Description
China Medal, 1900, no bar, E. Hooper, A.B. H.M.S. Linnet.
Rarely seen to this ship, only 95 medals were awarded to the small Composite Screw Gunvessel HMS Linnet.
Officially impressed: “E. Hooper, A.B., H.M.S. Linnet.”
Edward Hooper, was born on 12th June 1874 in St Saviours, Surrey.
He was an “Exmouth Boy” destined for the Royal Navy, who were mostly workhouse boys and orphans who were transferred to training ships in hopes they could instead be trained for the Navy.
Young Edward grew up on the Sail Training Ship Exmouth at Grays, Essex, once he turned 15, he first attested for the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on HMS Impregnable, 24th October 1889.
During the period of the 3rd China War, the Boxer Rebellion, he was serving on board H.M.S. Linnet, from 19th May 1898 until 17th July 1901.
He was discharged on 11th June 1904 to the Royal Fleet Reserve, following 12 years service since the age of 18.
He returned immediately 10 years later as World War 1 began, joining HMS Victorious as an A.B. on 2nd August 1914.
He saw service for 4 years on HMS Imperieuse from 16th February 1915 until 27th February 1919.
Entitled to the 1914-15 Star trio for his service in WW1.