Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second Afghan War and Egypt campaign M.S.M. group of six awarded to Colour-Sergeant William Longmuir, Seaforth Highlanders, later Messenger in the King’s Bodyguard

Afghanistan 1878-80, 3 clasps, Charasia, Kabul, Kandahar (1570. Corpl. W. Longmuir. 72nd Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1570 Lce. Sergt. W. Longmuir 72nd Highlanders); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (1570. Sgt. W. Longmuir, 1/Seaforth Highrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., small letter reverse (1481Cr. Sgt. W. Longmuir, Hamps. Regt.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., coinage head (C. Sjt. W. Longmuir. Sea. Highrs.); Khedive's Star 1882 (1570 Cr. St. W. Longmuir 1/Sea: Highrs.) mounted court style for display, pitting from stars, therefore good fine and better (6) £1,200-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Yeomen of the Guard formed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Denny.

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William Longmuir was born at Urquhart, Elgin, and enlisted at Elgin for the 78th Highlanders on 24 December 1868, aged 18, a farm servant by trade. He volunteered and transferred to the 72nd Highlanders on 31 May 1870, and embarked for the East Indies on 21 February 1871. He was appointed Lance-Corporal from 10 February 1877, and promoted Corporal in March 1878. He re-engaged at Rawal Pindi in October 1878, was promoted to Sergeant in December 1880, and to Colour Sergeant in January 1883. Longmuir transferred to the Hampshire Regiment on 63 September 1884, and was discharged on 23 December 1895. He was appointed to Her Majesty’s Body Guard on 21 July 1900, was promoted Messenger on 13 October 1933, and was present at the inspection of the Guard by King Edward VIII on 26 June 1936. During the Great War he volunteered for Home Service in the Royal Lancaster Regiment from 29 January 1915 until discharged ‘unfit’ on 1 January 1917. He was awarded the M.S.M. without annuity in Army Order 142 of 1936, and died on 21 March 1939, having served five monarchs as a Yeoman of the Guard. He was also entitled to medals for the Coronations of 1902 and 1911, and the Jubilee of 1935.

Sold with copied photograph and discharge papers.