Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. Including a superb collection of medals to the King’s German Legion, Police Medals from the Collection of John Tamplin and a small collection of medals to the Irish Guards

Three: Private H. Spackman, Royal Marine Light Infantry

1914 Star, with clasp (Po.11905 Pte., R.M. Brigade); British War and Victory Medals (Po.11905 Pte., R.M.L.I.) good very fine and better (3) £100-120

Sold with copied service papers and research details.

Harry Spackman was born in Bradford Leigh, Wiltshire and enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry in August 1901. Between 1901 and 1913 he served on a number of ships and shore establishments. Briefly discharged to the Royal Fleet Reserve , he was recalled in August 1914 on the outbreak of war. He was landed at Ostend and served at Dunkirk and then in October 1914 served in the defence of Antwerp with the Royal Marine Brigade, Royal Naval Division. Private Spackman was one of the Portsmouth Battalion men who were taken prisoner during the retreat from Antwerp. He may well have been one of the men taken at Moerbeke, when the train they were making their escape on was attacked and derailed by German foces. The Times of 21.12.1914 lists him as a prisoner of war at Gefangenenlager, Doeberitz, Germany. He was repatriated after the war and received a War Gratuity in April 1919.