Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, engraved naming (J. J. Polkinghorne. A.B. H.M.Yt. Victoria & Albert.) minor edge bruise, good very fine £140-£180

James Joseph Polkinghorne was born on 31 August 1843 in Portsmouth, Hampshire. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in September 1857 as a 14 year old Boy 2nd Class and first served with H.M.S. St Vincent. He was posted to H.M.S. Centurion in July 1858 and following this he served in H.M.S. Trafalgar, Royal Sovereign and Irresistible. He joined the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert in June 1871, remaining with her until February 1880, and it was whilst serving with this vessel that he was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. After a short spell in H.M.S. Asia, Polkinghorne returned to Victoria and Albert in February 1881, remaining with her until September 1893, at which time he was discharged to pension.