Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare post-War ‘Eritrea’ B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant H. F. Willis, Royal Hampshire Regiment, attached Royal Berkshire Regiment

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (22250806 Cpl. Henry F. Willis. H.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (22250806 Sgt. H. F. Willis. (B.E.M.). R. Berks.) mounted as worn, edge bruise to last, very fine (7) £400-£500

B.E.M. London Gazette 23 October 1951:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Eritrea.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Corporal Willis was in command of a railway Littorina car escort of 7 men on 18 June 1951, when proceeding from Embatkalla to Asmara. Between Embatkalla and Nefasit stations, where the railway runs along the hillside above the main road, a gang of Shifta were sighted in ambush for the road convoy approaching from Nefasit in the opposite direction. Corporal Willis, without hesitating, stopped the Littorina, took a portion of his escort, and attacked the Shifta, killing two and wounding one, all of whom were picked up. The rest of the gang of approximately 40, though also engaged, made their escape down the steep and overgrown hillside.
Meanwhile the Littorina proceeded a short distance to a railway halt and the guard telephoned Nefasit Police Post, whence a police patrol proceeded to the area, as well as a British platoon from Embatkalla. The road convoy, being warned by Corporal Willis’s action, halted whilst their escort also opened fire.
From verified later information it was found that the Shifta leader and several others had been badly wounded. Corporal Willis, by his immediate appreciation of the situation, and bold and instant action against an obviously strong force, caught the Shifta unawares and unquestionably saved a very serious situation from arising. The gang of Shiftas concerned had only a few days previously held up and burnt out a train, killing and wounding the escort, as well as ambushing a police road party with the same effect.’

Sold with copied research.