United Kingdom. A Fine Crimea & India Miniature Group To Lieutenant Colonel James Whybrow

United Kingdom. Victorian Period Miniature Group - Crimea Medal, 4 clasps ALMA, BALAKLAVA, INKERMANN, SEBASTOPOL (silver, 17.5mm); Sardinain Medal (silver, 17.5mm); Crimea (silver, 17.5mm); Indian Mutiny Medal, 1 clasp LUCKNOW (silver, 17.5mm). All period strikings, original ribbons, mounted to a period silver bar with swingback pin, all extremely fine. In original case of issue, marked HANCOCK on inside lid, does not fully close at front, near very fine condition.

Footnote: James Whybrow was born on February 22, 1822 and enlisted at the age of 17 in Essex. While serving with the 20th Regiment of Foot, Whybrow served in England (1839-1842), Bermuda (1842-1847), North America (1847-1853), returning home in July of 1853. One year later, he boarded the steamship ‘Colombo’ to Turkey to serve in the Crimean War as a Colour Sergeant. During the Crimean War, Whybrow was involved the battles of Alma, Balaclava, Inkermann, the Siege and fall of Sebastopol and expedition to Kinbourn. The London Gazette records that Whybrow was injured at the battle of Inkermann. His citation for the Sardinian Medal states that he “was present at all actions” and was “a very active and zealous NCO in the trenches.”

He returned to England in 1856, and married Alice Allen in 1857. He and Alice had a total of 8 children. However, he did not stay in England for long, as the 20th Regiment of Foot travelled to India in 1857 to aid in the suppression of the Mutiny. He saw action in Chanda, Umeerpore, Sultanpore, as well as the Siege and Capture of Lucknow and was promoted to Sergeant Major. In 1860, Whybrow was promoted to Ensign without purchase and continued to serve with the Regiment until 1862, then transferred to become the Barrack Master at Roy Bareilly. In 1864, he was transferred to the 58th Regiment of Foot, and was again promoted to Lieutenant without purchase. Six years later, he became a Captain and returned to England that same year. In February of 1867, he was posted to 2 Battalion Rifle Brigade and was sent to Gibraltar in May. He served with the Rifle Brigade for 2 years and was promoted to Major in 1877. Upon retirement in 1881, Whybrow was again promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.