Lot 591
591
Three: Corporal W.J. Sullivan, 1st Royal Regiment, Crimea, three clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (2980 Corpl., 1st Battn. 1st Royals), regimentally impressed naming; France, Médaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel; Turkish Crimea, British die (2980 Corpl., Royal Regiment), regimentally impressed naming, enamel badly chipped on the second, contact wear and edge nicks, otherwise generally very fine (3)

Details
Three: Corporal W.J. Sullivan, 1st Royal Regiment, Crimea, three clasps, Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol (2980 Corpl., 1st Battn. 1st Royals), regimentally impressed naming; France, Médaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel; Turkish Crimea, British die (2980 Corpl., Royal Regiment), regimentally impressed naming, enamel badly chipped on the second, contact wear and edge nicks, otherwise generally very fine (3)

Lot Essay

Corporal William James Sullivan was born near Strabane, County Tyrone and attested for the 1st Royal Regiment at Ballymena, County Antrim in January 1832, aged 19 years. His subsequent services in the Crimea, at the Battles of Alma and Inkermann, and before Sebastopol are all verified, as is his French M.M. 'for continued devotion to duty throughout the siege' of the latter place (P.R.O. WO 100/26 and 100/375 refer). He spent a short spell in hospital in September 1855. Sullivan, who also served in India between November 1857 and November 1860, was discharged 'as unfit for further service' in the latter year.