Hong Kong Plague Medal awarded to George Smith RN. Obverse: Male and female figures ministering to a sick man, the former with left hand warding off a figure of death. Two Chinese characters (left) 'Hong Kong'. Reverse: legend and Inscription: 'PRESENTED BY THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY FOR SERVICES RENDERED DURING THE PLAGUE OF 1894'. Inscription on edge: 'George Smith R.N.' Fitted with a loop and suspended from a bar and scarlet ribbon with yellow edge and two yellow lines down the centre. The medal was issued in silver to ratings and in gold to officers.

On June 9th, sick bay man George Smith and a sick bay steward from the Royal Naval Hospital, were sent to help close down the Glass House Hospital - a charitable, Chinese-run establishment. Patients were transfered to Canton or the temporary Slaughter House Hospital. Smith is perhaps the same person as Sick Bay Steward George Smith of HMS 'Egmont'. This is one of only about six such medals awarded to Royal Navy Ratings.