William Speakman

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

SPEAKMAN,* William. (reg. No. 1173)

Private. Black Watch attached to the King's Own Scottish Borderers (1st Battalion)

London Gazetted on 28th December 1951.

Born on 21st September 1927 at Altrincham, Cheshire.

Digest of Citation reads: Private Speakman's section was holding the left shoulder of his company's position when its casualties caused it to be seriously depleted. At that time they were being over-run by thousands of Chinese. On his own initiative, Private Speakman, collected a pile of grenades, and he led six others as they carried out a series of charges. These charges had the effect of breaking up several of the enemy attacks, causing them heavy casualties. Even after he was wounded, by shrapnel, he continued to lead charge after charge. The battle went on for six hours and when they ran out of ammunition they threw rocks and stones, in fact, anything they could lay their hands on. In all, he led 15 counter-charges, delaying the enemy long enough to allow for his company's safe withdrawal.

Additional information:. In a report in the 'Times' on the 8th July 2003, it stated that Bill Speakman-Pitts was now 75 years of age. He was the last surviving VC of the Korean War. He left the Army in 1969 after serving 25 years. Being unable to get work, he decided to go to sea, signing on with the Union Castle Line which was operating between Southampton and South Africa. He said that he liked South Africa so much, that he decided to settle down there. He now lives in Durban. William Speakman-Pitts attended VC dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May 2003and on the 20th May 2003, he unveiled a plaque on a bridge, a flyover supporting a dual carriageway linking the Woodlands and Stockport Roads. He returned to live in England and now lives at Altrincham, Cheshire

*Now Speakman-Pitts