Crimea Medal clasps Balaklava, Inkerman, Sebastopol (TRUMPR. S. AVES. 1ST R..D...); Turkish Crimea Medal (TRUMP SAML ARES. 1ST RL. DNS.) - several lacerations and pitting to Crimea Medal, regiment partially erased through contact or wear. Note difference in spelling of surname on medals
Samuel Aves was born in York in 1824. He enlisted with the 1st Royal Dragoons in 1838 as a Trumpeter and was to see out a lengthy 24 years of service in that mustering - two years of which saw him in action in most of the epic engagements of the Crimean War. Despite his long service, he was ineligible for a Long Service and Good Conduct medal, having been entered five times in the Regimental Defaulters Book.
According to the 1851 census he was in Barracks at the age of 27. The Salisbury & Winchester Journal of 28 February 1852 carried a disturbing article which spoke to his character - it read thus:
"On Saturday, Samuel Aves, a private of the 1st Royal Dragoons, now lying here, was brought up in custody of Sergeant Cheatle, charged with having, on the 15th instant, between the hours of six and seven in the evening, unlawfully assaulted with intent, &c., one Mary Ann Troke, a poor fatherless girl, living at Blackwater. The evidence went to show that the girl had been to Christchurch, and on her way home, when about a mile and a half from the town, she met the soldier, who was in company with Henry Bowering, a Miller, living at Hurn.
The soldier crossed the road, seized hold of the girl, and endeavoured to effect his purpose, but her screams brought assistance, and the fellow made off, though not until he had been identified by a person named Tarrant, who came to the poor girl's rescue, and who was now complimented by the magistrate for his conduct. The prisoner was committed to take his trial at the approaching assizes."
Aves was pensioned off in 1866 at the age of 42 with a Conduct Rating of "Very Good."
Sold with copy service papers, 1851 census and medal rolls. Please note that the suspender is fixed and does not swivel.
