Three: China 1900, no clasp (W. Owen, Sergt. R.M., H.M.S. Phoenix); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Wm. Owen, Sergt. No.3659 Plymo. R.M.L.I.); Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Depot 183 W. Owen, Clr. Sgt. R.M.) the last extremely fine, otherwise with contact marks, nearly very fine (3)

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

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Approximately 55 M.S.M’s of this type were awarded.

William Owen was born on 26 December 1866 at Totnes, Devon, and enlisted on his nineteenth birthday in 1885. He served afloat in H.M. Ships LILY (1887-89), MILDURA (1892-95) and LION (1896-97) during which time he was promoted to Corporal in February 1893, and to Sergeant in October 1897, having gained his proficiency certificate to serve as a ‘Butcher’ in January 1891. He was drafted to H.M.S. CENTURION in March 1899 for duties ashore in the Wei-Hai-Wei garrison, in Hong Kong, and was subsequently sent to H.M.S. PHOENIX for the period 15 May 1900 to 24 August 1901. He was awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal on 17 September 1901, and on 17 June 1903 promoted to Colour Sergeant and pensioned on 8 January 1907. He was mobilised on 2 August 1914 for five years with the Portsmouth Divison until 18 October 1919. He received his M.S.M. in March 1943 prior to his death only nine months later on 17 December 1943. He is entitled to 1914 Star Trio for service in Ostend with the Portsmouth Battalion.