The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (J. Lockyer, Sergt. Major, 25th Co. R.M.L.I. 21 Years) impressed naming, very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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John Lockyer was born in Bristol, Somerset, circa 1834, and was enlisted by Sergeant Samuel Lockyer as a Drummer aged 14 years on 22 February 1849. He served as a Drummer aboard H.M. Ships BELLEROPHON (1850-54) and ROYAL ALBERT (1855) earning the Crimea medal with clasps for Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol. He was promoted to Private in January 1856, to Corporal two months later, to Sergeant in July 1857, to First Drill Sergeant in September 1857, and ultimately to Sergeant Major on 9 May 1860. He was pensioned on 7 November 1873 after receiving his L.S. & G.C. medal with £15 gratuity in October 1873, despite having served only five years afloat. His M.S.M. Annuity commenced on 28 April 1877. In June 1875 he had initially been recommended to receive the ‘Gallantry Annuity’ which had become available on the death of Colour Sergeant George Young, R.M.A., but this was refused and approved as an ‘ordinary’ M.S.M. award.