Private David Newland was born in the Parish of Landport, Portsmouth in August 1879 and attested for the Royal Marines at Eastney Barracks in September 1897. Joining H.M.S. Orlando in February 1899, he was subsequently 'landed as a guard to the British Legation, Pekin, and present during the siege' (ADM 159/16 refers). Newland transferred to the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class in January 1906.