Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Sergeant J. Johns, Royal Marine Light Infantry

1914-15 Star (PO.13917, Pte. J. Johns, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (PO.13917 Pte. J. Johns. R.M.L.I.); Meritorious Service Medal G.V.R., 1st issue (PO/13917. J. Johns, Pte. R.M.L.I. H.Q. Portsmouth Divn. War Service); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (PO/13917, Pte. James Johns, Corporal R.M.L.I.) contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £500-£700

One of only 121 M.S.M.s awarded to the Royal Marine Light Infantry.

M.S.M. London Gazette 16 September 1919.
The original recommendation states: ‘Served on H.M.S. Minotaur at the outset of hostilities until 26 October 1915. Proceeded to Ireland with the Battalion on 26 April 1916 to the end of May 1916. He served aboard H.M.S. Kildonan Castle 21 August 1916 to 23 September 1918. Graded ‘Exceptional’ for ability and appointed Acting-Corporal, 29 March 1918 to 25 September 1918.’

James Johns was born in Eastney, Portsmouth on 10 July 1887. He joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry as a Private on 21 September 1904 and served for two periods of engagements, being discharged on 9 July 1926, having been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his services during the Great War, and his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 22 August 1920. However he was recalled to service at the outbreak of the Second World War, serving at Portsmouth and Gosling, from 26 August 1939 to 31 July 1945.

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