved naming. Sold with copied research including articles on Gurney, obituary, copy letter etc.