Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Defence of Legations medal to Private J. G. Howard, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was commended for his services at Pekin and received his medal from the King

China 1900, 1 clasp, Defence of Legations (Pvte. J. G. Howard, R.M.L.I.) official correction to first initial, otherwise nearly extremely fine £5000-6000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kuriheka Collection of British Medals.

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John George Howard was born at Dover, Kent, on 3 July 1878, and was a brick maker’s labourer when he enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Walmer on 9 December 1896. He embarked for China in H.M.S. Centurion in March 1899 and subsequently formed one of the guard at the British Legation at Pekin. For his conduct during the defence of the various Legations at Pekin he received a letter of commendation from the Admiralty (A.L.N. 15219 of 6 December 1901). His China medal with Defence of Legations clasp, one of only 82 issued to the small Royal Marine Guard at Pekin, was presented to him by King Edward VII on 8 March 1902.

Private Howard returned to England in September 1901 and was stationed with the Chatham Division. He was promoted to Corporal on 11 June 1902, and embarked aboard H.M.S. Penguin on 4 July, bound for the Australian station. He was reduced to Private on 10 October 1903, and, for whatever reason, deserted from Penguin on 12 October 1903, whilst at Wellington, New Zealand. Sold with copy discharge papers.