Three: Chief Artificer Engineer W. Thompson, Royal Navy

China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (E.R.A. 3Cl., H.M.S. Centurion); British War and Victory Medals (Ch. Art. Eng., R.N.) nearly extremely fine (3) £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Ron Tuppen Collection of Naval Medals to Engine Room Officers.

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William Thompson was born in Cleator Moor, Cumberland on 1 June 1869. A Fitter & Turner by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class on 5 November 1894. Confirmed in his rank in February 1896, he was advanced to an E.R.A. 3rd Class in November 1897. Serving on Centurion, February 1898-September 1900, he saw service in the China War, taking part in the relief of Pekin - it being unusual for an E.R.A. to actively serve with a naval brigade on land. Serving on the Duke of Wellington, he was advanced to E.R.A. 2nd Class in November 1901 and C.E.R.A. 2nd Class in December 1902. On 1 April 1903 he was commissioned an Artificer Engineer and attained the rank of Chief Artificer Engineer in October 1914. In 1915 he was employed on instructional duties. With copied service papers and other research.