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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 63

The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Band Master Sergeant W. Byers, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot and 44th (East Essex) Regiment of Foot, who served for some 23 years in the British Army with an unblemished record

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (3527 W Byers 1st Bn. H Ms. 24th Regt.), minor edge knock, lightly polished, very fine

William Byers was born in July 1838 is Salisbury, Wiltshire, son of Joseph and Ellen - his father being noted on his Birth Certificate as a solider in the 24th Regiment of Foot. Likely growing up around the regimental barracks and amongst his father's friends and comrades, young William followed in those footsteps and himself attested for the 24th Foot in April 1851 at the tender age of 12, whilst the battalion were stationed in India - the 24th had participated in the Second Anglo-Sikh War only a few years previously. Initially a Private, he was appointed a Drummer from 1853-56, but resigned this position and reverted to Private in the latter year. Steadily earning his increments of Good Conduct Pay, he was promoted Corporal in 1865 and Sergeant the following year. On 11 July 1871 he transferred to the 44th Regiment of Foot and was appointed Band Master Sergeant the same day - a post he held until his retirement in November 1879.

His Discharge Papers provide a praiseworthy report on his career, noting: 'His conduct has been very good and he was, when promoted, in the possession of two Good Conduct badges and would, had he not been promoted, have been now in possession of five Good Conduct badges...He has never been entered in the Regimental Defaulter's Book, nor has he been tried by Court Martial'. Byers retired to Surrey, and died in 1882 at Kingston at the young age of 43; he is additionally entitled to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Sold with copied research including Discharge papers.

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Sold for
£290

Starting price
£210