China 1860 and French Crimea Medal to Gunner Roderick McKenzie 4 Bn Royal Arty

Second China War Medal (1860) Taku Forts 1860 and Pekin 1860. Correctly impressed Gunner Rodk McKenzie 4th Bn Royal Arty.

 

French Crimea Medal. Depot impressed R McKenzie RA 

 

Condition GF ( China suspender has professionally been reattached) 

 

Roderick McKenzie was born in Scotland in 1835. He attested on the 22nd of March 1853. In the early stages of his service, he was in constant trouble, and in the cells, he was entered 58 times in the regimental defaulter's book for his behaviour and twice tried by Court Martial. 

 

His behaviour improved, and he completed 21 years and three days of service. During that time, he served in the Crimea for two years and one month. He is also entitled to a four-bar Crimea Medal. Mckenzie served for two years and one month in China. 

 

The later part of his service was spent in Dublin, where his son Roderick McKenzie Jr was born. He left the Army in 1874 and settled in Hartlepool; the family resided in Ramsey Street. He passed away in 1893.

 

His son Roderick McKenzie Jr served in the Great War and was wounded. With his wife, Jane Maria, he had 18 children, with only three living past infancy. He committed suicide in 1953 by eating rat poison. His son Roderick McKenzie III was constantly in trouble for street betting and money lending. He died in an accident in 1942.