Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant Richard Benson, Royal Marine Artillery

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (R. Benson. Corpl. R.M.A. H.M.S. “To.....line”) naming weak in parts from edge bruising; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Richard Benson. Sergt. (R.M.A.) H.M.S. Tourmaline; Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed as issued, heavy pitting from star, therefore fine (3) £140-£180

Richard Benson was born at Raymunterdoney, Falcarragh, Donegal, Ireland, in December 1851. A clerk, he attested for the Royal Marines at Londonderry on 8 December 1871, joining the Recruit Depot at Walmer as a Private the same day. Posted to 11th Company Royal Marine Artillery as Gunner, 14 June 1872; he subsequently joined H.M.S. Charybdis, 24 September 1873, H.M.S. Swinger, 30 May 1874, H.M.S. Princess Charlotte, 6 July 1874, H.M.S. Victor Emanuel, 1 December 1874, H.M.S. Iron Duke, 1 January 1875, H.M.S. Charybdis, 27 January 1875, admitted to Hospital 1 May 1877, H.M.S. Tamar, 8 May 1877, joined 11th Company R.M.A. 26 July 1877, promoted Bombardier and joined 5th Company R.M.A, 30 January 1879, promoted Corporal and joined 13th Company R.M.A., 30 June 1880. Joining H.M.S. Tourmaline, 11 November 1881, he took part in the Egyptian operations of 1882, was promoted Sergeant, 19 October 1882, and awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal on 8 June 1883, joining “G” Company R.M.A. 26 November 1884, H.M.S. Shannon 7 May 1890 and “G” Company R.M.A. 6 April 1892. He was discharged to pension on 9 December 1892.