7. China - pictures from the 1920's

Below are two images showing modern day Shanghai from the air, the idea being to focus on the area which was frequented by the Royal Marines in the 1920's and 1930's. Credits Google Earth.

Modern day Shanghai. See the pins on the picture for details. The Huangpu River and the former Bund area on the right.

Former horse racing circuit in the centre, where a Royal Marine contingent were probably encamped during the period of Marine Cross' deployment to Shanghai in 1926-28.

The Bund at Edward VII intersection (modern day Waitan at Yan'an Road), Shanghai, looking north from the old semaphore on the Huangpu River.

Credit unknown: Sourced from the Internet

Royal Navy ships on the Huangpu River, alongside The Bund, Shanghai. To the left HMS Wolverine (D78) and to the right HMS Verity (D63) and probably HMS Dauntless in the centre.

Coffins, empty I would think, being carted through Shanghai during the early disturbances surfacing in the late 1920's.

A very open air Shanghai scene - haircut anyone?

A tender with Royal Marine personnel, the emblem on the side is that of HMS Dauntless. Marine Cross is sat right in front on the prow. Location unknown, but possibly Hong Kong if the hills, shallow (warm) water and warm weather are anything to go by.

The following two pictures shows Hong Kong, easily identified by the profile of the hills in the background. Also of significance is the partly visual outline of HMS TAMAR, the former Royal Navy base in Hong Kong. HMS Tamar has a long history within the Royal Navy and a basic Google will reveal much. It was very well known by all who served in the China Squadron, sailors and sea-soldiers (Marines) alike.

HMS Vindictive in Hong Kong and the famous Peak in the background. HMS Tamar, the Royal Navy base in Hong Kong, was in its early days a former Royal Navy ship by that name. Part of the remains (still in use when this picture was taken) can be seen centre right.

Hong Kong and the Royal Navy base HMS Tamar (centre left) with the outline of the Peak in the background. Picture is taken from the porthole of a ship, name unknown. 

Walking in the footsteps of history .... seen through the eyes of a young Royal Marine in the 1920's.

His service record also states the award of his first Good Conduct Badge, dated 15 August 1926.

A notable occurrence during this period was the award of his Royal Marines Second Class Certificate of Education, dated September 1927. It was awarded to him whilst embarked on HMS Dauntless by Lieutenant Colonel R.M. Gardiner, President of the School Committee, on behalf of the Commandant. The small blue certificate measures 5 x 3.5 inches and has the stationery reference number R292. (Revised - Nov., 1915.)

For those with a keen eye to the use of punctuation refer the bold text above as found on the certificate. Wonderful!

Second Class Certificate of Education