John Archibald BECKETT, GC (Posthumously)
The stories of all the recipients have now been told in Marion Hebblethwaite's series One Step Further but she is bringing out an Appendix with new information so please contact her on 01993 880223 or info@gc-database.co.uk if you are related or can add to what is already published.
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No. & Rank at the Time of Action: 521319, Sergeant
Unit/Occupation: Driver, Royal Air Force
Date and Place of Birth: 14th March 1906, Lurgan, Co.Armagh, N.Ireland.
Family: Son of Samuel Nicholl Beckett and Elizabeth Swanton Beckett. Three brothers William - killed in action with the Merchant Navy 1941 and Samuel a WO in the RAF - killed in action 11th April 1943.
Early Life: Educated at St. Enoch’s Public Elementary School, Belfast. Previously worked as a Fitter for Coombe Barbour, (Textiles) and Harland & Wolff (Shipyard) J A Beckett enlisted c. Jan 1935. Evacuated from France in 1940 served in Canada for two years, Egypt 1944 and Palestine 1946.
Date and Place of GC Action: 28th March 1947, Ein Shemer Air Headquarters, Levant
The London Gazette: 16th December 1947