Royal Marine Light Infantry Historical Interest. Victorian C...

Estimate

£300 - £500

Royal Marine Light Infantry Historical Interest. Victorian C1880s binocular set belonging to Major General Sir David Mercer, KCB (1 July 1864 – 1 July 1920).
The binoculars in partial leather case with aluminium frame and leather cover are inscribed '' Capt D.Mercer R.M.L.I.'' Mercer was commissioned as an officer in 1883 and is referred to by the rank of Captain in dispatches of the London Gazette August 20th 1895. He later became commander of the 1st Royal Naval Brigade in 1914 and saw action in France, as well as the Siege of Antwerp before taking part in the Gallipoli landings in June 1915 during the First World War. The plan had been for Mercer to become military governor of Imbros but, after fierce fighting, he was evacuated from Gallipoli in December 1915. He became Adjutant-General Royal Marines on the 1st of June 1916 until his death in 1920 and was buried in Hamilton Road Cemetery in Deal.