Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce inter-War ‘Palestine 1939’ M.C. pair awarded to Lieutenant C. E. W. Hull, The Queen's Regiment, who was killed in action in the Second World War whilst fighting against Vichy forces in the Middle East in June 1941

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse undated as often issued in this period but privately inscribed ‘Captain Charles E. W. Hull, The Queens Royal Regt. 1939’, contained in its Royal Mint case of issue; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2/Lieut. C. E. W. Hull. The Queens R.) nearly extremely fine (2) £1,800-£2,200

M.C. London Gazette 14 July 1939: ‘For gallant and distinguished service in Palestine: Second- Lieutenant Charles Edward Wetherall Hull, 2nd Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey).’

The following information is based on details extracted from the regimental history:

2nd Lieutenant Hull was commanding a platoon during a major operation in Palestine against Abu Salani on 23 May 1939. The village was on high ground surrounded on every side but one by olive groves. As Hull's platoon moved in from the north they came under heavy fire which resulted in Major Beeton and two men killed, and three more wounded. The patrol returned to HQ at dusk with the bodies of 12 Arabs. It is probable that Hull was awarded the M.C. for this action. The regiment received 1 D.S.O., 4 M.Cs., 1 D.C.M, 4 M.Ms. and 8 mentions for services in Palestine.

During the Second World War Hull was officer commanding 'B' Company, 2nd Queen's between El Alamein and Mersa Matruh, and in December 1940 took part in the battle of Sidi Barrani. He was killed in action on 24 June, 1941 when, during the attack on the Damascus-Beirut road, his company came under heavy attack from machine-guns and armoured cars belonging to the Vichy French.

Charles Edward Wetherall Hull was born in 1917, son of Captain Leonard S. B. Hull, of Harpford, Devon. He was educated at Radley College, where he was a Cadet in the College Contingent, Junior Division, Officer Training Corps. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Queen’s Regiment on 4 January 1936, and placed on the Supplementary Reserve of Officers. Killed in action on 26 June 1941, he is buried in Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery.