The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant-Major John Fillis, 57th Foot

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1861 to 1866 (504. John Fillis, 57th Regt.); South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (504 Sgt. Majr. J. Fillis. 57th Foot.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (504. Sergt. Maj: J. Fillis, 57th Foot) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (3) £1,200-£1,500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Provenance: South Africa 1879, J. B. Hayward & Son, April 1975; New Zealand 1845-66 and L.S. & G.C., Glendining’s, September 1977.

John Fillis was born at Bantry, County Cork, and enlisted at Cork for the 57th Foot on 22 February 1860, aged 21, a currier by trade. He was promoted to Corporal on 22 October 1864; Sergeant, 10 January 1868; Sergeant Instructor of Musketry, 29 October 1868; Sergeant-Major, 18 November 1874; in confinement for drunkenness, 16-26 December 1879, tried and reduced to Sergeant, 27 December 1879. He transferred to the Royal Longford Militia on 23 February 1880, and re-enlisted for a further five years on 16 March 1881, when No. 3660, Sergeant Instructor of Musketry, 6th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Longford Militia). He served abroad in New Zealand, July 1861 to August 1867; Ceylon December 1873 to February 1879; South Africa, February to December 1879; the remainder at Home. Whilst at Auckland, New Zealand, he married Bridget Sullivan on 8 April 1867. His L.S. & G.C. medal was issued on 1 April 1878. Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm all three medals.