Military Cross : Lieutenant H E a'Beckett, 1 Battalion AIF

Place Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Albert Bapaume Area, Gueudecourt
Accession Number REL39631
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Award
Physical description Silver
Maker Unknown
Place made United Kingdom
Date made c 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Military Cross (Geo V). Engraved on reverse with recipient's details.

History / Summary

Hastings Elwyn a'Beckett was born at Bathurst, NSW and enlisted for service with the AIF at the age of 24 years in November 1914. He was assigned to 6 Light Horse Regiment with the service number 550. He was later attached to 1 Australian Divisional Headquarters at Gallipoli where he served from May 1915. By the evacuation of troops from the Anzac Area in December 1915, a'Beckett had been promoted to corporal. Before he embarked for the Western Front in March 1916, a'Beckett was transferred to 1 Battalion and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In July 1916, a'Beckett was wounded at Contalmaison, near Pozieres, though remained on duty with his battalion in the Battle of Pozieres until they, as part of 1 Brigade, were replaced by 2 Brigade on 27 July. He was then evacuated and transported to hospital in England. He returned to his battalion in October, having been promoted to lieutenant, and having received Mention in Despatches for his actions at Pozieres (gazetted London 4 January 1917). In November, Lieutenant a'Beckett was awarded the Military Cross. His citation for the award reads: 'For his coolness and courage in an attack on the enemy's trenches near GUEUDECOURT on the night 4th/5th November 1916. Whilst leading his men in the first assaulting party, a shell burst near him, leaving him in a dazed condition. On recovering, he returned to our assembly trenches, and again led a party in the second attack. When that failed owing to the enemy's severe machine gun fire, he remained close to hostile trenches endeavoring to collect men to make a further effort. Throughout the whole operation he showed great coolness and courage and led his men with much dash.' In May 1917 at Bullecourt, a'Beckett was again wounded in action and transported to hospital in England, returning to his unit in September. On 26 May 1918 at Strazeele, he was wounded for a third time by a serious gun shot wound to the jaw, again being evacuated to England where he received medical attention. After he recuperated, a'Beckett MC returned home to Australia in December 1918.