RIP Bill Speakman VC
Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:38 pmProbably unknown to everyone here but well known in some circles, Bill Speakman who won a VC in Korea. An economic conscript from Manchester who joined the Black Watch*, and despite being one of the awkward squad volunteered for Korea and was attached to the KOSBies**. He was awarded his VC for defending a position against Chinese attack with hand grenades and the bayonet. Despite being wounded he bore no grudge against the Chinese.
He later transferred to the SAS where his idiosyncrasies were tolerated more than in a line regiment. Larger than life, both literally and figuratively, he was spoken of fondly by the old KOSBies I used to work with. If a quarter of the stories I heard were true he would be a fitting entry in "a life well lived" as well.
*a kilted regiment, local to Fife and Dundee.
** King's Own Scottish Borderers, local to Dumfries.
He later transferred to the SAS where his idiosyncrasies were tolerated more than in a line regiment. Larger than life, both literally and figuratively, he was spoken of fondly by the old KOSBies I used to work with. If a quarter of the stories I heard were true he would be a fitting entry in "a life well lived" as well.
*a kilted regiment, local to Fife and Dundee.
** King's Own Scottish Borderers, local to Dumfries.