WWII M.M. GROUP OF 5 MEDALS TO A/SJT. G. BEVAN, HEREFORD. R.

Military Medal Gazetted 21 Apr 1945:

"On the 1st April 1945, Sgt. Bevan's Platoon was involved in a wood clearing operation east of the Dortmund Ems Canal. His Coy. encountered a well-prepared and strongly occupied enemy position in the wood held by a force of German Officers Students who were fighting fanatically. Early in the operation the Platoon Commander became a casualty and Sgt. Bevan took over a very depleted Platoon on his own initiative he attempted to lead his Platoon to a fire position from which he could cover the advance of the remainder of the Coy. against this dominating feature of high ground. Whilst attempting this manouvre the Platoon was counter attacked by a force about 100 strong. Sgt. Bevan reacted to the situation immediately and repelled the attack, himself manning the PIAT to great advantage, they maintained this position successfully and finally when all ammo had been expended, were ordered to withdraw. Although wounded by a sniper, Sgt. Bevan went round rallying his men throughout this most difficult and isolated operation."

2 officers were killed and 2 wounded with 3 other ranks killed, 36 wounded and 13 missing. For this action, Major Richard G. Tapper was awarded the Military Cross and C.S.M. Harry J. Hartnett also awarded one of 25 Military Medals to the Herefordshire Regiment during WWII.

Gomer Bevan was born in Mountain Ash, South Wales on 12 Feb 1915, the son of William John Bevan who lived at 240 Bailey Street, Mountain Ash in 1901, William John was the eldest of 9 sons of William and Elizabeth Bevan, born in 1873 in Llanwonno, Glamorganshire and entered France with the Army Service Corps on 12 May 1915, discharged on 8 Feb 1919, having survived WWI.