Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Master-at-Arms J. McDonagh, Royal Navy

Baltic 1854-55, unnamed as issued; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (Jn. Mc Donach, Mr at Arms, H.M.S. Malabar 21Yrs.) this last at onetime held in a mount, plugged at 6 o’clock, copy suspension re-fitted, naming re-touched, some contact marks, very fine (2) £300-350

John McDonagh was born in Radford, near Leamington, Warwickshire. A Hawker by occupation, he attested for the Royal Marines at Coventry on 4 June 1848, aged 18 years. He transferred to the Marine Artillery in May 1850 and gained the rank of Sergeant in April 1855. Served on H.M. Ships Penelope and Teazer, March 1851-June 1854 and in H.M. Ships Duke of Wellington, Porpoise and in mortar boats, May-October 1855. On the Duke of Wellington’s roll for the Baltic Medal. Discharged from the Royal Marines in October 1857 having previously served at the capture of Lagos and in the operations in the Baltic Sea. He then served in the Royal Navy as a Master-at-Arms, 1860-72, serving on Malabar, August 1869-September 1872. On 17 September 1872 he was awarded a Pension with a long service medal and gratuity. With copied service papers and roll extract.