Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 2 clasps, Martinique, Java (J. D. Stoddart, Midshipman.) nearly extremely fine £2800-3200

Provenance: McLauchan Collection, Spink, July 2008.

James Douglas Stoddart changed his name in 1833 to ‘James Stoddart Douglas’, as a stipulation for a large inheritance. It is under the latter name, and not the name that appears on his medal, that he can be found on the relevant rolls. He served as Midshipman in H.M.S. Acasta for the combined naval and military assault and capture of the French-held island of Martinique, 24 February 1809. He served as the same appointment in H.M.S. Nisus during the assistance given by the Navy in the capture of the island of Java, July - 18 September 1811.

James Stoddart Douglas of Chilston Park, Kent, entered the Royal Navy in 1805. After service with the Acasta and the Nisus he was appointed Lieutenant, 15 June 1815. Later service included with H.M.S. Doris on the East India station. He served as Member of Parliament for Rochester, 1841-47, and was promoted to the rank of Commander in April 1864.