Description East and West Africa Medal, bar Benin 1897, Ordinary Seaman John Barker, HMS Theseus, Royal Navy. In excellent preserved condition. Officially impressed: “J. Barker, Ord., H.M.S. Theseus.” Confirmed on the medal roll for the medal and clasp, the medal issued to him on 20th July 1898. With copy service papers. Due to his early discharge shortly after receiving the medal, it is in excellent condition. John Barker was born on 17th September 1878 in Birkenhead, Cheshire. He worked as a Bottler, prior to enlistment as a Boy 2nd Class aged 15 on 7th May 1894. He served at HMS Caledonia on 7th May 1894 becoming Boy 1st Class on 28th February 1895. After some time at HMS Pembroke I from 20th August 1895 – 13th January 1896, he was posted to HMS Theseus as Boy 1st Class on 14th January 1896. He served on the Theseus from 14th January 1896 until 6th August 1891, until he was invalided out of the service. During that period he became of age, becoming Ordinary Seaman on 17th September 1896.
