The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Three: China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857, unnamed as issued; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (Js. Roach, Colr. Sergt. 47th Co. R.M.L.I. 21 Yrs.); Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, E.VII.R. (James Roach, Colr. Sergt., Plymo. R.M.L.I.) very light contact marks, otherwise nearly extremely fine (3)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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Only one man received the award of the Royal Marine M.S.M. between George Hancock (see previous lot) and James Roach. Since the type of the medal despatched to Colour Sergeant John Cree, R.M.L.I., on the 8 February 1904 is unknown, this award to James Roach might be the first or the second Edward VII Royal Marine M.S.M. to be issued. Approximately 40 Edward VII M.S.M’s were awarded.

James Roach was born in Kingsbridge, Devon, and enlisted in the Plymouth Division aged 19 years on 4 June 1852. He was drafted to H.M.S. SYBILLE in June 1853 and served ashore in China with the Royal Marine Battalion during 1857 prior to being disembarked in his home port in May 1858. He was promoted to Corporal in May 1858, to Sergeant in November 1861 and to Colour Sergeant in April 1869. His twelve years of service afloat was above average for a marine, a period which included service on board H.M. Ships ASSURANCE (1864-68) and IMPLACABLE (1870-72). He was pensioned and discharged to shore with 21 years servitude on 19 June 1873, and not unusually was awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal without gratuity after he had left the service, retrospectively approved on 23 May 1874.