Posts Tagged ‘Redan’

Lieutenant Knox's Officer Sash, worn in the Crimea

The crimson silk patent net sash with tassels in this photograph was the symbol of an officer in the nineteenth century. The officer who wore this sash in the Crimea was Lieutenant (Later Major) John Simpson Knox, VC, Rifle Brigade. Although the formal sash of an officer of Rifles was more ornate, with cords and tassels, many Rifle Brigade officers wore the same sash as the rest of the Army while on campaign for convenience and durability.

According to 1846 Uniform Regulations, the type of sash shown in this photograph, worn by most officers in the Crimea, should wind around the waist twice, tie in front of the left hip, with the tips of the pendent hanging uniformly 16 inches in length from the tie point.

The story of John Simpson Knox is a tale of courage and dedication to duty. He arrived in the Crimea a Sergeant in the Scots Fusilier Guards. At the Battle of Alma on 20 September 1854, he behaved with conspicuous courage at a decisive moment in the engagement by rallying and reforming the Guards ranks under scathing enemy fire. Because of his gallantry, he was plucked from the enlisted ranks to become a Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade. On 18 June 1855, Lieutenant Knox volunteered for a ladder party in the assault on the Redan, and again demonstrated conspicuous courage in leading his party and remaining on the field until wounded twice. For his actions in the Crimean War he was awarded the Victoria Cross, England’s highest medal.

Courtesy of the Royal Green Jackets Museum