Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Edwardian R.V.M. pair awarded to Bandmaster J. Heron, North Staffordshire Regiment, late the King’s Own

Royal Victorian Medal, E.VII.R., silver (Band Master J. Heron, 1st Vol. Bn. The King’s L’pool Regt. 14/7/05), in its fitted case of issue and red cardboard forwarding box; Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (Bndmr. J. Heron, 2/N. Staff. R.), generally good very fine (2) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Musicians formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord.

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John Heron was born in Kent and attested for the 64th Regiment as a boy recruit at Westminster in April 1867, aged 14 years. In his subsequent career of 29 years with the Colours, he served in Malta (1867-72) and in the East Indies (1884-88). He was advanced to Corporal in March 1877, Sergeant in February 1878 and, in May 1884, after having transferred to the North Staffordshire Regiment, a Band Master.

Having retired at his own request in February 1895, he was appointed Band Master of the 1st (Volunteer) Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, in which capacity he was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in silver in July 1905. He was subsequently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal per Army Order 18 of 1918, with an annuity of £10, and was still living in the mid-1920s. His total entitlement was the R.V.M. and M.S.M.