Turkish Crimea Medal : Private B Mawson, 42nd Regiment of Foot

Turkish Crimea Medal - British issue. The recipient's number, rank, name and regiment are engraved on the edge. Obverse: Map of the Crimea spread over the wheel of a cannon that is resting on the Russian flag. To the left are three cannon balls and a ramrod; to the right, an anchor and a mortar. Issuing from behind the cannon are the four flags of the Aallies. The British Union Jack flies second from the right. In the exergue, 'CRIMEA 1855'. Reverse: Enclosed in a laurel wreath is the Sultan's cypher above Turkish Arabic script (Crimea) and the year 1271 (1855) in Arabic. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and has a piece of watered crimson ribbon (part faded) with green edges.

The Sultan of Turkey issued medals to the British, French and Sardinian troops who had taken part in the war. These medals are of three types, the differences being in the arrangement of flags and the Crimea spelling on the reverse. The ship carrying the British medals was shipwrecked and although some medals were salvaged British troops were issued medals indiscriminately of all three types. This medal awarded to Private Mawson, 42nd Regiment of Foot (The Black Watch) for campaign service in the Crimea at the battles of Alma and Balaklava, and at the Siege of Sebastopol.