| Place | Asia: China, Peking |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/09931 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
de Saulles, George William |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1901 |
| Conflict |
China, 1900-1901 (Boxer Uprising) |
China Medal 1900 : Lancelot Giles, British Consular Service
Description
China Medal 1900 with the clasps 'DEFENCE OF LEGATIONS'. The recipient's details are impressed on the edge. Obverse: The crowned and veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX' around the rim. Reverse: A collection of war trophies, with an oval shield bearing the Royal Arms in the centre, all positioned under a palm tree. Above is the legend,'ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACEM'. In the exergue is 'CHINA 1900'. The medal is fitted with a straight bar suspender and has a piece of 32 mm wide crimson ribbon with yellow edges.
History / Summary
Lancelot Giles was a 22 year old Student Interpreter with the British Consular Service in Peking during the siege of the foreign legations by the Chinese 'Boxers' between 20 June and 14 August 1900 during the Boxer uprising. He had been appointed to the position in July 1899. The diary he kept detailing his experiences during the siege is held in the Private Records collection at PR84/027. Giles's entire working life was spent in the China in the diplomatic service. He died in 1934.