Orders, Decorations and Medals

A ‘North Africa’ M.M. group of four awarded to Battery Sergeant Major William Beckett, 111 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1061730 W.O.Cl.II, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal, good very fine (4) £300-350

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1943: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

‘W.O.II (BSM) William Beckett, 111 Field regiment, 8 Armoured Brigade, 2 New Zealand Division, 10 Corps. On 23 and 24 March 1943 during the advance on El Hamma, this Warrant Officer carried out his duties of ammunition replenishment within the Battery under heavy enemy gun fire, with the greatest devotion to duty; travelling between the gun detachments to his great personal danger, encouraging the men, helping with the evacuation of casualties, and on one occasion when enemy gun fire was especially heavy, helping in the detachment himself to replace a casualty.’ Awarded Immediate M.M. but originally recommended for a Periodic D.C.M.