Petty Officer John Derkin was born in Rochester, Kent in January 1874 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. Vincent in August 1889, aged 15 years. Advanced to Boy 1st Class in July 1890, he next joined H.M.S. Wallaroo, and in November 1891, H.M.S. Curacao, in which latter ship he was promoted to Ordinary Seaman in January 1892 and to Able Seaman in January 1893. Then following further appointments in H.M. Ships Victory, Excellent and Alexandra, he joined the Ship's Company of H.M.S. Centurion, gaining advancement to Leading Seaman in April 1900, while she was employed in Chinese waters during the Boxer Rebellion. Derkin was landed with the Naval Brigade to participate in the relief of Pekin and was wounded by a bullet to the neck at Hsiku on 22.6.1900. He was promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class in the following month and in February 1903, after service in H.M.S. Duke of Wellington, to Petty Officer 1st Class. Derkin was pensioned to shore in January 1914 after 22 years adult service. He had received his L.S. and G.C. Medal in 1907.