Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Petty Officer W. J. Shepherd, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve

China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (W. J. Shepherd, A.B., H.M.S. Centurion); 1914-15 Star (184293, W. J. Shepherd. P.O.1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (184293. W. J. Shepherd. P.O.1. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (184293( CH.B.3002).W. J. Shepherd. P.O. R.F.R.); Imperial Service Medal, G.V.R., circular type, 2nd issue (William John Shepherd) the first five mounted as worn, the last in case of issue, very fine or better (6) £300-£400

William John Shepherd was born at Bridge, Kent, on 25 May 1880. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class, and served in H.M.S. St Vincent from 12 June 1895. He was advanced Able Seaman in 1899, whilst serving in H.M.S. Centurion, and whilst in that ship landed with the Naval Brigade during the Third China War, taking part in the relief of Pekin. On leaving H.M.S. Centurion on 31 December 1900, Shepherd subsequently served in a number of other ships, and was advanced Petty Officer First Class in 1904, before joining the Royal Fleet Reserve on 5 August 1905.

On 13 July 1914, Shepherd joined H.M.S. Prince George, serving with this ship until 7 October 1915. After a short period at Pembroke I, he joined H.M.S. Wildfire on 15 November 1915, and served in her for the remainder of the Great War, before being finally discharged on 30 January 1919.