PRIVATE WILLIAM CAMPBELL, 57TH (WEST MIDDLESEX) REGIMENT (THE POST 1880 1ST BATTALION THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT) WHO DIED AT BALAKLAVA ON 30TH SEPTEMBER 1854. Crimea Medal, no clasp (renamed, contemporary re-engraved naming in plain block capitals: WILLIAM CAMPBELL 57th REGIMENT.). Small circular plug to rim at 6 o'clock, scattered surface contact marks and rim bruises, otherwise Good Very Fine to Almost Extremely Fine and with an attractive light tone.
This medal appears to have been in a circular swivel mount at one stage (perhaps a mourning brooch), and the engraved naming post-dates the plug in the rim (i.e. engraved over the plug), indicating that this medal, after being removed from the swivel mount, was subsequently reconstituted and renamed (suspender claw with small trace of solder present).
Medal accompanied by copied extract from the medal roll, confirming medal and that William Campbell "died at Balaklava 30 Sep 1854".
The 57th Foot landed in the Crimea on 23/9/1854, too late to take part in the first action of the campaign, the battle of the Alma, 20/9/1854, marched for Balaklava on 25/9/1854, passing Balaklava on 27/9/1854 and joining the army south of Sepastopol. The battalion was with the army south of Sebastopol on the day that William Campbell died, 30/9/1854, indicating that he was probably left behind in Balaklava due to illness during the 57th's march inland towards Sebastopol.