PRIVATE W. CAIRNS, 1ST (THE ROYAL SCOTS) REGIMENT (THE POST 1880 ROYAL SCOTS REGIMENT). Crimea Medal, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkerman, Sebastopol

PRIVATE W. CAIRNS, 1ST (THE ROYAL SCOTS) REGIMENT (THE POST 1880 ROYAL SCOTS REGIMENT). Crimea Medal, 3 clasps, Alma, Inkerman, Sebastopol (contemporary engraved naming, in serifed capitals, similar to that found on medals named by Hunt & Roskell: Pte. Wm. CEARNS 1st. Bn. Rl. Rt.). Note incorrect spelling of surname. Reverse brooched at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock (not affecting reverse design) but brooch marks neatly removed, scattered edge nicks, rim bruises and surface contact marks, otherwise attractively toned and Very Fine to Good Very Fine.

Medal accompanied by 4 pages of copied discharge papers and copy medal roll extract.

William Cairns was born in the parish of Dunmore, Newtownards, Co. Down, circa 1833. He enlisted into the 1st Foot at Lanark on 1/9/1852. At the time of enlistment he was 18 years old and gave his trade as that of brick maker. Richard Cairns never rose above the rank of Private and was discharged on 11/5/1863 after having served 10 years and 225 days with the colours. Service records confirm Cairns as having been once tried by court martial, for being absent without leave on 9/4/1861, Cairns subsequently being released from confinement on 3/5/1861. At the time of discharge Cairns was 28 years and 1 month old, and gave his intended place of residence as Bangor, Co. Down.

Both service papers and medal roll confirm correct spelling as “Cairns”. Service papers confirm medal and clasps for Inkerman and Sebastopol only. The medal roll, however, confirms additional entitlement to the Alma clasp.

There is no Private Cearns on the Crimea Medal roll for the 1st Foot, only a Private William Cairns, who would thus be the recipient of this medal.