Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 239

(x) A rare Royal Marines M.S.M. group of three awarded to Colour-Sergeant P. Hoil, Royal Marine Light Infantry

Baltic Medal 1854-55, unnamed as issued; China 1856-60, 1 clasp, Taku Forts 1860, unnamed as issued; Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal, E.VII.R. (Philip Hoil, Colr. Sergt., R.M.L.I. 1st March 1906.), minor contact marks, very fine (3)

Philip Hoil was born at Stonehouse, Devon around 1836, being employed as a servant before enlisting with the Royal Marine Light Infantry at South Molton on 9 July 1854. Posted to the 36th Company, Plymouth Division on 11 July, he transferred to the 51st Company with H.M.S. Cornwallis on 15 February 1855. With her he saw action in the Crimean War in the Baltic Theatre before she was posted to the North American Station.

Joining the H.M.S. Princess Charlotte on 4 November 1857 he went with her to the Hong Kong Station and saw action in the Second Opium War with this vessel. Hoil’s service record states that he served disembarked during this period from 13 August 1858, including seeing action at the Capture of the Taku Forts in 1860. Promoted Sergeant after the end of the war on 3 September 1862 with the Plymouth Division he joined Royalist the next year.

Hoil was further advanced Colour-Sergeant on 16 July 1869 and went on to see service with a number of vessels including Sphinx, Aboukir and Niobe. He was discharged on 3 August 1875 and found work as an Assistant Warder, living at Lydford Barracks, it is likely that he was working at H.M. Prison Dartmoor; sold together with copied service papers and census data.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£600