Sold with recipient's Victorian Officer's Pouch and Pouch-belt and a most unusual and attractive red silk Chinese tunic, with decorated collar, sleeves and surround, as found by the recipient during his tour of duty in the Boxer Rebellion.

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Spinks Ross was born in Clough, County Antrim in October 1872 and studied medicine at Queen's College, Belfast prior to being commissioned into the Indian Medical Service in January 1899. He was subsequently among a small party of young I.M.S. Officers who met Queen Victoria at Netley Hospital, an encounter that ended with Her Majesty telling him to 'always be good' with the men in his care. Having survived this early encounter with active service, young Ross proceeded to China and was present in operations during the Boxer Rebellion. Advanced to Captain in January 1902 and to Major in July 1910, he was placed on the Retired List as a Lieutenant-Colonel in February 1922. In June 1916 Ross had married Irene Leefe Robinson, sister of the famous R.F.C. Pilot and V.C., and went into General Practice for over 20 years, dying in Sussex in May 1954.