Description China 1900, bar Relief of Pekin, Sick Berth Assistant H.A. Holland, HMS Endymion, a scarce Medical Rating with the Naval Brigade. Officially impressed: “H.A. Holland, S.B.A., H.M.S. Endymion.” Confirmed on the medal roll for the medal and clasp Relief of Pekin. This medal being recorded as issued to him at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham on 23rd June 1902. He served as a Chief Sick Berth Steward during World War 1, and would have been entitled to a 1914-15 Star trio, however the roll notes that these were all Forfeited when he mysteriously deserted the service at Queensferry Hospital during 1917. With copy service papers and medal roll. Harry Augustus Holland was born on 14th February 1875 in Broadstairs, Kent. The son of William and Rachel, being baptised at Holy Trinity on 30th May 1875. Working as a Plumber he changed his career to join the Royal Navy, as a Probationary Sick Berth Assistant at Haslar Hospital on 1st July 1896. He married Amy Hunt on 18th April 1898. Becoming Sick Berth Assistant on 14th October 1896. He joined the crew of HMS Endymion on 10th June 1899 and served on board until 4th June 1901, during that time advanced to Sick Berth Stewart on 11th March 1901. Serving on HMS Bonaventure from 5th June 1901 – 29th August 1901 HMS Pembroke, 30th Aug 1901 – 6th Oct 1901 Chatham Hospital, 7th October 1901 – 17th October 1902, during which time he received delivery of this medal. Harry continued his long career, and was advanced to Chief Sick Berth Steward during 1912. He saw the following service around the time of WW1: HMS Hibernia – 14th May 1912 – 3rd April 1916 HMS Pembroke, 4th April 1916 – 14th April 1916 Queensferry Hospital (HMS Crescent), 15th April 1916 – 2nd September 1917. This is when rather strangely he chose to “Run” on 2nd September 1917 and absconded from service. He was close to pension and was likely due to be released to a full pension after the war concluded. It is not clear what became of him, no death details have surfaced, in 1921 his wife, Amy Holland is found in Brighton working as “Useful help” being noted as Single, suggesting Harry ran away from his home and the navy, or ended up dead.
