British Campaign and Gallantry Medals

China 1842 (Joseph Gibbs, Royal Marines) replacement scroll suspension, edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine £400-500

Joseph Gibbs was born in Oakingham, Reading, Berkshire. A Shoemaker by occupation, he attested for the Royal Marines at Portsmouth on 13 July 1830, for a bounty of £3. He served on the Actaeon, February 1831-September 1834 and on Pembroke, April 1836-February 1840. He then served on the Excellent and Cornwallis, April 1840-November 1844, seeing action in China.

The ‘Remarks’ section of his papers reads, ‘This man was particularly noted by Captain Peter Richards in a report from that officer to H.M. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty respecting his “gallant conduct before the enemy on two separate occasions”. (?) appears in a letter from the A.A. General and directing him to be promoted to the rank of Corporal onboard Cornwallis. Produces 8 Certificates of good conduct, 5 of which are from ships in which he has served. Served in the operations on the coast of China and has the medal’.

Gibbs was duly promoted to Corporal on 1 October 1842 and he attained the rank of Sergeant on 1 November 1845. He was discharged at his own request having completed 21 years service, on 27 August 1851. With copied service papers