KING, Henry William Ford

Display Number:  0308  
Name:  King  Henry William Ford
Rank:  Acting Chief Master at Arms Service Number:  Chatham Port Division 119081
Date Joined:  (1) 11th March 1882, (2) 10th August 1914 Date Discharged:  (1) 31st March 1905, (2) ca. 1919

Henry King joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in 1882, serving in the Seaman Branch till 1893. He was the transferred to Naval Police Branch (Regulating Branch) with the rank of Ship's Corporal 1st Class. From 1896 until 1917 he was rated Master-at-Arms and from then until he left the service as an Acting Chief Master-at-Arms. While serving in HMS Bacchante in late 1885 he participated in a police action when a British force proceeded up the Irrawaddy River to Mandalay, Burma, to overthrow a local king. This action eventually resulted in the annexation of Upper Burma by the United Kingdom. For his part in this action he was awarded the India General Service Medal with the clasp 'Burma 1885-1887'. He retired from the Royal Navy in in 1905, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve and participating in annual drill meetings until he was mobilised at the outbreak of the First World War. He spent most of his war career in shore establishments.Following the end of the war King settled in British Columbia, Canada. 

 
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Medal Description (Left to Right):  
  • India General Service Medal (Burma 1885-1887 Clasp) - Issued to cover minor campaigns in India. At first it was awarded in silver to all ranks regardless of race or branch of the services, but from 1885 onwards it was issued in bronze to native support personnel such as bearers, sweepers and drivers.
  • 1914-15 Star - Awarded to servicemen and servicewomen who served between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 in any "theatre of war", provided they had not qualified for the 1914 Star. Those eligible for the medal must have 'served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war' during the relevant dates of operations in that area. This included service in Gallipoli (25 April 1915 - 31 December 1915), Egypt (5 November 1914 - 31 December 1915) and service during the capture of German Samoa on 29 August 1914.
  • British War Medal - Recognises the successful conclusion of the First World War. Its coverage was later extended to recognise service until 1920, recognising mine clearing operations at sea, and participation in operations in North and South Russia, the eastern Baltic, Siberia, the Black Sea and the Caspian.
  • Victory Medal - Was issued to all those who had already qualified for the 1914 Star or the 1914-15 Star, and to most persons who had already qualified for the British War Medal. It was awarded to all New Zealand troops serving overseas, except for those who arrived in Samoa after 30 August 1914 and those serving in Great Britain only. It is also sometimes referred to as the "Allied War Medal", because the same basic design and double rainbow ribbon were adopted by 13 other allied nations.
  • Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 1877 - 1901 - Originally awarded for 21 years exemplary conduct, but the period was reduced to 10 years in 1874, then later increased to 15 years. In March 1981 commissioned officers became eligible after 15 years service, provided at least twelve of those were served in the ranks. 

Note: The medal on the far right is the Canadian Legion Medal issued to MAA King.