Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (J. [Be]nnett, Gunr. R.M.A., H.M.S. Esk) brooch marks to obverse and edge affecting two letters of surname, suspension re-fixed, otherwise nearly very fine £360-400

John Bennett was born at Wheel, Romford, Essex, on 29 April 1839, and attested for the Royal Marines at Woolwich on 14 July 1853, a volunteer from the Hampshire Militia. He served aboard the Prince Regent in the Baltic, March to December 1854. He transferred to the Royal Marine Artillery in March 1855, and served in China in 1857-58, and was present at the capture of Canton in 1857. He served in New Zealand and was employed on shore in 1863-64, taking part in various skirmishes. He was discharged on 6 November 1874, in consequence of length of service and was ‘in possession of Baltic Medal, China Medal with clasp for “Canton 1857”, and New Zealand Medal.’ Sold with copied discharge papers and medal roll entries.