CHINA MEDAL WITH DEFENCE OF LEGATIONS CLASP TO PVTE. A.G. MAYO, R.M.L.I. (COMMENDED BY ADMIRALTY & MEDAL PRESENTED BY THE KING)

Arthur George Mayo was born Bermondsey, London on 2 Jan 1879 and baptised at St. Olave's Church, Southwark.

Mayo worked as a printer's cutter before joining the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 29 Mar 1897, posted to the Royal Marine Depot Walmer and transferring to Chatham on 17 Dec 1897. Mayo first joined the crew of H.M.S. Centurion on 25 Aug 1898 and then H.M.S. Undaunted from 1 Nov 1898, switching back to H.M.S. Centurion on 15 Aug 1899, designated to the Wei-Hai-Wei Detachment.

Mayo was part of the Royal Marine Legation Guard at Peking, and present throughout the famous defence of the Peking Legation of June and August 1900.

Mayo was commended by the Admiralty (A.L. M. 15219 of 6 December 1900) for his engagement in defence of H.B.M. Legation, Peking. His China Medal with Defence of Legations clasp was one of 78 issued and Mayo was one of just 16 men whose medal was 'Presented by The King 8 Mar 1902' at the Royal Naval Barracks, Keyham. After the engagement, Mayo served aboard H.M.S. Glory, Humber, Tamar and the S.S. Shanghai, before service aboard H.M.S. Lancaster during the Messina Earthquake of 1908, being one of the 560 seamen entitled to the medal.

Mayo married Elizabeth Luckin at Chatham on 2 June 1910 and served at Home during WWI, entitled further to the Royal Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, issued on 7 Apr 1918.