WW2 NEW ZEALAND GREECE & CRETE DOUBLE GALLANTRY GROUP TO PETTY OFFICER ALAN BECK

Greece and Crete Double Gallantry Group to Petty Officer Alan Beck.

Distinguished Service Medal/Mentioned in Despatches Group of 9 to C/5226 Petty Officer Alan Derek Beck, Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Distinguished Service Medal, GV1 (NZ.. C.5226 A.D.BECK. A.B. N.Z. H.M.S. PHOEBE), 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939/45 War Medal with MID Clasp, New Zealand War Service Medal and Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, GV1 (A.D. BECK A/P.O. C/5226 H.M.N.Z.S.)

D.S.M. - London Gazette 8 January 1942.

"For outstanding gallantry, fortitude and resolution during the Battle of Crete". Recommendation - "This rating, as coxswain of the motor cutter from His Majesty's Ship "Phoebe", showed sound judgment and ceaseless devotion to duty in handling his boat at Sphakia, in Crete, on the night of the 31st May/1st June, 1941. He brought off no less than 350 troopers to the ship, all of whom had to be embarked from a shore with a swell running."

M.I.D. - London Gazette 11 November 1941.

"For gallantry and distinguished service in operations in Greek waters".

Beck's life and career are set out at chapter 8 of Chris Bilham's book, “Sailers Behind The Medals”. The medals are accompanied by a considerable quantity of original photos and documents: a 6" by 8" portrait photo (wearing his DSM ribbon), a group photo on HMS Phoebe, presentation of his medal by the Governor General, even a photo of him at the age of 94, selling poppies at the RSA. Also, original MID certificate, copy of official citation for the DSM, copy of LG entry for the DSM award, award slip for campaign medals, and photocopy of his service record and others. There are also a number of other photos.

There were only 32 DSM awards to members of the NZ naval forces (Michael Maton; Honour the Navies).

Code: 50870