The blaze spread quickly, engulfing the workshops and threatening not only the Argonaut but numerous vessels including the RMS Empress Queen.

During this time, the Commanding Officer, Captain George H Cherry RN, issued some 600 punishment warrants, gaining a reputation as a stern disciplinarian.

As a consequence, the ship's officers ordered medals to be struck by Gamages of London as reward and mementos of their service under such a captain: on the obverse it read "Argonaut China 1900-1904" and showed a foul anchor (for the Royal Navy), a fleece (for Argonaut) and a dragon (for China); on the reverse are a cherry tree and a representation of the officers who survived the commission.

An honorary "Cherry Medal" was presented to King George VI; many others were lost with ships sunk in the First World War.

From June to September 1906, Argonaut was refitted for special service and in October, joined the Home Fleet.