New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (J. Bennett, Gunr. R.M.A., H.M.S. Esk) brooch marks to obverse with some loss to first two letters of surname, otherwise nearly very fine £140-180

119 medals to this ship.

John Bennett was born at Wheel, Romford, Essex, on 29 April 1839, and attested for the Royal Marines at Woolwich in July 1853, a volunteer from the Hampshire Militia. He served aboard the Prince Regent in the Baltic, March to December 1854. He transferred to the Royal Marine Artillery in March 1855, and served in China in 1857-58 and was present at the capture of Canton in 1857. Served in New Zealand and was employed in operation on shore in 1863-64, taking part in various skirmishes. ‘Is in possession of Baltic Medal, China Medal with clasp for “Canton 1857”, and New Zealand Medal’. He was discharged in November 1874 for Length of Service (21 Years) but missed a long service medal because of 67 days in Gaol or Absent. Sold with copied record of service and extracts from ship’s description book.