Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1848 Bandmr. Serjt. W. Byers, 44th. Foot) good very fine £70-90

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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William Byers was born on 11 August 1838 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and attested for the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot in India on 11 April 1851. Appointed a Drummer on 23 March 1853, he served with the Regiment throughout the Great Sepoy Mutiny (entitled to an Indian Mutiny Medal), and was promoted Corporal on 11 July 1866, and Sergeant three months later on 1 October of that year. He transferred as Band Master Sergeant to the 44th (East Essex) Regiment of Foot on 11 July 1871, and was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, together with a Gratuity of £5, on 9 February 1876. He was finally discharged on 9 March 1880, after 23 years and 211 days’ service.