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Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 222

(x) A very fine M.S.M. group of eleven awarded to Band Instructor A. Swann, Auxilliary Forces India, late Durham Light Infantry, Volunteer Artillery Battery and Simla Rifles

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (5053 Pte. A. Swann. Durham Lt. Infy.), unofficial rivets between top two clasps; King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5053 Pte. A. Swann 1st Durham Light Infy.), re-engraved naming; 1914-15 Star (No. 1006 Sergt. A. Swann. Vol. Arty. Bty.); British War Medal 1914-20 (1006 Sgt. Albert Swann, Vol. Artly. Bty.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (1006 Sgt. A. Swann. Vol. Arty. Bty.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Delhi Durbar 1911; Jubilee 1935; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (Serjt. A. Swann. H.E. The Govrs. Band Bo.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (B. Instr. - A. Swann, Lawrence R.M. School.); Volunteer Force Long Service (India & the Colonies), G.V.R. (Rfmn. A. Swann, Simla Rfls. A.F.I.), mounted as worn, very fine and a superb combination of awards, housed within an old leather pouch (11)

Albert Swann served initially in the Boer War with the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (Queen's Medal and 3 clasps, King's Medal & 2 clasps). He thence went out to India to forge his life and was heavily involved in the Volunteer Forces, serving in the Simla Rifles and also seeing active service with the Volunteer Artillery Battery during the Great War. Numbering some 67 men they served in the Mesopotamia campaign with the Battery - soon after arrival from India - being divided into two sections, one preceding up the Euphrates and the other up the Tigris river. Of the total Battery strength of 67, 38 became casualties: 45 of the men were taken Prisoner of War at the Fall of Kut with 18 of them dying during captivity.

Swann returned to India and forged his musical career, serving in The Governor of Bombay's Band and earning his M.S.M. with the Lawrence R.M. (Royal Music?) School.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,700

Starting price
£400