Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

China 1842 (John Fry, Colr. Sergt., Royal Marines) original suspension, one letter of rank double stamped, good very fine £400-500

John Fry was born in the Parish of St Michael’s, Bath, and attested for the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marines at Gloucester on 4 July 1826, for a bounty of £4. He served a total of 21 years 5 months and 28 days, being promoted to Corporal in September 1834, to Sergeant in November 1838, and to Colour-Sergeant in April 1841. He served afloat 14 years 11 months and 25 days, in the following ships: Ocean, March 1827 to February 1828; Victory, May 1828 to April 1830; Kent, February to October, 1831; St Vincent, October to November, 1831; Donegal, November 1831 to March 1832; St Vincent, March 1832 to May 1834; Stag. December 1836 to April 1841; Belleisle, November 1841 to September 1843; and finally Racehorse, February 1845 to October 1847. He earned the China War medal whilst in Belleisle, and is also entitled to the medal for New Zealand, dated 1845-47 whilst in Racehorse. Colour-Sergeant John Fry was finally discharged on 31 December 1847, and resided at Stonehouse, Devon. Sold with copied attestation papers and description book entry for Belleisle.