China Medal

Description

China War Medal (1900)

Eligibility

The China War Medal (1900) was awarded to British and Indian forces who served during the Boxer Rebellion in China between June and October 1900. It recognised participation in the international military campaign to relieve foreign legations under siege in Peking (Beijing) and to restore order.

Design

The medal is circular and made of silver. The obverse features the crowned effigy of Queen Victoria with the inscription “VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX”. The reverse shows a trophy of arms with a shield bearing the royal coat of arms, above the word “CHINA”. Recipient details are engraved on the rim. Replicas are marked with the word “COPY”.

Ribbon

The ribbon is crimson with yellow edges. The colours symbolise the danger of the campaign (crimson) and imperial service in the East (yellow).

Clasps

One clasp was authorised:

Relief of Pekin – For those who took part in the march to and relief of the besieged legations in August 1900.

Symbolism

The China War Medal reflects international cooperation and military intervention during a key moment in late imperial China. It honours service under extreme conditions in a politically volatile and dangerous mission.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the China Medal: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

China Medal: mounting options explained

Every replica medal can be supplied loose or mounted ready to wear. Here's how the options differ, so you can choose the right one.

Court mounted Required for serving ADF members

The medals are fixed to a stiff backing board so they sit flat and stay in line while worn. It's the neatest presentation, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force are required to wear their medals court mounted.

Swing mounted Traditional style

Each medal hangs freely from its ribbon below a top bar. This was the usual style from the Boer War through to World War II, and there are no fixed rules about who can wear it.

Ribbon bar For everyday uniform wear

Just the ribbons, mounted in order of precedence on a small bar. Ribbon bars are worn on uniform day to day, when full medals would be impractical.

Unmounted Medal and ribbon supplied separately

The medal and ribbon come as separate parts, ready for you or your mounter to assemble. Full size medals come with 30cm of ribbon and miniatures with 15cm.

Full size or miniature?

Miniatures are mounted the same way at a smaller scale. They're worn at evening and formal events, generally anything after 6pm such as dinners, where full size medals would be impractical.

Pin or magnetic?

Every style comes with a traditional pin or a magnetic fitting. Magnetic mounts hold firmly without putting holes in your jacket or uniform, and are easier to put on and take off, which helps anyone with limited dexterity.