History

The China War Medal was established in 1843 following the end of the First Opium War (1839-1842). It was awarded to all Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and enlisted men of the British Army, the Royal Navy, and the Honourable East India Company Army in recognition of their participation in the following battles: the First Battle of Canton (1841), the Second Battle of Canton (1841), the First Capture of Chusan (1840), the Second Capture of Chusan (1841), the Battle of Amoy (1841), the Battle of Ningpo (1842), the Battle of Chinhai (1841), the Battle of Tzeki (1842), the Battle of Chapu (1842), the Battle of Woosung (1842), and the Battle of Chinkiang (1842).

The reverse features a Latin inscription that translates to "To demand peace by force of arms."

There is an additional, original version of the Medal which differs in design. The original version features a crowned lion trampling a Chinese Dragon on the reverse. The design was deemed offensive and replaced, but some medals are in existence.

There may be additional versions that differ in size.