Crimea Medal clasps Alma, Inkerman, Sebastopol (SAML. MCWILLIAMS 55TH REGT.)
McWilliams was discharged from the army on 18 February 1875 having served a total of 21 126 days. This included 7 years of Home Service, 2 years in Turkey and the Crimea, 1 1/2 years in the Mediterranean and 11 years in the East Indies. His papers confirm the clasps on his Crimea Medal.
A Weaver by trade from Liff near Dundee, Scotland, he first attested into the 91st Regiment on 13 July 1853 at the age of 17 and, having attained the age of 18 on 13 September 1853 was transferred to the 55th Foot at his own request. He was imprisoned by a Civil Power for Assault on 15 July 1862 and was released a month later. The incident was covered in an article in the Portsmouth Times & Naval Gazette of 19 July 1862 which read as follows:-
"Samuel McWilliams, a soldier of the 55th Regiment, was charged with assaulting PC Wiltshire in the execution of his duty. The constable stated about half past 12 the previous night, he saw the prisoner and three or four others coming out of White's Row. The prisoner, who had the bludgeon he produced (a rather formidable looking weapon) in his hand shouted "Come on mates, this is the one." He asked him what he was doing with that, when he struck him a blow on the back of the head, which knocked him down. Afterwards in endeavouring to take the weapon from the prisoner it was broken , and the prisoner, and the prisoner, with the assistance of two other constables, was lodged in the station.
A sergeant of the prisoner's corps said his conduct was "Good," he was employed as cook in the officer's quarters. Prisoner said he knew nothing of it, he supposed what the constable said was all correct. He was drunk and did not know what he did. The magistrates told him that only aggravated the offence, and in default of paying a fine of 10s and 7s costs, he was committed for one month.
His jail-time served, McWilliams re-engaged with the 55th Foot at Portsmouth on 27 April 1863 for a further 11 years. He was regarded as being Temperate of habits, with Good Conduct and earning four Good Conduct Badges over his military career. His papers include a full account of his medical history.
The 55th (Westmorland) Regiment of Foot served in the Crimea and was part of the 2nd Division, fighting in the Battle of the Alma, the Battle of Inkerman, and the Siege of Sevastopol, earning battle honours for these actions. The regiment was present at the final attack on the Redan during the siege and saw extensive action.
The India General Service Medal (1854-95) with the Bhootan clasp he earned was awarded for service during the Bhootan War between December 1864 and February 1866. The clasp signifies British military involvement in conflicts within Bhootan, which was triggered by the mistreatment of a British diplomat and ongoing raids into British territories.
Medal is in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with full set of service records and medal rolls. Also entitled to a Turkish Crimea Medal and the India General Service Medal clasp Bhootan neither of which are included.
