Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Canton 1857 (D. Ast. Comy. Genl. W. F. G. Servantes) officially impressed naming, scratching to obverse fields, otherwise toned, very fine £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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Roll confirms medal and clasp and notes that Servantes was attached to the Cooly Corps at Canton in 1860.

William F. G. Servantes was appointed Deputy Assistant Commissary General on the China Station on 2 January 1856. According to Hart’s Army List for 1862, ‘Mr Servantes served upwards of ten years in the 96th and 6th Regiments previous to entering the Commissariat. Was Interpreter to the Forces in New Zealand during the rebellion of the Southern Tribes, and as such was present at the attack on the fortified positions in the Horokiwi Valley, 6th August 1846 (mentioned in despatches), and on retirement of the troops from that place was left in command of the friendly tribes with whom he followed up and dispersed the rebels after a severe encounter with them on the summit of Ponawha Mountain. Served subsequently at Wanganui, New Zealand, in the same capacity and was present at the affair of St John’s Wood, July 1847 (mentioned in despatches). Served in the Crimean campaign from 1st October 1854 (Medal with three Clasps). Served subsequently in China, and commanded a company of the Chinese coolies “Bamboo Rifles” at the capture of Canton. Was present at that city during the attacks on it in 1858, and also with the expedition which was repulsed at the Taku Forts in 1859. Was also with the forces in the North of China in 1860 (Medal and Clasp).