CRIMEA 1854-56. Sardinian Army, Corporal Giordano Francisco, 8th Infantry Regiment Cuneo

1854-56 CRIMEA MEDAL. Sardinian Army Corporal Giordano Francisco, 8th Infantry Regiment Cuneo, officially impressed naming [8o CUNEO CAPORALE GIORDANO FRANCESCO], with ribbon.

One battalion of the 8th Cuneo Regiment took part in the Crimean Campaign. The Sardinian Expedition Corps started from Genoa on 25th April 1855, arriving in the Crimea on 14th May. They took part in the Battle of the Tchernaya River (16th August 1855, where 200 died) and at Traktir Bridge (6th September 1855). No British clasp was issued for either action since the Queen's men had not taken part.

Altogether about 18,000 Sardinian troops were sent to the Crimea, of which about 15,000 formed the initial Expeditionary Force. About 1500 died from disease, 200-250 were killed in action and 1000 were wounded in action.

The number of British Crimean Medals allotted to the Sardinians was insufficient for all the soldiers entitled to receive it so the Sardinian Crimean Medal was awarded to those who did not receive the British issue.