China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (W. Barnes, Lg. Sean. H.M.S. Orlando) some contact marks, very fine £280-320

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Donald G. Mellen Collection.

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William Barnes was born in Thorngumbald, East Yorkshire on 5 October 1875. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 18 June 1891 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in June 1892. Serving on H.M.S. Ruby he was promoted to Ordinary Seaman in October 1893 and to Able Seaman in April 1894. Serving on H.M.S. Orlando he saw service in China and was promoted to Leading Seaman in April 1899; Petty Officer 2nd Class in May 1901 and Petty Officer in September 1901. Transferred to the Coastguard in July 1905-July 1914, latterly as a Leading Boatman. Recalled to the Royal Navy in August 1914, he served as Petty Officer 1st Class aboard the battleship H.M.S. Malaya, January 1916-June 1919 - seeing action at the battle of Jutland. Demobilised 2 June 1919. With copied service papers and roll extract.