India General Service Medal clasp Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (2222 Lce. Corpl. W.H. Makepeace. 1st Bn Som. Lt. Infty.); British War Medal (18597 A.W.O. CL.I. W.H. MAKEPEACE. GLOUC.R.); Victory Medal with M.I.D. Oakleaf skimmed rim.; Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (2222 SERJT. W.H. MAKEPEACE. SOMERSET L.I.)
William Henry Makepeace was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in 1870. He attested for service with the Somerset Light Infantry in 1888 and was posted to India where he took part in the Punjab Campaign of 1897. A career soldier he continued on with the Colours being awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal in 1906.
Transferring to the 13th Battalion, Gloucester Regiment, he was posted to France on 3.3,1916 and was Mentioned in Dispatches in the London Gazette of 22.5.1917. Having taken his discharge he was, in 1923, the Night Porter at the Royal Hotel in Cheltenham.
Perhaps controversially, he was fined for not contributing to the maintenance of a boy named Willie Cox who, it can be deduced was his illegitimate son by a woman other than his wife. The case came before the courts in 1922 with Makepeace admitting his liability.
He died on 7 May 1932 at The Elms, Swindon. Wiltshire.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with a comprehensive dossier of research.
