Six: Captain J. W. Checkland, Royal Engineers

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (1861057 W.O. Cl.II J. W. Checkland. R.E.) mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £80-120

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 January 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

Joseph William Checkland was born in Birmingham on 14 May 1902, and in June 1938 he proceeded to Gibraltar as a Quarter Master Sergeant Clerk in the Royal Engineers. Advanced Acting Clerk of Works Sergeant Major, he was commissioned Lieutenant Quartermaster on 4 February 1941, and it was for his services in this role that he was Mentioned in Despatches. He was later advanced War Substantive Captain whilst employed as a Surveyor of Works. Checkland relinquished his commission on 17 November 1947, and subsequently enlisted into the ranks in the Territorial Army. By August 1951 he was a Civilian Engineer in Gibraltar, and died in Birmingham in January 1984.