In the whole record of the operations in China there is nothing more stirring than the splendid effort made by Admiral Sir E H Seymour to relieve the Peking Legations at an early stage of their beleaguerment. In the mixed force under the Admiral's command there was a strong detachment of ordinary seamen from HMS Orlando. When within 23 miles of Peking the force had to retire, as it was utterly impossible to cut a way through the masses of well-armed Chinese troops between it and the capital. In the retirement, leading seaman George of the Orlando specially distinguished himself by his gallantry in towing junks full of wounded out of the enemy's fire. For this splendid action George was given the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, and was also presented with a gold medal by the United States Government.

Displacement: 5,600 tons.    Horse power: 8,500.    Length 300ft.    Beam: 56 ft.    Draught: 22 ft 6 ins.    Armament: two 22 ton guns, ten 6-pounder guns and ten 3-pounder quick-firers, and had a partial belt of 10 ins armour.   Speed:18.1 knots.    Complement: 484.

HMS Orlando.

Click here for photo purchasing options

HMS Orlando - Flagship on the Australian Station

The Orlando was a steel first-class cruiser and was completed for sea in 1888. She was built by Messrs Palmer at Jarrow and engined by the same firm. In 1896 she carried the flag of Rear-Admiral Cyprian A G Bridge.

HMS Orlando in 1902

The cruiser also served at the China Station during the Boxer Rebellion.

Midshipmen on the quarterdeck of the Orlando c.1900.

The "Orlando's" who fought gallantly at Tientsin were the first European force to arrive there.

The musicians of the Orlando who accompanied Admiral Seymour in his dash towards Peking acted as stretcher-bearers during the Boxer Rebellion.

The besieged soldiers of Peking and their relievers who are shown in Khaki uniforms c.1900.

HMS Orlando c.1902

Some of the hard fighters.  Captain Halliday R.M.L.I. is at the back.  Commander Wright is in the front row.

A Group of Orlando's Officers.  Some of the men who did good service in China

The Orlando's pet, Billy the Goat.

In the whole record of the operations in China there is nothing more stirring than the splendid effort made by Admiral Sir E H Seymour to relieve the Peking Legations at an early stage of their beleaguerment. In the mixed force under the Admiral's command there was a strong detachment of ordinary seamen from HMS Orlando. When within 23 miles of Peking the force had to retire, as it was utterly impossible to cut a way through the masses of well-armed Chinese troops between it and the capital. In the retirement, leading seaman George of the Orlando specially distinguished himself by his gallantry in towing junks full of wounded out of the enemy's fire. For this splendid action George was given the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, and was also presented with a gold medal by the United States Government. (text taken form army and naval illustrated 1900)