Medals for the Boxer Rebellion 1900 to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines

The C.B.E. group of six awarded to Paymaster Rear-Admiral H. J. Hargraves, Royal Navy

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 1st type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, slight enamel damage to one arm; China 1900, 1 clasp, Taku Forts (Asst. Payr., R.N., H.M.S. Algerine); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (Paymr., R.N., H.M.S. Perseus); 1914-15 Star (Ft. Payr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Payr. Capt., R.N.), medals mounted as worn, very fine and better (6) £1200-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals for the Boxer Rebellion 1900 to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

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H.M.S. Algerine was a Sloop of 1,050 tons, built at Devonport and launched in June 1895. A total of 94 officers and men of the ship were entitled to the China Medal with the single clasp ‘Taku Forts’.

Hargreaves was severely wounded at the Taku Forts on 17 June 1900, by a shell wound to his abdomen, right hand and left leg.

C.B.E. London Gazette 12 July 1919. ‘Recommendation reads, ‘This officer who was serving in H.M.S. King George V Flagship of V.A.C. 2nd B.S. was specially selected to be a Naval Member of the N.A.C.B. [Navy and Army Canteen Board] and the senior Naval Member of the Board of Management on the inception of the N.A.C.B. He has carried out his difficult duties with the most conspicuous success. He has displayed great organising ability & has fully safeguarded Naval Interests. The successful administration of the Naval side of the N.A.C.B. and the great benefits which it has conferred on the service are largely due to his efforts’.

Herbert James Hargraves entered the Royal Navy as an Assistant Clerk, on 15 July 1890. He became an Assistant Paymaster in November 1894. For his services in China he was promoted to Paymaster in November 1900. He was advanced to Staff Paymaster in November 1904, Fleet Paymaster in November 1908 and attained the rank of Paymaster Captain in June 1921. He was awarded the C.B.E. for his services as a Naval Member of the Navy and Army Canteen Board. He later served as Head of the British Naval Mission to Greece (1922). Placed on the Retired List with the rank of Paymaster Rear-Admiral at his own request in July 1926, he died on 21 December 1933. Sold with copied service papers and recommendation.