China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Canton 1857 (Serjt. Alexr. Thompson, No. 6 B. 12th Bde. R. Art.) officially impressed naming, polished, otherwise nearly very fine £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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Alexander Thompson was born at Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, and attested for the Royal Artillery at Aberdeen on 24 November 1847, aged 19, a cooper by trade. He served abroad at Barbados for 1 year 10 months, and then in China for 1 year 8 months - including the operations at Canton in 1857 for which he received the medal and clasp. Although he achieved the rank of Sergeant at this time, several subsequent misdemeanours caused him to be reduced to Gunner until May 1868 when he was promoted to Bombardier, and to Corporal in September 1869. He was discharged in that rank at Dover Castle on 3 May 1870.

Sold with copied discharge papers which confirm medal and clasp.