THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF HEROISM IN BRITAIN 35
a British ‘Order of Merit’ similar to the Médaille Militaire recently created
by their allies. At the time Albert did not think such a measure advisable
and the matter was tabled. However, in December of 1854, as the criticisms
of the administration of the war climaxed, public calls in the press and in
parliament for the recognition of British heroism appeared:
while everyone is glowing with admiration of our noble Crimean Army,
we seek in vain in the official dispatches with names of individuals in
connection with specific deeds of daring, to become, as it were, household
words among us. I venture, therefore, to suggest a partial remedy for
the state of things – at any rate, until Lord Raglan shall add to his high
reputation for courage by breaking through the red tape meshes of official
routine, and giving the place of honour in his dispatches to those who
have best deserved it without regard to rank or precedent.^61
The writer went on to suggest thatThe Timesestablish an unofficial roll of
honor to recognize the heroism that the government did not.
On 19 December 1854 Captain Thomas Scobell, RN (retired), proposed
a motion in the House of Commons that the Queen institute an egalitarian
award for valour. He pointed out that it would both aid recruitment and
inspire those already in uniform ‘to put forth their strength and exhibit
their bravery.’ After a brief discussion that included assurances from the
government that medals had been struck and dispatched to the Crimea the
captain agreed to withdraw his proposal: ‘In withdrawing the motion, [he]
trusted that the government would take the subject into consideration. To
be of real utility, the “order of merit” ought to be given to all ranks, from
the highest to the lowest. The motion was then withdrawn.’^62 It is unclear
to what decorations the government spokesmen referred, as the Crimean
Service Medal did not exist in December 1854. The Distinguished Conduct
Medal had been created earlier in the year as an award for noncommissioned
officers and men, but it was not open to all ranks.^63
Scobell’s comments precipitated new public calls for military recognition.
In the press editors and letter-writers alike publicly wondered why the
British soldier did not have similar rewards to those of his French ally
to mark his merit. Some wanted campaign medals and clasps for all who
participated in particular engagements:
Why is there no clasp for Balaklava? If a medal has been justly earned by
those who have taken part in the ‘arduous and brilliant campaign in the
Crimea,’ why, of this gallant band, is a clasp alone undeserved by those
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