China War Medal 1900
The China War Medal 1900 is a distinguished British campaign medal established to recognize the service of military personnel during the Boxer Rebellion. Approved on January 1, 1902, this award honors the bravery and commitment of British and Imperial forces who operated in China between June 10 and December 31, 1900.
Depending on the rank and role of the recipient, the medal was issued in different materials. Combatants received the medal in silver, while native personnel—specifically Indian drivers, bearers, and servants—were awarded the medal in bronze.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Established: January 1, 1902.
- Campaign: Boxer Rebellion (June 10 – December 31, 1900).
- Eligibility: British and Imperial land and sea forces.
- Materials: Silver (combatants) and Bronze (native servants/bearers).
- Physical Specs: 36mm diameter silver disk with a 32mm crimson ribbon featuring wide yellow edges.
Design and Physical Characteristics
The medal's design draws heavily from previous China War Medals issued in 1842 and the 1850s, though it features updated imagery reflecting the era of late Queen Victoria.
The Obverse
The front of the medal features a crowned and veiled effigy of Queen Victoria facing left. The perimeter is inscribed with the legend "VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX". This specific portrait was created by George William de Saulles—the same artist used for the Queen's South Africa Medal—replacing the earlier portrait by William Wyon to depict an older Queen.
The Reverse
The reverse side displays the Royal Arms shield, backed by a palm tree and a trophy of arms. Above the shield is the Latin inscription "ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACIM". The exergue (the space at the bottom of the coin) clearly identifies the campaign with the text "CHINA 1900".
To ensure authenticity and record-keeping, the recipient's name and specific service details were either engraved or impressed onto the edge of the medal.
Campaign Clasps
While some medals were issued without a clasp, others were awarded with one or more specific bars to denote participation in key engagements:
- Taku Forts: Awarded to Royal Naval personnel of the British contingent who participated in the attack on the Taku Forts along the Hai River on June 17, 1900.
- Defence of Legations: A rare clasp awarded to only 132 individuals. Recipients included Royal Marines, civilian volunteers, and the British Legation Guard who defended the Legation Quarter in Beijing for 55 days (June 20 to August 14, 1900).
- Relief of Pekin: Awarded to Royal Navy personnel and British and Indian army troops involved in the relief of the Legations in Peking between June 10 and August 14, 1900. This included those serving in the Gaselee Expedition or Vice-Admiral Edward Seymour's Naval Brigade.
Additionally, 555 naval personnel from Australian Colonial navies received the medal without a clasp, including 256 from the New South Wales Contingent, 197 from Victoria, and 102 from the South Australian gunboat Protector.
Summary of Medal Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 36mm |
| Ribbon Width | 32mm (1.25 inches) |
| Ribbon Colors | Crimson with wide yellow edges |
| Materials | Silver (Combatants), Bronze (Native personnel) |
| Obverse Portrait | Queen Victoria (by George William de Saulles) |
| Possible Clasps | Taku Forts, Defence of Legations, Relief of Pekin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was eligible for the China War Medal 1900?
The medal was available to British and Imperial land and sea forces who served during the Boxer Rebellion between June 10 and December 31, 1900.
What is the difference between the silver and bronze versions?
The silver medal was issued to combatants, whereas the bronze version was issued to native personnel, specifically Indian drivers, bearers, and servants.
How many people received the "Defence of Legations" clasp?
A total of 132 individuals received this clasp for their role in defending the Legation Quarter in Beijing for 55 days.
What does the Latin inscription on the reverse mean?
The inscription "ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACIM" is a traditional phrase found on China War Medals, appearing alongside the Royal Arms and a trophy of arms.
Did Australian forces receive this medal?
Yes, 555 naval personnel from the Colonial navies of Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia) were awarded the medal, though they received it without a clasp.