Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Commander A. S. Chambers, Royal Navy

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Gambia 1894 (Mid., H.M.S. Raleigh); China 1900, 2 clasps, Taku Forts, Relief of Pekin (Lieut., R.N., H.M.S. Algerine); British War Medal 1914-20 (Commr., R.N.), mounted as worn, very fine and better (3) £1200-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals for the Boxer Rebellion 1900 to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

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H.M.S. Algerine was a Sloop of 1,050 tons, built in Devonport Dockyard and launched in June 1895. A total of 9 officers and other ranks of the ship were entitled to the China Medal with the two clasps. Clasps confirmed.

Arthur Sydney Chambers entered the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet on 15 July 1888 and was appointed a Midshipman on 15 February 1891. As such he was serving on the Raleigh and was with the Naval Brigade landed by Rear-Admiral F. G. D. Bedford at Bathurst on the River Gambia in February 1894. Together with elements of the West India Regiment, the expeditionary force was involved in the punishment of Chief Fodeh Silah who was involved in slave raiding. Chambers was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in September 1894 and to Lieutenant in August 1896. As a Lieutenant on the Algerine he served at the bombardment and capture of the Taku Forts, was slightly wounded and mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 5 October 1900 (Commander R. H. Johnston Stewart)) ‘Lieutenants Chambers and Duncan were indefatigable in the performance of their duties and in superintending the firing ...’ Chambers then landed with the Naval Brigade for the Relief of Pekin.