Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant W. C. Beckett, Shropshire Light Infantry, late 24th Canadian Infantry

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘2nd Lieut. William Charles Beckett King’s Shropshire L.I. 1917’; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. W. C. Beckett.) mounted as worn, good very fine (3) £500-£700

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1917:

‘Temp. 2nd Lt. William Charles Beckett, attd. Shrops. L.I.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although severely wounded, he led a raid into the enemy’s front line, and with great courage and determination remained until he had brought it to a successful issue. His presence had a great moral effect on his party.’

William Charles Beckett went to France on 16 September 1915, as a Private (65060) in the 24th Canadian Infantry Battalion and is entitled to the 1914-15 Star. Commissioned into the Imperial Army, Beckett was attached to the Shropshire Light Infantry when he won his Military Cross. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 5 March 1918.

M.I.D. not confirmed. Sold with copied gazette entry and Medal Index Card which gives three addresses including 25 Stationary Hospital, B.E.F. Rouen, and another at Coningsby Road, Finsbury Park, London N20.