Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Corporal S. H. Beacham, Gordon Highlanders

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3911454 L.Cpl. . H. Beacham, Gordons); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, extremely fine (5) £600-800

M.M. London Gazette 22 April 1943. The recommendation states: ‘On the night of 15 January 1943, during the attack on Buerat position, L/Cpl. Beacham was in command of a forward section in the left leading company. A steady advance had been maintained when suddenly the Platoon discovered themselves in the midst of a dense anti-personnel and anti-tank minefield. Considerable casualties ensued as the mines exploded in all directions; his Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant being amongst those who were first hit. In a matter of seconds, man after man was knocked out by shrapnel from the bursting mines.

At this point the enemy began to put down mortar and machine gun fire on the minefield. Instantly realising that the safety of the men around him lay in his hands and that unless a prompt decision was made all his men would almost certainly become casualties, L/Cpl. Beacham took a prompt decision. He reconnoitred a route through the maze of mines and smoke out of the minefield, and then led the remnants of his command out of danger, losing not one man on the way.

His cool bearing and boldness of action kept the morale of his men alive in the most difficult of conditions, and there is no doubt that but for the personal courage, the calm bearing under fire and the powers of leadership displayed by this junior N.C.O. the casualties suffered would have been greatly increased.’