Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Dm. Major W. Bissill. 9th. Regt.) contemporarily engraved naming, contact marks, very fine £100-140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Musicians formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord.

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William Bissill was born on 24 October 1824 and attested for the 9th (Norfolk) Regiment of Foot on 24 December 1839. He served with the 1st Battalion in Afghanistan in 1842 (entitled to Medal), and in the First Sikh War, where he was present at the Battles of Moodkee, 18 December 1845, Ferozeshuhur, 21-22 December 1845, and Sobraon, the ‘Indian Waterloo’, 10 February 1846 (entitled to Sutlej Medal for Moodkee with 2 clasps). Promoted Corporal on 1 December 1853, and Drum Major on 7 October 1854, he served with the Regiment in the Crimea from 27 November 1854 until 1 May 1856, and took part in the siege and capture of Sebastopol. He transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 30 November 1857, and was appointed Colour Sergeant on 17 July 1861. Awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, together with a Gratuity of £10, he was discharged on 10 November 1863, after 21 years and 19 days’ service, and subsequently took up an appointment as Drill Instructor to the 3rd Shropshire Rifle Volunteers.