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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 64

Crimea 1854-56, 4 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Pte. 3915 Jn. Gudridge, 1st Bn. S.F. Gds.), contemporarily engraved naming in upright capitals, tape residue on riband, contact wear, naming slightly obscured in places due to edge bruising, about very fine

John Gudridge was born in Rosemarket, Pembrokeshire, Wales circa 1828 and worked as a labourer prior to attesting with the Scots Fusiliers Regiment of Foot Guards at Sandy Haven, Pembroke on 26 October 1849, at the age of 21. He was posted to the Eastern Campaign with his unit from 28 February 1854, where he served in the 1st Battalion. Gudridge received good conduct pay in October 1854 while serving abroad.

While in Crimea, he saw action at the Battle of the Alma on 20 September 1854, where the Scots Fusilier Guards formed part of the Guards Brigade led by General Sir Henry Bentinck. While advancing towards the Alma River much of the Fusilier Brigade began to fall back, with the Scots Fusilier Guards being forced back down the hill from the momentum of the men retreating. The Guards did not take an active role at the Battle of Balaclava the following month, but did participate in the Battle of Inkerman two weeks later when the Russians attacked at Inkerman, which was being held by the Guards Brigade. The Regiment was vastly outnumbered and engaged in heavy close quarters combat while holding the forward position at the Sandbag Battery, which changed hands several times over the course of the Battle before the British prevailed. The unit also took part in the Siege of Sevastopol before returning home on 4 July 1856 after peace was agreed.

Gudridge was discharged in London on 26 October 1859 at his own request after having completed ten years of service. He later appears on the 1871 census (as John Goodridge) residing in Llandstadwell, Pembrokeshire with his wife Esther, along with a male lodger and a 14 year old female relation by the name of Mary Rees, with Gudridge working again as a labourer. Gudridge is further entitled to a Turkish Crimea Medal; sold together with copied research, including service record.

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£210