Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Defence of Legations group of five awarded to Private J. D. Newland, Royal Marine Light Infantry, later Stoker Petty Officer, Royal Navy

China 1900, 1 clasp, Defence of Legations (Pvte. J. D. Newland, R.M.L.I.); 1914-15 Star (309524. J. D. Newland. S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (309524 J. D. Newland. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (309524. J. D. Newland, S.P.O. H.M.S. Concord.) minor edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise generally very fine and rare (5) £12,000-£15,000

Provenance: China medal, Dix Noonan Webb, July 1992 and March 2014; since reunited with Great War and L.S. & G.C. medals.

James David Newland was born at Landport, Portsmouth, on 29 August 1879. He enlisted into the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Eastney Barracks on 28 September 1897, and embarked for sea service aboard H.M.S. Orlando on 16 February 1899. He was landed as guard to the British Legation, Pekin, on 30 May 1900, and was present during the siege, in respect of which service he was allowed six months extra service towards engagement, good conduct badges, and pension.

Newland transferred to the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class (ON 309524) on 14 January 1906, and was advanced Stoker Petty Officer on 1 July 1914. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Southampton from the outbreak of War to 21 February 1916, and in H.M.S. Concord from 18 December 1916 to the cessation of hostilities, with the remainder of 1916 spent in various shore based establishments. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 7 March 1917, and was shore demobilised on 14 July 1919. He subsequently joined the Royal Fleet Reserve.