China 1857-60, no clasp (Corpl. Wm. Hughes. 10th. C. Royal Engrs.) polished, nearly very fine £180-£220

William Henry Watson Hughes was born at sea off the coast of Sardinia in 1838 and attested as a Bugler in the Royal Sappers and Miners on 3 January 1851, aged 12 years and 11 months. He served under Major Maitland in the 10th Company, Royal Engineers during the Second China War, later stating that he lost the sight of his right eye from disease contacted whilst in China in 1859. Advanced Sergeant Major on 22 October 1867, he was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in January 1877, and was discharged on 20 January 1877, after 21 years and 7 days’ service, subsequently joining the police. He died in Devon in 1911 aged 73.

Sold with copied service papers and other research.