Auction Catalogue

13 December 2007

Starting at 11:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 486

.

13 December 2007

Hammer Price:
£580

Four: Lance-Corporal H. Merritt, Royal Marine Light Infantry

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (Lce. Cpl., R.M., H.M.S. Fox); British War and Victory Medals (Po.4794 L. Cpl., R.M.L.I.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (Pte., No.4794 Ports. R.M.L.I.) last with some contact marks, very fine and better (4) £250-300

Henry Merrick was born in Stubbington, Fareham, Hampshire, on 7 November 1870. A Carter by occupation, he entered the Royal Marines in May 1889. As a Lance-Corporal, Merritt landed with the Naval Brigade for the capture of Illig on 21 April 1904. Only 94 Royal Marines accompanied the Naval Brigade which was drawn from H.M. Ships Hyacinth, Fox and Mohawk. Awards for this action included a Conspicuous Service Cross and a Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. Merritt was awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in August 1904, and was discharged due to length of service in May 1910. Recalled for service during the Great War, he qualified as a Gunlayer for 3 to 15-pr Guns on Defensively Armed Merchant Vessels in December 1916. Sold with copy service record and other research.