Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Colour Sergeant Robert Langham, Musician, Royal Marine Light Infantry

British War and Victory Medals (Ch.15823 Mus. R. Langham, R.M.L.I.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (Ch.15823 Sgt. R. Langham, R.M.L.I.); Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Ch.15823 C.Sgt. R. Langham 28.2.1951) the first three mounted as worn, nearly very fine, the last extremely fine (4) £250-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Extensive Collection of Medals for Long and Meritorious Service.

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Robert Langham was born on 2 April 1893, in London, and was a schoolboy when he enlisted in the Chatham Division of the Royal Marines on 1 April 1908, a day before his 15th birthday; he re-engaged on 13 March 1923. He served in the 13th Coy, Chatham Division, from enlistment until discharge on 1 April 1932, after total servitude of 24 years of which 3 years 1 day was under age. Ranked as Bugler until 5 April 1910, he was promoted to Private (ranked as Musician) from 30 March 1912. He was elevated to Corporal only in October 1922 but quickly to Sergeant in October 1923. His final promotion was to Colour Sergeant on 20 September 1930. He was Band Sergeant from July 1929 to April 1932. At discharge, his character was rated as Very Good and he was in possession of 3 Good Conduct Badges. Upon discharge he became Pensioner No. 10969 with intended residence in Dursley, Gloucestershire.

His Record of Service shows that he ‘Served with the Expeditionary Force in France from 2nd April to 11th June 1917’, and was paid a War Gratuity of £29 on 2 October 1919. He was also awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Gratuity from 5 June 1929. He received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 4 June 1924. In 1951 over 250 pensioners on the register were awarded the M.S.M. but without annuity and no more names were added. Sold with full research.