China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (4874 Pte. T. Richards. 2nd Rl: Welsh Fus:) minor edge bruising, very fine £360-£440

Thomas Richards was born in Skewen, Neath, Glamorgan and attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Neath in November 1895, having previously served with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Posted to the 2nd Battalion in February 1896, he appears not to have been a ‘model soldier’ and was subjected to military discipline and imprisonment on several occasions, and was also tried by the ‘Civil Power’ for various offences. During his service he served overseas in Malta, Crete, Egypt, China and India, including active service during the Occupation of Crete, 1897-8; and during the Boxer Rebellion, 1900. He transferred to the Army Reserve in January 1904, and was discharged in December 1907.