A rare ‘Defence of Legations’ pair awarded to Private J. Buckler, Royal Marine Light Infantry, wounded on 1 July 1900

China 1900, 1 clasp, Defence of Legations (Pvte. J. Buckler, R.M.L.I.) fitted with replacement suspension and copy clasp; British War Medal 1914-20 (PO.9286 Pte. J. Buckler, R.M.L.I.) edge bruising and contact marks, about very fine (2) £2000-2500

John Buckler was born in Southampton on 5 June 1878. A Tailor by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Eastney on 3 September 1897. On 30 May 1900 he arrived in Pekin as a Guard to the British Legation, and serving during the siege he was wounded on 1 July (London Gazette 11 December 1900). Awarded the China Medal with clasp on 4 July 1902; awarded the Royal Navy L.S. & G.C. Medal on 23 July 1912. Served throughout the Great War at H.M.S. Egmont (Malta). Enrolled in the R.F.R. on 4 March 1918.

John Buckler, the widower of Ada Jane Halton, married Giovanna Buttigies, widow of William Erneast Hancorn, at Senglea, Malta on 26 September 1925. She had earlier given birth to a daughter by John Buckler - Maria Carmela, in December 1914. John Buckler died at the R.N. Hospital at Bighi Calcara, on 19 October 1934. He was buried in the R.N. Cemetery at Cappuccini, Calcara, Malta.

With copied research including baptism, marriage and death certificates, service papers and roll extracts.