Lot 5148

Description

China War Medal 1900. J.Empson, A.B., N.S.Wales Nav. Contgt. Impressed. Toned extremely fine.

Private purchase in November 1978.

Able Seaman J.Empson; Emb.08Aug1900 on SS Salamis; RTA 25Apr1901 on SS Chingtu.

In a whaler boat race held off Taku on 14 September 1900, the day of the N.S.W. Contingent's departure to Tientsien, a crew from the contingent defeated the crack crew from HMS Dido easily. The latter were considered to be the champion team on the Mediterranean Station from which the Dido had just arrived. The course was a straight one of two miles finishing between the Salamis and the Dido. The contingent crew members were A.B. J.Woodcock (Bow), A.B. Lee (No.2), A.B. Naylor (No.3), A.B. J.Empson (No.4), A.B. J.Willis (Stroke) and P.O. J.Blacker (Coxswain).