- Contributed by听
- Medowden
- People in story:听
- James Patterson
- Location of story:听
- Beja, North Africa
- Background to story:听
- Army
- Article ID:听
- A2329535
- Contributed on:听
- 22 February 2004
My late father-in -law. Jimes Patterson served in the Royal Artillery 1942-1945. My brother-in-law has compiled a small book of his memories and reminiscences entitled - "Jimmy's War/Memoirs of a Gunner." (ISBN no. 0 9531205)
On 8th June 1943 the Daily Telegraph reported on the "gallantry of the 155th Battery of the Royal Artillery at Sidi Nsir ... fighting to the last gun and almost to the last man (which) saved the Allied lines near Beja." Jim was involved in this battle, and at it's successful outcome, the colonel awarded the survivors an 'unofficial' Beja Badge. I have one in my possession - it is made of tin with a red felt background. On it is the name Beja, with a German tank being 'run through' diagonally by a sword.
The family would be intrigued to learn of any other recipients/owners of this badge which was never officially recognised by the army.
Jim was very modest and disliked talking about his experiences, but my brother-in-law (his son-in-law) persuaded him that his recorded memories were important for the future and particularly for his 4 grandsons (3 of whom are my sons), which is why he reluctantly agreed to take part in this excercise.
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