Description
Colour-Sergeant Thomas Smith, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who received a gunshot wound at the attack on D’Jebail on 12 September 1840.
He was born in the Parish of ‘Burbeigh’ [Burbage], near Marlborough, Wiltshire, on 20 November 1820, and attested for the Royal Marines at Portsmouth on 31 December 1838, having been enlisted ‘Sergeant Major Johnson Royal Marines’ two days earlier for a Bounty of three pounds.
He was promoted to Corporal on 1 October 1844, and to Sergeant on 16 March 1849 (whilst on board Trincomalee but not confirmed) until 16 August 1850, when he reverted to Corporal until 26 August 1851, he was promoted to Colour Sergeant. During this period his Attestation papers record that he ‘served during the operations on the Coast of Syria in 1840 and has the War Medal for that service with Syria Clasp and Turkish Medal [Private R.M., H.M.S. Hastings (Z/466)] – received a gunshot wound at the attack on D’Jebail on the 12 Sept. 1840 – Served in the Baltic during the Russian War and has the medal for that service – also served with the Provl. Batt. in China and present at the Capture of Canton in 1857 and destruction of the Chinese junks in Fatshan Creek. Served on board H.M.S. Cruizer & present at the attack of the Taku Forts in 1858, 1859 & 1860. 101 Co. Thomas Smith, Color Sergt. R.M.L.I. is entitled to reckon five Good Conduct Badges or five pence a day towards increase of Pension. 3 Medals & 1 Clasp.’
During his period of service Thomas Smith served afloat aboard Hastings, 27 May 1839 to 28 May 1842 [Syria operations]; Pique & Dee, 17 June 1842 to 9 April 1844; Trincomalee, 12 August 1847 to 16 August 1850; Duke of Wellington & Neptune, 20 October 1853 to 8 September 1855 [Baltic operations]; and Cruiser, 16 August 1856 to 1 May 1861 [China operations]. He was discharged from R.M. barracks at Forton, Gosport, on 11 May 1867, with a total service, including 8 years in the United Kingdom, of 22 Years 37 days and would have received his L.S. & G.C. medal at this time [roll for R.M. recipients is incomplete and his name is not amongst those found but is clearly so entitled; he is also entitled to the China medals with clasp for Canton 1857]. Note that the ‘3 Medals & 1 Clasp’ mentioned in his statement of service would not be including his L.S. & G.C. medal which he received after his discharge.
Sold with copied attestation papers and confirmation for all medals.
