The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Pair: China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (J. H. Derkin, P.O. 2Cl. H.M.S. Centurion); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (150763 J. H. Durkin, P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. King Edward VII) contact marks, nearly very fine (2)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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John Derkin was born on 17 January 1874 at Rochester, Kent, and was a labourer prior to joining the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. ST VINCENT on 1 August 1889, aged 15 years. He was advanced to Boy 1st Class on 31 July 1890 and joined WALLAROO (March 1891) and CURACOA (November 1891) being advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 17 January 1892 and to Able Seaman on 17 January 1893. He subsequently served in this rate aboard VICTORY I (June 1895), EXCELLENT (August 1895), VICTORY I (September 1895), ALEXANDRA (October 1895), and CENTURION (February 1897). During service in the latter ship he was landed ashore and took part in the Relief of Pekin expedition and was wounded in action by a bullet wound to the neck at Hsiku on 22 June 1900. Whilst serving in CENTURION he was advanced to Leading Seaman on 26 April 1900 and to Petty Officer 2nd Class in July 1990. He next joined DUKE OF WELLINGTON (September 1901) and advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class in February 1903. He served in this rate aboard the following Ships: NELSON (April 1903), KING EDWARD VII (February 1905), VICTORY (March 1907), EXCELLENT (June 1907), VICTORY I (November 1907), DRAKE (July 1909), VICTORY I (March 1911), EDGAR (March 1913) and VICTORY I (January 1914). He was pensioned to shore on 27 January 1914 after 22 years adult service having been awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal in 1907. He was not recalled for war service in 1914-18.