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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 185

Seven: Major W. E. Hawkins, South African Forces, who was 'mentioned' with the 6th South African Armoured Division

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa Service Medal 1939-45, these all officially inscribed '8004 W. E. Hawkins'; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., South Africa bi-lingual issue, the reverse officially engraved, 'Maj. W. E. Hawkins. S.C. (V.)', mounted as worn, gilt worn on the last, otherwise very fine and better (7)

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 May 1946.

'…in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre:'

William Ernest Hawkins was born at Hythe, England on 26 January 1909 and enlisted with the Active Citizen Force on 26 January 1926 as Sergeant with the Witwatersrand Rifles. Serving with them for some time he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 8 April 1929.

Transferring to the Prince Alfred's Guard on 1 August 1930 Hawkins was advanced Lieutenant there in 1931 and Captain in 1932. Appointed Adjutant soon after he was to hold the appointment from October 1932-July 1933. Promoted Major on 4 November 1939 he was serving in this rank upon the outbreak of the Second World War.

Remaining in South Africa until March 1942 when he was posted to the 3rd Armoured Division as Staff Officer Class II and proceeded to the Middle East with them on 14 July 1943. There he served largely with the 6th South African Armoured Division and 13th South African Motorised Infantry Brigade. He relinquished the appointment on 29 May 1945.

Returning to South Africa on 11 July 1945 he returned to the Active Citizen Force and was promoted Substantive Commandant on 1 March 1946. During this time he was appointed Commanding Officer of the Prince Alfred's Guard on 1 March 1946 with the goal of re-establishing the Regiment in the wake of the war. Transferred to the Reserve of Officers with the rank of Commandant on 1 July 1952; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£200 to £300

Starting price
£160