Campaign Groups and Pairs

Three: Colour-Sergeant Alexander Goodbrand, 79th Highlanders Crimea 1854-56, 3 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Sebastopol (2680. Color. Serjt. Alexr. Goodbrand. 79. Cameron. Highlanders.) regimentally impressed naming as usual for the Highland Brigade; Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue (Colr. Sergt. Alexr. Goodbrand, 79th Highlanders) fitted with Crimea suspension; France, Second Empire, Médaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, gilt worn and chips to enamel on last, first with light contact marks, otherwise about very fine (3) £1,000-£1,400 --- Medaille Militaire: ‘For good and gallant conduct at the Battles of the Alma and Balaklava, and in the trenches before Sebastopol.’ One of six such awards to the non-commissioned officers and men of the 79th Highlanders for the Crimean War. Alexander Goodbrand left the Army March 1857 and was afterwards for a period Colour-Sergeant and Drill Instructor to the 1st Aberdeenshire Militia. In 1874 he took up a position in the Natal Government Railway, becoming Point station master at Durban. In his application to join the railways he stated: ‘I have served in the Army for nearly 10 years and was with the 79th Highlanders throughout the whole of the Crimean Campaign, including the Battles of the Alma, Balaklava, Expedition to Kertch and siege of Sebastopol. Crimean Medal with 3 clasps, Turkish Medal and French Medal with mention for good & gallant conduct. Held the rank of Colour Serjeant from 20 Sept. 1854 till the date of my discharge on the 31st March 1857. Since leaving the Army I have had large experience in business - chiefly in London. I am competent to undertake any description of Office Work.’ Alexander Goodbrand died at Durban on 26 May 1892, aged 61, his profession being described as that of ‘Accountant N.G.R.’