Five: Colour Sergeant A. J. Winser, Welsh Guards, a recipient of the rare E.II.R, 1st type Meritorious Service Medal

Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army, with Additional Award Bar (5615274 Cpl. A. J. Winser, W. G.); Meritorious Service Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (5615274 Sgt. A. J. Winser. W.G.) mounted court-style as worn, nearly extremely fine, the last rare (5) £600-£800

Only 125 Meritorious Service Medals, E.II.R., 1st issue awarded 1953-55.

Albert John Winser was born at Newton Abbot, Devon, on 10 June 1907. He first enlisted into the 5th Battalion the Devonshire Regiment, being allocated service number 5615274, not part of the Welsh Guards block, and transferred into the Welsh Guards in July 1928, remaining with the regiment for thirty nine years before finally retiring with an exemplary record in 1967.

Despite having over 39 years’ service with the Welsh Guards he did not see service overseas, stationed throughout the Second World War in the United Kingdom, and serving with the Training Battalion and No. 7 Company (Regimental Headquarters). He was awarded the Coronation Medal as a Sergeant, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal per Army Order 28 in February 1955. He retired in 1967, his testimonial on retirement reading: ‘Most of his 39 years service, except during the War, he had been in charge of horses; for the last 14 years he has been in sole charge Of the Household Brigade Saddle Club Hunting Stables with up to thirty horses in his charge. He is one of the most experienced grooms in the Country. He is an expert judge and has considerable veterinary knowledge. He inspires devotion in those who work under him and is popular everywhere. He has been in a position of great responsibility and trust and has shown himself to be completely reliable honest and sober. He is a tireless worker who will be a great asset to any employer.’ He died on 8 November 1983.