The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Three: Baltic 1854-55 (G. R. Plumstead, Dr. 61st Co. R.M.L.I. 55) contemporary engraved naming; China 1857-60, 4 clasps, Canton 1857, Fatshan 1857, Taku Forts 1858, Taku Forts 1860, unnamed as issued; Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Sergt. G. R. Plumstead, Late 5th Co. Ch. R.M.L.I.) impressed naming, the first two with heavy contact marks and suspension repaired on the second, therefore good fine or better and rare (3)

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

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Collection

A total of 57 four clasp China medals issued to Naval recipients, including 23 to the Royal Marines.

George Plumstead enlisted as a Drummer on 9 September 1853 aged 15 years, and was drafted to H.M.S. COLOSSUS in 1854 for service in the Baltic. He joined H.M.S. CRUISER in 1856 for service on the China Station and took part in the actions at Canton & Fatshan in 1857 and also in the attack on the Taku Forts in 1858. He received two gunshot wounds during the attack on the Peiho Forts on the 25th of June 1859. He was subsequently present at the attack on the Taku Forts in 1860 and received the China medal with four clasps. He later served for a period of one year aboard H.M. Ships COSSACK, CUMBERLAND and ICARUS. He received promotion to Private in May 1861 and to Corporal three months later. In November 1862 he was promoted to Sergeant and to Colour Sergeant on 11 of November 1865. He twice lost his ‘Colours’, firstly in September 1866 for three years and in October 1870 - never to regain them. He was pensioned with 24 years service on 25 September 1877 and received his M.S.M. as a pensioner at some unknown date between 1885 and 1901.