Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Royal Navy Long Service Medal awarded to Private J. Buckler, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was wounded during the Defence of Legations, Pekin, on 1 July 1900

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (Po.9286 John Buckler. Private, R.M.L.I.) suspension re-affixed, edge bruising, nearly very fine £400-£500

John Buckler was born in Southampton on 5 June 1878. A tailor by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Eastney on 3 September 1897. On 30 May 1900 he arrived in Pekin as a Guard to the British Legation and, serving during the siege, was wounded on 1 July (London Gazette 11 December 1900). For his services at the Defence of Legations he was awarded the China Medal with clasp on 4 July 1902.

Remaining in the Royal Marines, Buckler was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 23 July 1912, and served throughout the Great War at H.M.S. Egmont (Malta). He was discharged on 3 March 1918, and enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. He died at the R.N. Hospital at Bighi Calcara, Malta, on 19 October 1934, and is buried in the R.N. Cemetery at Cappuccini, Calcara, Malta.