Full medal write up
CRIMEA 1854-56, 3 CLASPS, BALAKLAVA, INKERMANN, SEBASTOPOL ‘J. WARREN, 2ND DRAGNS.’, OFFICIALLY IMPRESSED NAMING, SUSPENDED BY SILVER CHAINS FROM A B. BAILEY COVENTRY SILVER FLORAL BROOCH FOR WEAR.
John Warren, an 18-year-old bricklayer, from Margate, Kent, joined the 2nd Dragoons (The Scots Greys) on 5 August 1845. He saw service in during the Crimean war and is confirmed as present during the Charge of the Heavy Brigade in an article by a fellow Scots Greys veteran named Fawkes and Lieutenant Wightman of the 17th Lancers, published in the Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekley Messenger, May 24 1890. In this article, relating to the Crimean War and both famous charges, it relates:
“…Much has been heard lately about the scandal of the nation allowing the immortals who ‘rode into the jaws of death’ at Balaclava to drift into the workhouse, and another page in the painful story is unfolded in Lieutenant Wightman’s letter. Mr Wightman writes: “Strange to say I came across a man named John Warren, of the Greys (Mr Fawkes remembers this man very well) in Queen’s Gate the other day, hawking cotton, needles, buttons, &c, and wearing his medals. I got into a chat with him and found he also knew my brother well. His pension was 1s 1d per day, and Government stop 6 1/2d. For the support of his wife, who is out of her mind in an asylum.” This man, being in the Scots Grey, did not assist in the charge of the Light Brigade, but he took part in an achievement which was almost as daring, and far more successful, namely, the charge of the Heavy Brigade.”
Additionally and confirming the above, Warren is shown in the musters as being effective from 1 October to 31 December 1854 (Forgotten Heroes - The Charge of the Heavy Brigade by Roy Dutton refers). He was recommended for the L.S. & G.C. medal on 19 April 1868, which was issued on 30 June 1868, together with gratuity of £10. Warren was discharged in Dublin on 16 May 1871 on completion of 24 years service, his conducted noted as very good and was in possession of 5 Good Conduct Badges. His name never appeared in the Regimental Defaulters Book and his intended place of residence was London.
Medal roll notes Warren’s medal being sent to his regiment on 11 December 1856, a date that many other medals to men in the 2nd Dragoons were sent.
Unlike participants of the Charge of the Light Brigade, where there were various publicised veteran’s reunions, there are very few confirmed Heavy Brigade chargers, these pretty much confirmed to those mentioned in official dispatches, regimental histories or period letters/newspaper articles. As such, Warren being mentioned as present is extremely scarce, especially for a non officer.
Condition VF. Original ribbon, most unusually and attractively suspended by silver chains from a silver floral brooch for wearing, the reverse stamped ‘B. BAILEY COVENTRY’ and ‘REGT OCT 10 1856 NO 3888’. Sold with copy service papers, medals rolls and newspaper article(digital).
A fine and very scarce medal confirmed to a Scots Greys Heavy Brigade charger.