Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘North West Europe’ military B.E.M. awarded to Sergeant William J. Beacham, Royal Marines

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sgt. William J. Beacham, RM, Ex.5151) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £200-250

B.E.M. London Gazette 22 January 1946. ‘For good service in the campaign in North West Europe.’

Recommendation states: ‘This NCO has an outstanding record throughout the war, serving with distinction through the Battle of Britain, in Crete, the Middle East, Ceylon, India, the early 1944 “Diver” attacks in England and finally with the B.L.A. in N.W. Europe.

Since Sep. 1944, during the whole period of his Regiment’s mobile deployment in France, Belgium and Holland he has been a fine example not only to his own guns crew but also to all with whom he came in contact, by his untiring and unsparing efforts; in spite of many difficulties and the bad weather conditions of a winter campaign he has never failed to infuse his own good spirit into the men around him.

Although constantly in action whether in the field role or against Diver targets, or in coast defence against midget submarines, Sgt. Beacham has always made time to look to the welfare of his Troop. By his untiring devotion to duty, his resource and initiative under the most arduous conditions he has proved an inspiration to all who came into contact with him.’

With copied recommendation - unit given: 1st H.A.A. Regt. R.M.