WWII Military Cross group of 7 to Major C. L. Beattie of 8th...

Estimate

£1,000 - £1,000

WWII Military Cross group of 7 to Major C. L. Beattie of 8th bn. Durham Light Infantry. MC reverse engraved to Major C. L. Beattie 8th Bn D.L.I Sicily 1943, 1939-45, Italy, France and Germany stars, Defence Medal, BWM and Croix de Guerre with star, mounted as worn very fine and better. With offer paperwork from Hayward and Hall, Piccadilly and handwritten research by vendor stating "Battle of Plimosole Bridge Sicily 15-16/7/43. In 'A' Company, Capt Beattie won the MC and CSH Hannah the MM. Both were well to the fore when 'A' Company crossed the river in the initial attack. Cpt Beattie led the way and was first across and first on the objective, closely followed by his CSM. When the company was under heavy machine gun, mortar shell fire Cpt Beattie was always seen where the fire was heaviest, encouraging his men. He was constantly sniped but never showed signs of fatigue. Battle of Mareth Cpt Beattie wounded in minefield, dragged into anti-tank ditch by stretcher bearers, Battle of Gheel-Steelen 8 Sept 1944 4.30pm crossing of Albert canal, a crossing was greeted by fire of an enemy machine gun, which fortunately was not very accurate. After about 15 minutes the two leading platoons were across the canal but suffered only three or four casualties As they were going over the fire became more intense and Major Beattie was badly wounded as he climbed the bank on the enemy side. He was evacuated immediately but the following day the bn. was shocked to hear that he died of his wounds. Beattie, one of the original territorial officers has been with the bn. all through the war, except for a time in 1940 when he was in the brigade anti-tank company. His death was a great loss to the 8th as he had in his own quiet friendly way developed into a first clast CFY commander who could always be relied upon to acquit himself well in any situation". With copied CWWG paperwork. (See photo) (R)