Strong Australian connection

Size
Medal measures 3.5cms across

Medium
Military & Wartime

Literature
The China Medal was awarded to British and Imperial forces for service during the 'Boxer Rebellion' of 1900. Western missionaries and Chinese Christians were under attack from a group calling themselves the 'Righteous and Harmonious Fists' also known euphemistically as the 'Boxers' who had set out to ruthlessly destroy their cultural and religious influence in China. In response nine countries including Britain and Australia sent military forces to China to protect their citizens. This award to W.H. LITTLEFIELD. A.B. H.M.S ARETHUSA was one of over 8000 issued to British recipients. However, of significant interest to Australian collectors is that Littlefield later emigrated to Australia and was in charge on the Signal Station at Watson's Bay, on June 1st, 1942, the night that the Japanese midget submarines attacked Sydney Harbour.