Three: Band Master J. Ventham, Royal Marine Band, Late Royal Navy, Naval Long Service and Good Conduct, E.VII.R. (Bandmaster, H.M.S. Duncan), contact marks, nearly very fine; Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 'Ind. Imp.' (R.M.B., Bdmr. 1, 23.3.1946); Italy, Messina Earthquake Medal, silver, unnamed as issued, good very fine or better unless otherwise stated (3)

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Three: Band Master J. Ventham, Royal Marine Band, Late Royal Navy, Naval Long Service and Good Conduct, E.VII.R. (Bandmaster, H.M.S. Duncan), contact marks, nearly very fine; Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 'Ind. Imp.' (R.M.B., Bdmr. 1, 23.3.1946); Italy, Messina Earthquake Medal, silver, unnamed as issued, good very fine or better unless otherwise stated (3)

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Lot Essay

Band Master 1st Class John Ventham originally entered the Royal Navy as a Band Boy in 1888, aged 15 years. Employed aboard H.M.S. Terrible during the Boxer Rebellion and the Boer War, he transferred to the Royal Marine Band Service with the rank of Corporal in 1904. Advanced to Band Master 2nd Class, Ventham was a member of the entourage that accompanied the Prince and Princess of Wales on their successful tour of India and Burma during 1905-06. Awarded his L.S. and G.C. Medal in the latter year, he was aboard the Euryalus during the rescue operations that were mounted in the wake of the Messina Earthquake of 1908, the year in which he was finally advanced to Band Master 1st Class. Ventham was discharged through 'Length of Service' in 1912, but was recalled for the duration of hostilities and recommended for an M.S.M. in 1925. The latter honour, however, was not forthcoming until 1946.