Eight-Nation Alliance
Transport Medal
(Full Size, With South Africa & China Clasps)
八國聯軍
運輸獎章
(官方版,附南非&中國)
Item number: M196
Year: AD 1903
Material: Silver
Size: 126.0 x 36.3 x 3.1 mm
Weight: 41.85 g
Provenance: Morphy Auctions 2023
This is a medal issued by the British Admiralty on September 9, AD 1903, on the birthday of King Edward VII, to reward all the commanding officers of 117 transport ships and 11 medical ships that made contributions to logistics during the Second Boer War and the Eight-Nation Alliance. The issuance of the “Transport Medal” amounted to 1719 pieces.
The medal is circular in shape, with a swivel straight bar suspension with claw for attaching the ribbon. The ribbon features a red background with blue edges and is accompanied by two styles of clasps: “South Africa 1899-1902” and “China 1900”. According to records, 1219 individuals received the medal for their service in South Africa, 322 for their service in China, and 178 for service in both theatres. The recipient of this medal, E.J.P. Clowser, participated in support operations during both the South African and Chinese conflicts.
Medals Received | South Africa | China | Both | Total |
Masters | 122 | 38 | 34 | 194 |
Officers | 515 | 145 | 71 | 731 |
Engineers | 475 | 135 | 66 | 676 |
Surgeons | 68 | 4 | 1 | 73 |
Pursers | 39 | 0 | 6 | 45 |
Total | 1219 | 322 | 178 | 1719 |
The obverse of the medal features a left-facing portrait of King Edward VII in military attire, with the Latin inscription “EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR,” signifying Edward VII’s imperial title. On the reverse side is the silhouette of the RMS Ophir, a British Royal Mail ship, against a background of a world map. Completed in AD 1891, the RMS Ophir was responsible for postal services connecting the British Empire and colonial Australia. In AD 1900, then Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary, voyaged on the RMS Ophir to Australia, attending the opening of the new Australian Parliament in Melbourne and expressing gratitude for Australia’s support during the Boer War.
The Latin inscription “OB PATRIAM MILITIBUS PER MARE TRANSVECTIS ADJUTAM” translates to “For service in transporting troops by sea.” Below the medal’s edge is engraved the name of the recipient, “E.J.P. Clowser.” If the recipient is a master, the word “In Command” will be added after their name to distinguish their rank.
As the twentieth century approached, the British Empire engaged in military actions in locations such as South Africa and China, relying heavily on the empire’s formidable maritime capabilities to deploy troops. Following the conclusion of the Second Boer War, the British government decided to establish a medal named the “Transport Medal” to be awarded to non-military units as a method of recognition for similar situations in the future. However, with the outbreak of the First World War, the British government additionally created different medals. Ultimately, this medal was only awarded to non-military British ship personnel who supported the campaigns in South Africa and the Eight-Nation Alliance.
物件編號: M196
年代: 公元 1903 年
材質: 銀
尺寸: 126.0 x 36.3 x 3.1 mm
重量: 41.85 g
來源: 莫菲拍賣 2023
這是一枚公元1903年9月9日,英國海軍部在英王愛德華七世生日之際,為資勵在第二次布爾戰爭和八國聯軍戰役,為後勤付出貢獻的117艘運輸船和11艘醫療船的全體指揮人員,頒發的「運輸獎章」發行量為1719枚。
獎章外觀為圓形,以帶有鉚釘的帶爪旋轉直桿懸掛銜接綬帶。綬帶配色為紅底藍邊,附有「南非1899-1902」和「中國1900」兩種銘條。按照紀錄獲得南非/中國/兩者兼具的人數,分別為1219 / 322 / 178人。該獎章的得主E.J.P. 克勞瑟,參與過南非和中國戰事的支援行動。
獲獎者身分 | 南非銘條 | 中國銘條 | 兩者兼具 | 總計 |
船長 | 122 | 38 | 34 | 194 |
船副 | 515 | 145 | 71 | 731 |
輪機長 | 475 | 135 | 66 | 676 |
船醫 | 68 | 4 | 1 | 73 |
管事 | 39 | 0 | 6 | 45 |
總計 | 1219 | 322 | 178 | 1719 |