General La Marmora commanded the Sardinian force which fought on the side of the Allies in the Crimean War. He had a distinguished military career, and held the post of Minister of War before and after the campaign. In 1856, during a visit to England, he had several conversations with Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. They discussed the troops and the conduct of the war, and the situation in Italy. The Queen found him 'so gentlemanlike, sensible, agreeable & amiable' and on 24 January 1856, she invested him with the Order of the Bath.