Medals makeover for Altrincahm VC hero Bill Speakman (From Messenger Newspapers)

Medals makeover for Altrincahm VC hero Bill Speakman

6:00pm Tuesday 20th October 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

ALTRINCHAM Victoria Cross hero Bill Speakman has had his medals refurbished.

Bill won the VC - the highest military decoration - for an astounding act of bravery during the Korean War.

Now Bill, aged 82, has had his medals re-hung on a new bar and brooch and the ribbon replaced by Northwich jewellers AJ Parkes.

He said: "The medals had got a little grubby over the years and the ribbon dirty.

"I am very pleased with the work."

He was a private in the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) in Korea in November 1951, when he broke up several enemy attacks.

On his own initiative Private Speakman collected six men and a pile of grenades and led a series of charges.

Despite being wounded in the leg he kept the enemy at bay for long enough to enable his company to withdraw safely.

Although his award was made by King George VI, Bill was the first person to receive the Victoria Cross from Queen Elizabeth II.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)