The Collection of Medals to Musicians formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord

Three: Bugle Major T. J. Willis, Rifle Brigade

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (1131 Bugle Major. T. Willis. 2 Bn. Rifle Bde. 1873-4.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2263 Corpl. 2263. Corpl. Thos. Willis, 2nd. Bn. Rifle Bde.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Sjt: Bglr: T. J. Willis. Rif: Bde.) contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine and better (3) £600-800

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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Provenance: DNW, December 2002.

Thomas J. Willis was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1849, the son of Bugler James Willis (see Lot ***). He enlisted into the Rifle Brigade at the age of 14 years at Westminster on 22 September 1863 and joined the 2nd Battalion. He was promoted to Bugle Major on 1 November 1873, and re-engaged to complete 21 years on 30 June 1874. He transferred to the 9th Battalion on 6 August 1882, was discharged on 30 September 1884, and then attested for the Commissariat and Transport Corps at Aldershot on 22 December 1884. Appointed Barrack Sergeant, he served on until 1887 when he was finally discharged in the rank of Barrack Quarter-Master Sergeant. He was awarded the M.S.M. on 20 June 1914 together with a £10 annuity. Bugle Major Willis was admitted to Chelsea Hospital in 1924 and died in 1930.