Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Bomb Disposal’ George Medal group of four awarded to Corporal W. O. Bean, No. 77 Bomb Disposal Section, Royal Engineers

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (No. 2968034. Cpl. William Owen Bean, R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals, the 1939-45 Star and Defence Medal privately impressed (2968034 Cpl. W. O. Bean R.E. G.M.) very fine (4) £3400-4000

G.M. London Gazette 17 December 1940: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work.’

The original recommendation states:

‘On August 31st, 1940, at Middleton [Lancashire], several H.E. Bombs dropped near a thickly populated area, eight of the bombs failing to explode. Digging operations were commenced for the recovery of the bombs which had fallen on the bank of the railway and after digging a few feet bad ground was encountered which slowed up the progress of the work. Corporal Bean, by his example and coolness, expedited operations, and recovered the bombs which were successfully defused, thus expediting the return to their homes of several hundred people who had been evacuated.’

William Owen Bean attested for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, from 5th Manchester Regiment, at Clipstone Camp on 15 March 1919, aged 16 years 6 months, and served in India from March 1922 to January 1924. He was discharged on 14 March 1931. He attested for the Royal Engineers at Scarborough on 29 December 1939, a bricklayer by trade, and served with the B.E.F. in France from 24 January 1940 until invalided home on 1 May 1940. He was posted to 77th Bomb Disposal Section on 22 June 1940, and promoted to Sergeant on 9 November 1941. He was discharged on 17 October 1946, and died at Scarborough on 7 February 1954, aged 51. Sold with full record of service and Death Certificate.