Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Bandmaster H. Carotti, 7th Hussars, later 20th Hussars

British War Medal 1914-20 (45638 Sjt. H. Carotti. 7-Hrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (533079 W.O. Cl.1 H. Carotti. 20-Hrs.) contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £80-100

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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Herbert Carotti was born in 1886 and attested for the 7th Hussars on 26 January 1903. Appointed Bandmaster of the 20th Hussars on 13 December 1920, his appointment was reported in The Yellow Plume, the regimental magazine, in July 1921, stating that he was ‘an estimable instructor in the none too easy art of correct band playing ... the introduction of “strings” is a welcome innovation made by Mr. Carotti, who himself plays the part of violinist-conductor, and our efforts seem to be much appreciated by our interested audiences ...’ He also featured in the ‘20th Hussars Alphabet’, written in 1921: ‘C is Carotti, who tutors the band; He’s a witch with the switch that he holds in his hand.’ He was discharged on 13 December 1932, and subsequently held the appointment of Bandmaster of the unofficial Band of the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1 May 1933 until 31 December 1938.

Note: This is his full entitlement; he was not entitled to the Victory Medal 1914-19.