China Medal 1900 awarded to Able Seaman J.C. Smith, H.M.S. Peacock, who would have seen service aboard the composite screw gun boat during the Boxer Rebellion in China.
China Medal 1900; (J.C. SMITH. A.B. H.M.S. PEACOCK)
Condition: Very Fine
John Charles Smith was born in Lydford, Devon and giving his occupation as Errand Boy joined up for 12 years on 10th August 1893 having previously served as a Boy sailor aboard H.M.S. Impregnable. He would be appointed an Ordinary Seaman aboard H.M.S. Orlando on 15th August 1893 and an Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. Orlando on 1st April 1894.
He would serve H.M.S. Peacock a composite screw gun boat during the Boxer Rebellion in China before transferring to H.M.S. Defiance on 29th June 1901 where he would be appointed Leading Seaman on 17th October 1901. He would go on to transfer to the Coastguard serving as a Boatman at Alderney and being awarded a Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 17th August 1908. He would continue to serve until 19th January 1933 being stationed at multiple bases including Alderney, Cleethorpes, Queenstown, Bristol and at Portsmouth.