Description
A Good Military Medal group – 11th (Accrington, Pals) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment,
Military Medal (Geo V) 31474 Sjt A.C.S. Mjr – J. Beech 11 / E. Lan. R.; British War and Victory Medals, 31474 W.O. Cl. 2 J. Beech E. Lan. R.; Medal ribbon bar for the MM only.
Joshua Beech was born in Oldham, Lancashire.in 1887.
It appears that Beech joined the Accrington Pals after the 1st July 1916. Although the Pals character of the 11th East Lancashires had been destroyed in front of Serre, the battalion was returned to strength and went on to fight through to the end of the war. It took part in successful offensive actions on 28th June 1917 at Oppy–Gavrelle (Battle of Arras), on 28th June 1918 at La Becque, and on 28th September 1918 at Ploegsteert Wood. During the great German Spring Offensive of 1918, the battalion distinguished itself in defensive roles on 27th March at Ayette and on 12th-13th April at the Lys (Hazebrouck).
Military Medal – London Gazette 21st October 1918
The 21st October gazette contains awards for actions between the May and June 1918, so probably for the battalions part at La Bacque 28th June 1918.
La Bacque:
As “W” Company consolidated on a line from Gombert Farm to Verte Rue, “X” and “Y” Companies led by Capt. George Bentley forged ahead to the final objective 300 yards (275m) beyond Gombert Farm. Both companies reached their objectives, though not before “X” Company had been reduced to just 34 men under the command of Sgt. Beech. Despite having been severely wounded by shellfire, C.S.M. James Fleming led two platoons of “Y” Company to their objectives after the loss of their officers.
Discharged 24th April 1919.
Condition – GVF
