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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 267

The M.S.M. group of three awarded to Band Sergeant W. E. Grovier, Rifle Brigade, which is accompanied by his memoirs and extensive archive

Jubilee 1935; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R. (3852 Sjt. W. E. Grovier. Rif. Bde.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Band Sjt. W. E. Grovier. Rifle Brigade), very fine (3)

Walter Edward Grovier was born on 25 October 1863 at Aldershot to Samuel Grovier, who like his son served in the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade and his mother, who had deceased by the time Grovier had enlisted. His brother, Edward Grovier, was also a 'Son of the Regiment' and served with the 3rd Battalion. On 24 July 1879, aged only 14 years old and at the stature of a mere 4 foot 3.5 inches according to the service book included in the lot, Grovier enlisted into the 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade at the rank of Boy. Even having reached his full height of 4 foot, 10 inches, Grovier did not seemingly let it have an effect on his military career or subsequent civil career. He then transferred to the 3rd Battalion as a Boy on 24 September 1880 and was finally promoted to Private on 24 July 1882 at the age of 17.

His musical calling commenced on 16 July 1884 when he was appointed Musician, the oboe his chosen instrument. He rose through the ranks of the band and was appointed Acting Band Corporal in May 1889, Band Corporal in January 1896 and Band Sergeant in 1897, the rank he retained until he discharged in April 1901.

Grovier spent a number of years overseas and served in Gibraltar between February 1885 - June 1886, Egypt between October 1887 - August 1888, South Africa between August 1888 - February 1889 and finally India between February 1889 - April 1901, this last posting lasting just over 12 years. In this time Grovier married Ellen Mary Clarke in July 1886 and had two children, Mabel Florence born 1896 and Walter Leslie born 1900 and later had a third, Alfred.

After leaving the colours, Grovier became principal attendant at the War Office library and authored the extensive memoir detailing his life in the Rifle Brigade, Family Recollections: Memoir of a Victorian Soldier. Upon the outbreak of the Great War his medal index card lists him at his former rank of Band Sergeant and as being entitled to the Meritorious Service Medal. Grovier later passed away on the 17 December 1947 in Buckingham. His children and grandchildren published his memoir in 1993, one of the sources being the handwritten memoir included within this lot.

Sold together with a comprehensive archive including:

I)
A daguerreotype of Grovier, aged 15, in his Band boy uniform, 75mm x 62mm.

II)
Photocopies of the Rifle Brigade Chronicle's profile on Grovier, along with Grovier's obituary as reported in that same chronicle.

III)
Copied research and photographs.

IV)
Contemporary letters some dating 1890s, some concerning his later M.S.M. award.

V)
Various service papers, some in a leather pouch, certificates and photographs Grovier and his family.

VI)
Grovier's book Family Recollections Memories of a Victorian Soldier, published 1993.

VII)
Book of Grovier's handwritten memoir.

VIII)
Brass naming plate.

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480