Sergeant Instructor W. Armstrong of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps (SVC). The photograph was probably taken while Armstrong was visiting family in England. He has identified himself "with kind wishes" on the reverse of the card mount.

Armstrong was entitled to the 1900 China Medal for his services with the SVC during to so-called Boxer Rebellion. The Corps remained in Shanghai during the fighting so Armstrong's medal would have been issued without clasps.

 

Although Armstrong has given his rank as sergeant-instructor (colour-sergeant) his four gold chevrons show him holding the appointment of acting sergeant-major of volunteers when he sat for this portrait.

Cabinet Photograph
G. West & Son - Photographer
Eagle House, Gosport, England
15 September 1894