Description
China Medal 1900, bar Relief of Pekin, William Keith Baillie, Able Seaman, HMS Centurion, served with the Naval Brigade during the Third Chinese War, the Boxer Rebellion.
Officially impressed: “W.K. Baillie, A.B., H.M.S. Centurion”
Confirmed on the medal roll for the medal and clasp.
With copy service records.
Petty Officer 1st Class William Keith Baillie, Royal Navy. A Scotsman, was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire on 13th January 1878.
He later died during 1936 in Larkhall, Lanarkshire.
Born in 1878, to William and Rose Baillie. His father was a Draper from Rigg, Ross and Cromarty, and his Mother came from Saddell, Argyllshire.
As a boy about 17 years old, he attested for service with the Royal Navy at HMS Northampton as a Boy 2nd Class.
His first proper ship’s posting came on HMS Volage from 16th October 1895 until 26th May 1896, during which time he became of age and was rated as an Ordinary Seaman on 13th Jan 1896.
He then served on HMS Alexandra from 27th May 1896 until 11th February 1897.
On 12th February 1897 he first joined HMS Centurion.
During this time advanced to Able Seaman A.B. on 2nd September 1897.
He would serve on board for over 4 years leaving on 19th Sept 1901.
During this time he saw service on board his ship in the Boxer Rebellion in China.
He would be one of the ship’s crew to go ashore with the Naval Brigade, taking part in the campaign to Relieve the siege at Peking, for which he earned the scarce clasp to his medal.
He was promoted to Leading Seaman of HMS Duncan on 26th April 1903.
Soon afterwards reaching Petty Officer 2nd Class of HMS Excellent on 1st November 1904.
Finally reaching Petty Officer 1st Class on HMS King Edward VII on 1st October 1905.
He went on to complete his 12 year terms of engagement on HMS Barfleur, being discharged on 13th June 1908.
He was not recalled for WW1, so did not earn any further medals.
