A Collection of Awards to the Worcestershire Regiment formed by Group Captain J. E. Barker

Three: Bandmaster S. Swain, Worcestershire Regiment, late 15th Hussars

Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, unnamed; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (6386 Bndmstr. S. Swain. Worc. Regt.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (5239028 W.O. Cl. 1. S. Swain. Worc. R.) mounted as worn, together with silver presentation cigarette case, hallmarked Birmingham 1910, the lid engraved with Worcestershire Regiment crest, the inside lid inscribed ‘Presented to Bandmaster S. Swain, L.R.A.M. 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment by the members of the Birmingham Rifle Reserve Eckington Camp Aug 1915’, contained in a fitted case, nearly extremely fine (4) £380-420

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Worcestershire Regiment formed by Group Captain J. E. Barker.

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Stephen James Swain was born in London on 28 May 1873, and enlisted into the 15th Hussars on 18 October 1889, aged 16 years 5 months. After more than 11 years service with the 15th Hussars, he undertook the Bandmaster’s Course at the Royal Military College of Music, Kneller Hall, and obtained the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (L.R.A.M.). Following completion of his course on 18 May 1901, he was appointed Bandmaster of the 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. He served with this battalion throughout their West Indies posting, and afterwards at Malta. His L.S. & G.C. medal was announced in Army Order 254 of October 1908. He went with the battalion to India in 1909 where they were stationed at Bareilly for some 5 years. He was present at the Delhi Durbar in 1911, and in November 1912 he transferred to the 2nd Battalion, then also in India, vice Bandmaster Dought. He had a long association with the 2nd Worcesters but did not accompany them overseas in August 1914, remaining in the U.K. as indicated by his presentation cigarette case. He was discharged on 17 April 1922, on termination of his 2nd period of engagement. His Meritorious Service Medal was awarded, without gratuity, under the terms of Army Order 98 of 1953, but unfortunately he did not live long to enjoy the award as he died on 23 December 1953, aged 80 years. Sold with comprehensive research including several copied group photographs.