An Original Military Commission for the Promotion to Captain for Captain Francis Sutherland, 2nd Dragoons, who was present as a Troop Leader in the Charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava in October 1854 during the Crimean War. Dated 1855 and signed by Queen Victoria and The Secretary of War Fox Maule-Ramsay, 11th Earl of Dalhousie for his promotion to Captain with the 2nd Dragoons from 8 December 1854. By Her Majesty's Command", a black postage frank dated 27.5.56, 28.5 x 39.5 cm. Francis Sutherland was born in 1828, he was the third son of John Campbell Sutherland of Forse, County Caithness and Margaret Munro. He was educated at Eton and purchased a Cornetcy in the 2nd Dragoons on 25 September 1847 and was promoted Lieutenant on 11 April 1851. He advanced to Captain in November 1854 without purchase, probably as a result of his part in the action at Balaclava. During the charge he served as one of four Troop leaders in the Scots Greys and was memorably called upon to "dress the ranks" as Russian cavalry swept down on the Brigade; this entailed turning his back on the enemy and facing the men in his Troop and not moved until the second in command considered the regiment ready and brought them around. Sutherland received his medal from the hand of the Queen on 18 May 1855 and left the regiment the following year. He resided in Great Malvern, Worcestershire. The year of this death is unknown. His medals were sold at Noonan's, London, on 22 September 2006, lot 4. They were part of the Ron Penhall Collection. Condition is good. Two long closed repaired tears to edges. A little light marking and age toning. Size is 405mm x 305mm. Usual folding creases.