Boxer Rebellion - RMLI - HMS Phoenix

[Quido]

On the 1901c. Grandfather Herbert Harry Pettit (b.1879) was a Gunner in the RMLI and part of the company of RN Sloop HMS Phoenix. On census night he is "borne for duty on railway between Tongkin and Peking".
We know that this is towards the end of the Boxer Rebellion and that in 1906 the Phoenix sank in Hong Kong harbour and was later raised and sold.
Does anyone have any ancestors who served at the same time as Herbert Harry or can throw any light on his military career....or on the part that the Phoenix or the RMLI played in this campaign.
We would greatly appreciate  any little piece of the jigsaw.

[mmm45]

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8073433&queryType=1&resultcount=14

Could this be him Royal Marine Artillery...?
Cant see an exact match for his name given on Service Records for RM.

Ady

[Quido]

Thank you so much. Everything seems to add up.
Before I start pressing keys. Any idea what this would give me?

[seaweed]

The logbook of HMS PHOENIX for the time in question is in the NA
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=8517490&CATLN=6&Highlight=%2CPHOENIX&accessmethod=0&j=1
Although primarily a navigational record it may, as you say, give you another piece of the jigsaw.

[neil1821]

I've had a look for him on the China 1900 medal roll, and he's not listed for HMS Phoenix at least.
If you download his documents and find out he served on another vessel immediately before, then let me know and I'll take another look.

[Quido]

Thank you all so very much......I'm on the case and will keep ypu posted

[Quido]

Thanks so much Addy for the link. I've downloaded Grandfather's service record, and would never have had the confidence or the expertise to do it without you......Amazing!

Neill.....could I ask you to have another look for that China Medal. It looks as though RMLI Gunner Harry Henry Pettit received it March 1903.....even though his service record says China Medal 1900.
 Prior to the Phoenix Grandfather was on the 'Hood' 7.10.1897 - 28.4.1900.
Between the Hood and the Phoenix, it says RM Arty. 29.4.1900 - 29.6.1900. Assume this is something to do with Artillery.

I'd also like to have a section of the Ship's Log but as he was on more than one ship.....not sure which one.
But thanks to all of you......I never dreamed I would get this far so quickly.

[neil1821]

OK then, I have found him on the China medal roll, and interestingly he's not listed in the company of any particular ship.
Gunner H.H Pettit, RMA6109 (so definitely the same chap) is shown as one of the 197 men garrisoning the North-West Fort at Taku. All no-clasp medals. Qualifying period for the garrison was 30th Jun to 31st Dec 1900

[Quido]

Thanks Neil. Grandfather was RMLI so strictly speaking was a marine.