Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1864 to 1866 (2869 Band Mr. Wm. Neuzerling, 68th Lt. Infty.) officially impressed, edge bruising, contact marks, good fine £400-500

William Neuzerling was born near Nassau, Germany. A Music Master by occupation, he attested for the 68th Regiment at Limerick on 3 February 1851, aged 31 years. Initially appointed as a Bugler, he was advanced to Bugle-Major in July 1852; Sergeant in July 1854; Bugle-Major in August 1855; Sergeant in May 1861; and Band Master Sergeant in August 1866. With the regiment he served in Malta, 3 years 1 month; in Turkey and Ionian Islands, 1 year, 7 months; in the East Indies, 5 months and in New Zealand, 2 years, 9 months. Neuzerling was discharged on 20 February 1872. With copied service papers and other research. In The History of British Military Bands, William Neuzerling is stated to be the Kneller Hall graduate and was the regiment’s first known Bandmaster.