The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Four: Sergeant-Drummer James Deacon, 57th Foot and Middlesex Regiment, who was wounded at Ginginhlovo in April 1879, and went on to become the longest serving non-commissioned officer in the British Army, completing 48 years’ continuous service

Delhi Durbar 1911, unnamed as issued; South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (945. Pte. J. Deacon. 57th Foot.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.VII.R. (Sjt: Dmr: J. Deacon. Middx. Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (945. Bandsn. J. Deacon, Middx: R:) with contemporary quadruple brooch bar, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £1,400-£1,800

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

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John Duncan was born in the Parish of Ardfinan, Tipperary on 18 July 1851, and enlisted at Cork into the 57th Foot on 18 August 1865, aged 14. He was appointed Drummer in March 1868 but reverted to Private in December 1868, still under age. He was posted as Private, having attained the age of 18 years, on 18 August 1869, and was appointed a full bandsman on 1 December 1873. He served in Ceylon from 23 December 1873 to 19 February 1879, and then in South Africa until 13 December 1879, being slightly wounded on the nose at Ginginhlovo on 2 April 1879 [recorded on discharge papers but described as ‘bullet wound in face’ on In-Pension papers]. He served at Gibraltar from 20 September 1892 to 1 March 1895; in South Africa from 25 April 1896 to 8 April 1898; and then in the East Indies until 3 April 1913. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal as a Bandsman on 1 August 1885. He was appointed Sergeant-Drummer, the term then used for Drum-Major, in 1891, and was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal by the Officer Commanding, 1st Middlesex Regiment, on 15 January 1906, with an Annuity of £10; the medal was awarded on 11 February following. During his service in India, Deacon was presented to their Majesties King George and Queen Mary at the Durbar in 1911 and received the medal. He was discharged on 20 August 1913, when he had completed 47 years 246 days’ service. He entered Chelsea Hospital as an In-Pensioner on 20 March 1920, where he was Provost Corporal. He died on 1 November 1926, and was buried with full military honours in Paddington cemetery, his body being carried on a gun carriage provided by “O” Battery R.H.A. from St John’s Wood.

Sold with copied discharge papers, confirming all medals, and other research, together with an original portrait photograph and another fine photograph taken at Allahabad on 29 March 1908, on the occasion of the presentation of new Colours by the Earl of Minto. Deacon is pictured (centre) with the old Colours which had been presented in 1867 and were carried into action during the Zulu War, the last occasion when this old custom was followed. Deacon had been present at the original presentation of the old Colours, 41 years before. The soldier standing on the left is Colour-Sergeant C. S. Shakespear (See Lot 213).