A Crimea War D.C.M. Group of Four to 3rd Class Master Gunner J. Curry, Royal Artillery, Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Corpl., Royal Arty.); Crimea, four clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Gr. & Dr., No. 1 Company, 3rd Battn. Royal A[rty.]), engraved naming; China 1857-60, two clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Serjt., 4th Bde. Rl. Arty.); Turkish Crimea, French die (1 Co. 3 Battn R.A.), impressed naming, one or two with neatly refixed suspension claws, edge bruising and contact wear, good fine and better (4)

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A Crimea War D.C.M. Group of Four to 3rd Class Master Gunner J. Curry, Royal Artillery, Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Corpl., Royal Arty.); Crimea, four clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Gr. & Dr., No. 1 Company, 3rd Battn. Royal A[rty.]), engraved naming; China 1857-60, two clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Serjt., 4th Bde. Rl. Arty.); Turkish Crimea, French die (1 Co. 3 Battn R.A.), impressed naming, one or two with neatly refixed suspension claws, edge bruising and contact wear, good fine and better (4)

Lot Essay

D.C.M. Royal Artillery General Regimental Order 23.8.1855.

3rd Class Master Gunner John Curry, D.C.M., was born near Taunton, Somerset and attested for the Royal Artillery in October 1845, aged 18 years. Advanced to Bombardier in July 1850 and to Corporal in April 1853, he served for over two years with the 3rd Battalion, R.A., in the Crimea and was present at all the major engagements of the War. By November 1855 he had risen to the rank of Sergeant and been awarded his D.C.M., but early that same month he faced a Court-Martial and was reduced to Gunner and Driver. Regaining his Sergeant's stripes in late 1860, Curry saw further active service in China and was present in the operations before the Taku Forts and Pekin, finally being advanced to 3rd Class Master Gunner prior to his discharge in May 1871.