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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 520

Six: Corporal W. D. Beggs, Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, late Calgary Highlanders who was wounded in action during the Battle for Hill 67 on 20 July 1944, prior to the Battle for Verrières Ridge

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver; U.N. Korea 1950-54 (SM 12034 W. D. Beggs), minor polishing and pitting, very fine (6)

William David Beggs enlisted in the Calgary Highlanders at Calgary on 24 June 1940 and by September had arrived in Britain. Remaining there until 1944 he joined the D-Day landings on 6 June when the 2nd Canadian Division attacked Juno Beach. Advancing towards on Verrières they took Hill 67 on 19 July and held it against a fierce German counter-attack. In this time the village of Etavaux had proven a German strongpoint and Major Campbell's 'A' Company was ordered to clear it on 20 July.

Advancing under the cover of dark on the evening of 20 July Campbell's Company advanced on the village only to run into a strong force of German troops backed by machine guns. A firefight developed and- as artillery support was unable to launch a barrage in support- lasted the entire night. The next days it became clear that Campbell faced a force larger than his own with at least one Nebelwerfer artillery piece. The fighting lasted into the evening of 21 July when the Company was relieved. Beggs is listed as wounded in action on 20 July 1944, either in the first engagement with the Germans or during the night battle which developed.

Admitted to No. 23 Canadian General Hospital on 24 July he was to undergo a long rehabilitation finally ending on 17 April 1945 with an attachment to the School of Infantry. Returning to Canada in September 1945 Beggs was discharged on 13 November 1945.

This was not to be the end of his military career however as he joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada on 9 May 1951. He was reposted that same day to the 1st Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada as a Corporal. Posted to Germany with this unit on 17 December 1951 he served there until 25 November 1952 before returning to Canada. Embarking for Korea on 8 October 1953 he arrived after the armistice, earning himself the U.N. Korea Medal. Leaving Korea on 19 November 1954 Beggs served for a time in Britain as a Lance Sergeant before returning to Canda in 1958. He was discharged on 30 July 1959 although did undertake a stretch in the Militia as a Gunner from 26 February 1962-6 April. During this period he was listed as undertaking 'special duty' with the 12th Field Regiment.

Sold together with copied certificates of service, casualty sheets and an extract from Battalion of Heroes, The Calgary Highlanders in World War II, including a casualty roll.

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Sold for
£180

Starting price
£100