Pair: Sergeant William Henniker, Royal Marines

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., Anchor obverse, reverse inscribed, (W. Henniker, Serjeant, Chatham Division, Royal Marines, 22 Years, January 1840) fitted with scroll suspension; Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., dated ‘1848’ below the bust (Serg. W. Henniker, R.M. 16 Jan. 1849) officially engraved naming, mounted for wear, heavy contact marks, good fine and rare (2) £4,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2008.

Just 39 Royal Marine M.S.Ms. with ‘1848’ dated obverse issued, Henniker being the first listed recipient and one of only two recorded in combination with Anchor type L.S. & G.C. medal.


William Henniker was born in about 1799 in the Parish of Boughton, near Faversham, Kent. On 5 March 1818 he enlisted into the Royal Marines at Rochester, aged 19 years. On 5 January 1841, having served ‘upwards of twenty-two years with irreproachable character’, and that his service ‘has been distinguished by his good conduct’, he was recommended for the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. This was approved by the Lords Commissioners on 11 January, and he was awarded a gratuity of £15 and the Medal. At the time he was in the Chatham Division of the Royal Marines. Henniker continued to serve, and on 24 April 1849, having had 31 years service, he was awarded the very first Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal together with an annuity of £15 from that date. At the time he was ranked as a Sergeant, with the appointment of Drum Major, serving in the 17th Company Royal Marines. William Henniker died on 11 July 1876.

Sold with full copied research.