Pair: Ordinary Seaman Richard Head, Royal Navy, who was landed from H.M.S. Duncan in 1908 to assist in rescue operations following the Messina earthquake

China 1900, no clasp (R. Head, Ord., H.M.S. Barfleur.); Italy, Messina Earthquake 1908, silver, unnamed, very fine (2) £300-£400

Richard Head was born in Bromley, Kent, on 8 August 1879, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 8 February 1897. He saw service in China whilst serving in H.M.S. Barfleur from October 1898 to April 1902. Whilst serving in H.M.S. Duncan from 17 August 1908, he was one of the men who landed from the ship to participate in the rescue operations at Messina. During this time, the battleship Duncan transported the R.A.M.C. field hospital to Catona, while her men rescued dozens of Italians from wrecked inland villages. Head left the Navy on 7 August 1909, C.S. Time expired, but was recalled for service during the Great War and is entitled to the 1914-15 Star trio. Sold with copied record of service.