British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Boxer Rebellion Medal awarded to Private W. Turner, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was commended for his services at the defence of the Legations

China 1900, 1 clasp, Defence of Legations (Pvte. W. Turner, R.M.L.I.), with old silver riband buckle and brass ‘R.M.L.I.’ badge, cleaned and lacquered, edge bruising and contact marks, good fine or better
£6000-8000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by The Late John Hillard.

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William Turner was born in Bexley, Kent and enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry in May 1890.

Embarked for China in H.M.S. Centurion in March 1899, he subsequently formed one of the guard at the famous defence of the British Legation at Pekin during June-August 1900. During the siege the Royal Marine contingent, under Captain L. S. T. Halliday, sustained casualties of around 30 killed or wounded, the Captain being among the latter as a result of his magnificent V.C.-winning exploits during the determined Boxer attack of 24 June, on which occasion another 20 or 30 Marines were present with him. And it is worth speculating that Turner was one of them given the subsequent letter of commendation he received from the Admiralty (A.L.N. 15219 of 6 December 1900 refers). Be that as it may, his Medal and “Defence of Legations” clasp was one of only around 80 issued to the Royal Marine Guard, his own award being sent to him on 14 June 1905 (ADM 171/55 refers).

Turner returned to the U.K. in August 1901 and was discharged that November, his intended place of residence being ‘Rookery Farm, Cobham, Kent.’