A Collection of Medals to Second World War Casualties

Three: Private W. A. Shears, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, killed in action at the Battle of Metemma, Eritrea, 6 November 1940

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. J. Shears, 71 Northdown Street, Caledonian Road, London NW1’, extremely fine (3) £100-140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Second World War Casualties.

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William Alexander Shears served with the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment during the Second World War, and was killed in action at the Battle of Metemma, in Eritrea, on 6 November 1940, aged 20. He is buried in Keren War Cemetery, Eritrea.

Shears is the only 1st Battalion Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire casualty fighting at Gallabat between 6 and 12 November 1940. There were 16 1st Battalion Essex Regiment casualties, and it is probable therefore that Shears was serving with his sister Regiment. An Italian column from Gadabi occupied Metemma on 12 April 1936. After War was declared between Britain and Italy, the Italians crossed the border and occupied Gallabat. The British recaptured the town on 6 November 1940, with the intent of then capturing Metemma; however, the attack on Metemma, under the command of Brigadier (later Field Marshal) W. J. Slim later that day failed and the British were forced to evacuate Gallabat again. They finally captured Metemma on 19 January 1941. Total British and Indian casualties amounted to 42 killed and 125 wounded.