Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 276

Five: Sergeant W. Bryan, 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, late Somerset Light Infantry, who had a long career as a musician and bandsman in the Somerset Light Infantry, only to re-join for service in the Great War in East Africa

India General Service 1895-1908, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (3276 Pte [...] Bryan. 1st Bn. Som. Lt. Infy.); 1914-15 Star (13668 Pte. W. Bryan. R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (13668 Cpl. W. Bryan. R. Fus.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (3276 Bglr. W. Bryan. Somerset. L. I.), the suspension of the first slack, pitting, edge wear and contact marks, very fine (5)

William Bryan was born at Camberwell, London in 1875 and enlisted with the rank of Boy on 1 September 1889, listing previous experience as a Musician. He entered the war at Gibraltar on 10 November 1891 and was appointed Bandsman on 20 October 1893.

Joining 2nd Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry in India on 19 December 1893 he reached his majority on 1 September 1895. Posted to the 5th Battalion on 11 April 1901 he returned to the 2nd Battalion on 30 August 1902 and joined the unit in South Africa that same day, missing qualification for a Queen's South Africa Medal.

Posted to the 3rd Battalion (Army Reserve) as Bugler on 16 July 1904 he was awarded L.S. & G.C. in April 1910 and discharged in August 1912. Re-enlisting with the 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers on 12 March 1915 at London, again Bryan listed his previous employment as musician.

He entered the war in East Africa at Kilindini on 4 May 1915 and served there for most of the conflict, being frequently hospitalised by illness. Finally invalided in December 1917 he returned to Britain where he transferred to the 29th Battalion, London Regiment, a Home Service unit, on 27 May 1918 and was finally discharged on 2 April 1919; sold together with copied service papers.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate

Starting price
£140