Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War B.E.M. group of four awarded to Acting Warrant Officer Class II T. J. Harris, Royal Regiment of Wales, late Welch Regiment, who was wounded in action in Korea on 10 December 1951

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (22339963 Act. W/O. II. Terence J. Harris, R.R.W.) edge prepared prior to naming, with Royal Mint case of issue and outer named card box; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (22359963 Pte. T J. Harris. Welch.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus (22359963 Sgt. T. Harris. Welch.) mounted court-style for display; together with the related miniature awards (the Korea Medal a 2nd issue type), these mounted court-style for wear, light contact marks, generally good very fine (4) £700-£900

B.E.M. London Gazette 3 June 1972.
The original Recommendation, dated 7 February 1972, states: ‘Sergeant (Acting Warrant Officer Class II) Harris has been a Permanent Staff Instructor with this Battalion since 20 June 1969. His first 21 months with the Battalion, at that time designated The Welsh Volunteers, were spent with B Company at Newport where he was the senior Permanent Staff Instructor and as such did exceptionally good work. In April 1971, however, when the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve expanded, the Welsh Volunteers were disbanded and used to form a nucleus for two new Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve Battalions. At this stage Acting Warrant Officer Class II Harris was transferred to Abertillery where a completely new Company was to be formed as part of the new 3rd (Volunteer) Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Wales.
Throughout his Army career Acting Warrant Officer Class II Harris has always been noted for his energy and drive. At no time, however, have these qualities been more apparent and more profitably directed that in the last ten months. As the only Permanent Staff Instructor and regular soldier in the new Company, the main burden and responsibility for recruiting men for this new sub-unit devolved on Acting Warrant Officer Class II Harris. He willingly and enthusiastically accepted the challenge. In the succeeding ten months, by his quiet determination, exceptional zeal and remarkable resourcefulness Acting Warrant Officer Class II Harris has raised over 60% of his full establishment and is still drawing in fresh recruits. In itself this is a commendable effort but is not rested there. Using his forceful personality and dynamic drive he has forged this raw material into a thoroughly effective and happy company.
No man has or could have worked harder to make this new Company a success. Their keenness, efficiency and cheerful 'esprit de corps' reflect the inspired leadership high standards and dedication of Acting Warrant Officer Class II Harris. It is typical of his unassuming character that he disclaim all credit for this. Nevertheless he alone, by his tireless effort and selfless devotion - far above the normal call of duty - and his superb personal example has accomplished this notable success.
Acting Warrant Officer Class II Harris is due to leave the Army in September 1972 and official recognition now of his many years of loyal service, and his recent magnificent contribution to the effectiveness, standing and sense of purpose of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve and this Battalion would be justly deserved and warmly welcomed by his regiment.’

Terence James Harris was born in 1931 and attested for the Welch Brigade at Brecon on 6 September 1950. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment in Korea from 10 October 1951 to 28 January 1952, and again from 13 February to 8 November 1952; he was wounded in action on 10 December 1951, sustaining gun shot wounds to his left leg and right thigh. He saw further active service in Cyprus from 17 December 1957 to 12 December 1958. He was discharged on the completion of his engagement with the rank of Staff Sergeant (Acting Warrant Officer Class II) on 5 September 1972, after 22 years’ service.

Sold with the recipient’s Certificate of Service Red Book; original Telegram to the recipient’s mother stating he was wounded in action on 10 December 1951, with original letter from his Platoon Commander to his mother stating her son was wounded by a Chinese ‘burp’ gun in the legs during a Chinese attack; original letter from the Infantry Record Office confirming the telegram stating he had been wounded but had no further details as yet; and original letter from the Infantry Record Office stating her son had sustained Gun Shot wounds to his left leg and right thigh; 4 original letters congratulating the recipient on the award of his BEM; three photographs; an ‘Images of Wales’ history of the Welch Regiment book; and a Welch Regiment cap badge and Welch Regiment medallion.