Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 220

(x) An outstanding Boer War D.C.M., M.S.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Class I E. A. Stebbing, Royal Warwickshire, late Sergeant, Devonshire Regiment, who latterly became Director of Music (Bandmaster) to the Governor of Bombay

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (3235 Cpl. E. A. Stebbing. 2nd Devon: Regt.); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (3235 Cpl. E. A. Stebbing. Devon: Regt.); King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3235 Band Serjt: E. A. Stebbing. Devon: Regt.); British War Medal 1914-20 (1908 W.O.Cl.I. E. A. Stebbing. R. War. R.); Jubilee 1935; Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R. (1908 W.O.Cl.1. E. A. Stebbing. D.C.M. Warwick.), minor official correction to unit; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (3235 Sjt: E. A. Stebbing. Devon: Regt.), very fine (7)

D.C.M. London Gazette submitted 8 February 1901, approved 19 April 1901. In a joint citation with No. 3059 Lance-Corporal G. Robbins:

'23 February 1900 (Tugela Heights)

Conspicuous gallantry in carrying wounded men from firing line under very heavy fire.'

Edwin Armstrong Stebbing was born at Poona, India in 1876, the son of Bandmaster E. R. Stebbing and enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment at Aldershot on 30 April 1891 - at that time 14 years 8 months in age. Made Bandsman in 1895, he was promoted Corporal in June 1900. He then served with distinction during the campaign in South Africa, when the 2nd Battalion formed part of the 2nd Brigade under Major-General Hildyard. It was during the actions on the Tugela Heights that his D.C.M. was won, during which their casualties were approximately 6 men killed, 2 Officers and 77 men wounded. Promoted Band Sergeant in June 1902, Stebbing earned his L.S. & G.C. Medal in July 1911 and was made Warrant Officer in August 1911. During the Great War he earned just the British War Medal, whilst a Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Having risen to be Bandmaster of the 2nd Battalion, in September 1922 Stebbing made his transfer to India, taking up the posting as Bandmaster of the combined bands of the 8th Gurkha Rifles, a post he held from December 1922-March 1925. He thence was selected for higher duties, this time to take up the baton as Musical Director of the Band of the Governor of Bombay. In his time the Governors included Air Vice Marshal Sir Frederick Hugh Sykes, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.B.E., K.C.B., C.M.G. and Michael Herbert Rudolf Knatchbull, 5th Baron Brabourne, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., M.C.. Stebbing held this position for a decade, taking the 1935 Jubilee Medal along the way, besides being confirmed for the M.S.M. (the Medal finally being issued in October 1951). Stebbing retired to Australia and settled at 126 Queen Victoria Street, Bexley, NSW.

Sold together with a good original archive comprising:

(i)
Account Pocket Book, Certificates of Education & Discharge, Driving Licence and Passport.

(ii)
1935 Jubilee Medal Certificate.

(iii)
Forwarding letters and confirmation of his M.S.M.

(iv)
Various letters related to his appointments and promotions as Bandmaster.

(v)
A series of related newspaper cuttings.

(vi)
A series of related photographs throughout his career.

(vii)
Large format photograph of the Staff of the Governor, signed by Mr & Mrs Sykes, October 1933.

For his miniature dress Medals, please see Lot 309.

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

Sold for
£2,600

Starting price
£1100