Four: Attributed to General J. M. de C. Meade, Royal Marines

Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Balaklava, Sebastopol, unnamed as issued; China 1857-60, 3 clasps, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860, unnamed as issued; Turkey, Order Of the Medjide, 5th Class breast badge, silver, gold and enamel; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, contemporary tailor’s copy by ‘J.B.’, mounted as worn, together with companion set of four mounted miniature medals, nearly very fine or better (8) £800-£1,200

John Michael de Courcy Meade was born on 26 February 1831, and entered the Royal Marines on 20 February 1849; Lieutenant, 27 December 1852; Captain, 1 August 1860; Major, 23 April 1873; Lieutenant-Colonel, 25 December 1877. Colonel, 3 December 1881; Major-General, 7 November 1885; Lieutenant-General, 22 June 1887; General, 8 September 1889; retired 1896.

General Meade served the Eastern campaign of 1854-55 with the Royal Marine Brigade, including the battle of Balaklava and the siege of Sebastopol (Medal with two Clasps,. 5th Class of the Medjidie, and Turkish Medal). Served on the China Expedition of 1857-59, including the blockade of the Canton river, operations before and capture of the city, afterwards as Quarter Master of the 2nd Battalion. Served with the expedition to the north of China in 1860, including the action of Sinho, taking of Tangku, storm and capture of the North Taku Forts, and subsequent operations (Medal with three Clasps).

General Meade died on 20 October 1909.

For related family medals see Lot 268.