Orders, Decorations and Medals

Abyssinia 1867 (34 C W. Ledner, H.M. 45th Regt.) suspension repaired and refitted, minor contact marks, very fine £200-260

William Ledner was born in Wingham, Kent. A Blacksmith by occupation, he attested for the 45th Regiment at Canterbury on 10 September 1859, aged 18 years. With the regiment he served 1 year, 116 days in the Cape of Good Hope, 11 years, 213 days in the East Indies and 94 days in Abyssinia. Promoted to Corporal in June 1867 and to Sergeant in July 1875. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. with a gratuity of £5 in May 1877. Discharged having completed his second period of service on 10 September 1878; his intended place of residence stated as Canterbury. He is mentioned in The Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 18 May 1901 as having identified the body of his housekeeper who had committed suicide at his home at Preston-next-Wingham. With copied service papers, roll and newspaper extracts.