Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas

The rare Defence of Legations group of five to Colour-Sergeant A. E. Saunders, R.M.L.I., one of the three senior N.C.O.s of the Legation Guard at Peking

China 1900, 1 clasp, Defence of Legations (Sergt. A. E. Saunders, R.M.L.I.); 1914-15 Star (CH. 4932 Cr. Sgt. A. E. Saunders. R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (CH. 4932 A. E. Saunders. R.M.L.I.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (CH. 4932 A. E. Saunders, Colr. Sergt., R.M.L.I.) mounted court-style, very fine (5) £8,000-£10,000

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

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Of the 78 officers and men who comprised the Guard of the British Legations at Peking during the siege, Sergeants Murphy, Preston and Saunders were the senior N.C.O.’s under Captains Halliday, Strouts and Wray. Sergeant Saunders was mentioned in despatches by Sir Claude MacDonald, British Minister at Peking, ‘Those that came under my special notice were Sergeant Murphy, Saunders, and Preston, and Corporals Gregory and Gowney, who are all worthy of the highest praise’. Captains Halliday (awarded the V.C.), and Wray, and Sergeant Saunders were selected to receive their medals personally from the hands of King Edward VII at a special ceremony.

Alfred Edward Saunders was born in Cork, Ireland, on 20 August 1871, and enlisted into the R.M.L.I. at London on 20 September 1888. He joined ‘B’ Company at the Recruit Depot, Walmer, in September 1888 until posted to the Chatham Division in May 1889. Promoted Lance Corporal, April 1895; Corporal, September 1895; Lance Sergeant, January 1898; Sergeant, November 1899; Colour-Sergeant, January 1901. Discharged in February 1910, he was recalled for service on 2 August 1914, until demobilised on 1 May 1919.

Sold with copied record of service which confirms medal with clasp for Defence of Legations and records his death on 9 August 1958.