Bill Speakman, Altrincham’s great war hero and the first person to receive a Victoria Cross from Queen Elizabeth, dies aged 90

By David Prior

 

 

 

Bill Speakman, Altrincham’s great war hero who was the only living Victoria Cross holder from the Korean War, has died at the age of 90.

 

The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association has today released a statement confirming that Bill died yesterday surrounded by his family.

 

It read: “It is with great sadness that we pass on the news of the death of William “Bill” Speakman VC. He died peacefully yesterday (20th June) evening at the Royal Hospital Chelsea which he was proud to call his home. Members of his family were at his bedside.”

 

Full story: http://altrincham.today/2018/06/21/bill-speakman-altrinchams-great-war-hero-first-person-receive-victoria-cross-queen-elizabeth-dies-aged-90/

 

-- Altrincham TODAY 2018-06-22

The story of the "Beer Bottle VC", note there is, er, "language" in this link so it's not a live link you need to copy and paste.

http://www.badassoftheweek.com/index.cgi?id=543793523196

From the link:-

 

Quote

Asked later about how much balls you need to run head-first into a squad of enemy soldiers, Speakman gave an awesomely-British response – he simply said, “You have to mix it with them.  There were so many of them, you just had to get on with it.”

 

A true British hero, RIP

 

R.I.P. sir they dont make them like you anymore, a true hero.

A big lad at 6' 6'' and could handle himself

 

R I P 

A life well lived. RIP and good luck in Valhalla.

7 hours ago, colinneil said:

R.I.P. sir they dont make them like you anymore, a true hero.

There are very few heroes any more colinneil , my ex father in law might be one , he was a young captain in WW2 , he is still doing ok so my daughter and husband say , he did have a fall a couple of weeks back and went into Cann House for a rest he is now back home and he told my son in law to look in the box under his bed when he has finished his earthly course .  We don't know what is in the box , will keep you posted. A proper gent of the old school , shame I couldn't get on with his youngest daughter.

A man's man. In a day where if you listen to FOX "NEWS" 47% of Americans (Republicans) are heroes,

this guy is the real deal. He will be missed. RIP.

RIP Sgt, you were a TRUE hero.

 

From this page  https://www.kosb.co.uk/sergeant-william-speakman-vc-obituary-and-funeral-arrangements/

 

Quote

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The funeral for the late Sergeant William Speakman VC KOSB will take place in The Wren Chapel, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4SR on Thursday 19^th July 2018 at 2pm. Currently there is no restriction on attendance, indeed all Borderers are most welcome to attend. Further details of dress and time will be emailed in due course.