China Medal 1900 (S. RICHARDS. 2ND S.B.S., H.M.S. ALACRITY.)
Samuel Richards was born in St Blazey, Cornwall on 8 May 1874 and enlisted with the Royal Navy on 1 April 1896 as a Sick Berth Attendant. He saw service in the Boxer Rebellion in China whilst aboard the "Alacrity" - a Royal Navy despatch vessel. He was not one of the crew who went ashore, specifically during the Battle of the Taku Forts in June 1900, where its commander led a multinational landing force. The ship, under Commander Christopher G. F. M. Cradock, saw action with Allied forces during the assault on the forts and subsequently in operations during the Relief of Peking.
Richards was awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on 19 April 1911 and was also active in WWI aboard the Vera and, latterly the Leon; but spent most of the war attached to the Plymouth Hospital as a Sick Bay Steward. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his efforts. He was demobbed in 1921.
Medal is in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research. The WWI pair and LSGCM (1911) are not included.
