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Auction: 13001 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 303

China 1900, two clasps, Taku Forts, Relief of Pekin (J. Thornton, Pte. R.M., H.M.S. Orlando.), pawn broker´s mark to edge at 10 o´clock, good very fine

Private John Thornton, born Sailmore, Cheshire, 1873; enlisted Royal Marines, 1892; service included in H.M.S. Orlando, 25.5.1900-22.3.1902; during the latter period he was landed in China for service on shore with the Naval Brigade, and was present at the Defence of Tiensin on 30.5.1900, the capture of the Taku Forts, the Relief of Tiensin on 17.6.1900, and at the capture of the Tiensin Arsenal on 27.6.1900; subsequent service included in H.M.S. Ocean and the Defiance; he deserted from the Defiance, 1.2.1904; he returned to ship two days later and served for a further 20 days before he was discharged from the Royal Marines and the notation on his service record that ´the corner of his parchment certificate was to be cut off´. This was to ensure that he would not again be allowed to enter the services. Unusually his service certificate also carries the note that on 24.2.1904 he was deprived of his China Medal.

Approximately 81 two clasp medals issued to H.M.S. Orlando.

Provenance:
Douglas-Morris Collection, February 1997
Spink, June 1999

Sold for
£700