Victorian - Crimea Medal - 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery - Harnett

Crimea Medal with clasp Sebastopol with impressed naming to: E. HARNETT. Gr & Dr. 3rd BTn Rl ARTy.

Edward Harnett was born in June 1832 in St. Johns, Margate, Kent, the son of George and Mary Harnett. His father worked as a coach master but tragically met his end in 1849 while testing a new horse. This loss likey shaped Edward's path, leading him to a life in the army.

Edwards stood 5' 7 5/8" tall, with a fair complexion grey eyes and light hair. His occupation as a groom provided him with the skills and experience necessary for the care and management of horses, a role that would hater intersect with his military service.

At the age of 21 years and 4 months, Edward enlisted in in the Royal Regiment of Artillery on 8 October, 1853, in Canterbury, Kent. He joined the 12th Battalion, RA as a Gunner and Driver. 

Edward's military service saw him transfer between units and postings. He moved from the 12th Battalion to the 13th Battalion before being assigned to the 5th Company, 3rd Battalion under Major F. B. Ward. This newly-formed powerful field battery of iron 32 pounder guns were each drawn by 12 horses, 3 abreast. The Company had 140 men, and 115 horses.

This unit departed for the Crimea in early March 1855. Edward found himself in the midst of conflict, witnessing action at Sebastopol and Tchernaya, earning him the Crimean War Medal with the clasp Sebastopol as recognition for his service.

Following the end of the Crimean War, Edward's journey continued as he embarked for India in October, 1857 during the height of the Indian Mutiny. He served in various engagements in Nepaul and the Jugdispore Jungle, earning the Indian Mutiny Medal without a clasp.

Unit restructuring saw Edward saw Edward transition from the 5th Company, 3rd Battalion to the 3rd Company, 14th Brigade, and later to the 1st Compay, 11th Brigade.

After over 12 years of service, Edward was discharged in 1866, marking the end of his active military career. Returning home to Thanet, he settled into civilian life, residing near his brother, Charles. However, his life was cut short, and he passed away on 26 September 1870, and was buried in Margate.

Sold with a substantial file of research compiled from online sources.