A fine post-War ‘Malaya’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Corporal L. C. Bentley, Royal Hampshire Regiment

British Empire Medal (Military) E.II.R. (22882320 Cpl. Lawrence C. Bentley, R. Hamps.); General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., 1 clasp, Malaya (22882320 Pte. L. Bentley R. Hamps.) nearly extremely fine (2) £600-£800

Provenance: Richard Schweder Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2008.

B.E.M. London Gazette 31 May 1955:
‘In recognition of distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1 July to 31 December 1954.’

The original Recommendation, dated 8 November 1954, states: ‘On 8 March 1954 Corporal Bentley was a member of a patrol, which was wading the Sungei Kiau. The two leading men in the patrol suddenly got into deep water and were swept away. Corporal Bentley, who was third in the order of march handed his rifle to the man behind him and immediately swam to the assistance of the second man and swam with him to the bank. In the meantime the fourth man was swept away dropping both weapons. Corporal Bentley dived into the river which was flowing at some nine knots and brought him to the bank despite the fact that the man’s struggles threatened to drown both. Corporal Bentley then continued diving for two hours in water some 12-14 feet deep and himself recovered both weapons. Later that day the patrol had to cross the same river. While doing so the leading scout sustained an attack of cramp and was swept downstream and entangled in a fallen tree. Corporal Bentley again dived in, disentangled the scout and swam with him to the bank despite the fact that the scout was doubled up and incapable. Corporal Bentley then dived for the scout’s lost weapon and continued diving in the full force of the current and despite the entanglement of fallen trees until he recovered the weapon when about at the point of exhaustion.

On 8 July 1954 at 05:00 hrs Corporal Bentley was one of 16 men in the back of a semi-armoured 3 ton lorry which slipped off an estate road and turned over 1 and half times down a steep bank. Corporal Bentley immediately took charge of an extremely confused situation shouting at everyone to keep quiet and stop where they were. He himself visited every man to ascertain his injuries and by his presence of mind and cheerful encouragement controlled the situation until his platoon commander arrived.

At first light it was discovered that a Lance Corporal was trapped under the vehicle. Corporal Bentley worked continuously until 11:30 hrs to free the man, despite the chances of the lorry turning over again and killing both of them. The Lance Corporal was eventually released. Throughout both incidents Corporal Bentley’s complete disregard of fatigue and his own personal safety were an inspiration to all ranks.’