Four: Able Seaman J. E. MacLeod, Royal Navy, later Mercantile Marine

China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (J. E. Mc.Leod, A.B., H.M.S. Barfleur.); 1914-15 Star (193253, J. E. MacLeod, P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (193253 J. E. Mac Leod. A.B. R.N.) light polishing throughout, nearly very fine and better (4) £300-£400

John Evan MacLeod was born in Inverness on 6 November 1879. A telegraph assistant, he joined the Royal Navy on 19 April 1897, and witnessed extensive service aboard a host of ships including H.M.S. Barfleur from 1 October 1898 to 18 September 1900. In consequence, he was present on 9 June 1900 when a detachment from the Barfleur, led by Commander David Beatty, proceeded in an effort to relieve Pekin as part of a 2,000-strong Naval Brigade. The expedition witnessed severe fighting, casualties recorded at 2 officers and 63 men killed, 20 officers and 210 men wounded.

Advanced Able Seaman 9 November 1899, Petty Officer Second Class on 1 September 1904, and Petty Officer First Class on 12 June 1908 whilst aboard the pre-dreadnought battleship H.M.S. Triumph, MacLeod’s rise through the ranks hit a temporary snag in April 1911 when he was disrated for breaking out of ship. He remained in service with the Royal Navy during the Great War, the majority of time being spent aboard TB 29, before being shore pensioned on 17 December 1919. In need of further income, MacLeod took employment with the Merchant Navy before finally resolving to keep his feet dry and retiring home to Inverness in the early 1920s.

Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient as an Able Seaman in the Merchant Navy.