Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Bugle Major T. J. Willis, 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (1131 Bugle Major, 2 Bn. Rifle Bde. 1873-4); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (2263 Corpl., 2nd Bn. Rifle Bde.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Sjt. Bglr., Rif. Bde.) contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine and better (3) £450-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to The Rifle Brigade and Affiliated Regiments from the collection formed by Michael Haines.

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Thomas J. Willis was born in Quebec in 1849, son of Bugler James Willis (see Lot 17). He enlisted into the Rifle Brigade at the age of 14 years at Westminster on 22 September 1863 and joined the 2nd Battalion. He was promoted to Bugle Major on 1 November 1873, and re-engaged to complete 21 years on 30 June 1874. He transferred to the 9th Battalion on 6 August 1882, was discharged on 30 September 1884, and then attested for the Commissariat and Transport Corps at Aldershot on 22 December 1884. Appointed Barrack Sergeant, he served on until 1887 when he was finally discharged in the rank of Barrack Quarter-master Sergeant. He was awarded the M.S.M. on 20 June 1914 together with a £10 annuity. Bugle Major Willis was admitted to Chelsea Hospital in 1924 and died in 1930.