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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 210

(x) China 1900, no clasp (W. Wallace., Ch. Sto., H.M.S. Orlando.), light contact marks, very fine

William Wallace was born in Southampton on 24 June 1868 and worked as a labourer prior to enlisting with the Royal Navy on 5 December 1886. His first appointment was as a Stoker aboard the H.M.S. Asia from the day of his attestation until being posted to H.M.S. Thunderer in April 1887. He served on a number of ships over the years and was advanced Acting Chief Stoker while serving aboard H.M.S. Majestic on 1 April 1897. The next year he was serving as Chief Stoker aboard the H.M.S. Victory from May to June 1898. Wallace was serving in this rank aboard the H.M.S. Orlando from 16 December 1899 until 25 July 1902, during which time the Orlando was stationed in China and participated in the Boxer Rebellion. His China 1900 Medal was delivered to him aboard Orlando on 25 June 1902.

Wallace continued to serve in the Royal Navy for much of the next decade, finally being shore pensioned in December 1908 from H.M.S. Hecla. His retirement was disturbed with the outbreak of the First World War, and he rejoined the Royal Navy from the Royal Fleet Reserve on 2 August 1914 at the age of 46. During the War, he served only aboard the H.M.S. Victory II and saw less than year of service before being invalided on 9 June 1915. The circumstances surrounding this are unclear, as are his whereabouts thereafter. However, records show that his pension was later claimed by his widow Sarah Ann Wallace; sold together with copied research.

Wallace was further entitled to a L.S. & G.C. Medal as well as a British War Medal.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£190

Starting price
£110