The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

China 1900, 2 clasps, Taku Forts, Relief of Pekin (J. W. Cackett, A.B., H.M.S. Algerine) nearly very fine

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

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James Cackett was born on 9 March 1876 in Bottesford, Leicester, and was a labourer prior to joining the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. St VINCENT on 15 September 1900. He transferred in this rate to LION (November 1901) and advanced to Boy 1st Class on 23 June 1902, serving next aboard VIVID I (March 1893), NEPTUNE (April 1893), ACHILLES (April 1893), CRUISER (May 1893) and EDGAR (August 1893). Whilst in the latter vessel he was advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 9 March 1894 and to Able Seaman on 1 December 1895. He served the remainder of his Naval career in this rate aboard the following ships and shore establishments: VIVID I (August 1896), CAMBRIDGE (October 1896), DEFIANCE (August 1897), VIVID I (September 1897), VIVID I (October 1897), BLONDE (March 1899), VIVID I (November 1899) and ALGERINE (February 1900). Whilst serving in ALGERINE he was landed in China for service with the Naval Brigade. He next joined CAMBRIDGE (April 1901), VIVID I (September 1901), TRIUMPH (October 1901), VIVID I (October 1901) and CLEOPATRA (June 1902) and was invalided ashore from the latter vessel on 10 September 1903.

He joined the R.F.R. for 5 years at Devonport on 12 October 1903 and re-enrolled for a further 5 years on 12 October 1908. He was mobilised on 2 August 1914 for service aboard JUPITER, next joined VIVID I (May 1915) and then GUNNER I (November 1916). The latter vessel was a shore base for ‘Q’ ships. He served next aboard VIVID III (May 1917) before returning to VIVID I (September 1917) and remained in this ship until demobilised on 22 January 1919. Character ratings of ‘good’ in 1896, 1898 and 1902 along with time in cells debarred him from being awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal.