A SUPERB "LIGHT BRIGADE" FOUR CLASP CRIMEA MEDAL, TURKISH CRIMEA & ORDER OF THE MEDJIDIEH.

To:
Capt-Lt Col. George Thorne George. (Paymaster)
4th (Queen's Own) Light Dragoons.

[BIOGRAPHY 1814-1871]
George Thorne George was born in Clifton, Bristol, (then Gloucestershire) in 1814, the son of James George & Harriet Purnell Thorne. James George was the Sheriff & Mayor of Bristol and the couple had married in 1811. James died on 27th June 1858.

George joined the British Army via a purchased commission at age 19 in 1833. He married Julia Hanna aged 36 in about 1850 and just prior to the Crimean War the marriage produced a son, Seymour Thorne George born in 1851. Seymour emigrated to New Zealand and died on 2nd July 1922 at St Steven Avenue, Auckland, age 71. The then retired Lt Col George Thorne George resided in London during the last three years of his life at the very upmarket and exclusive address of 'Belgrave Mansions, Grosvenor Gardens'. Completed in 1868 it was London's first fully serviced apartment block. The late Queen Mother (then Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) was almost certainly born there in 1900. David Niven the famous British Actor was born there in 1910. Lt Colonel George died on 18th June 1872 with his will of 18th June 1872, (Officially stated as less than £7000) was proved by Murry Thorne George of West Buckland, near Barnstaple, Devon, the son of one of the surviving executors. This refers to his final place of residence as 6 Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Westminster, London where he died. He is buried in the West London and Westminster Cemetery, Earl's Court, Old Brompton, in the "Great Circle Catacombs, South West Quarter, Vault No.21 Compartment No.6. He was 58 years old.

[THE MEDALS]

CRIMEA MEDAL
CAPt THORNE GEORGE 4th Q. O, Lt DRAGs.
(Superb Naming, Serif Capitals by Hunt & Roskell )
Clasps
Sebastopol
*(lose on ribbon)
Inkermann
Balaclava
Alma

TURKISH CRIMEA MEDAL (British Issue with Crimea Suspender)

Captain George is listed along with his award details in the standard reference work "HONOR THE LIGHT BRIGADE" by Lummis & Wynn.


TURKISH ORDER OF THE MEDJIDIEH

This is a really exceptional "Light Brigade" officer's trio of much importance. Although Captain George, being the paymaster, did not take part in the charge he was clearly present and close to the event and so must have been witness to some shocking sights upon the return of the survivors. Also, being the paymaster he would have had the sad task of sorting out the financial consequences of the deceased soldiers of the 4th Dragoons.

There are several really excellent contemporary photographs of him taken whilst serving in the Crimea. One in a group of three officers relaxing on a wheelbarrow, and another by his tent with his manservant.


The Crimea medal, which is superbly & originally toned AEF arrived with us with a missing top Sebastopol clasp, but we have replaced that with a spare genuine original which is fitted lose on the ribbon.
The British Issue Turkish Crimea medal is AEF & un-named as issued.
The Order of the Medjidieh is in really super order with all its fine red enamelling totally intact.

A fine & very handsome group to a well documented Light Brigade senior officer. Medal rolls confirming four clasps, some copy service papers are included along with burial & will detail papers etc.
( With service papers )

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