Western Front Final Offensives Beaurevour village Military Medal, GVR awarded to Private J.R. Paddock, 4th Battalion, South African Infantry who was awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 17th June 1919 which covers awards for October 1918. He died on 14th October 1918 and is now buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. Paddock was decorated for his gallantry in recovering the wounded under heavy shell fire and taking them to places of safety in cellars regardless of all personal safety.
Military Medal, GVR, (9082 PTE. J.R. PADDOCK. 4/S.A.INF:)
Condition: toned, Good Very Fine
James Rex Paddock was born in Fort Beaufort, South Africa in 1897 and enlisted at Potchefstroom on 15th January 1916.saw service as a Private (No. 9082) with the 4th Battalion, South African Infantry who saw service on the Western Front and was awarded the Military Medal in the 17th June 1919 which covers awards for October 1918 during the final offensives on the Western Front.
The recommendation for the Military Medal reads:
At about 1am on 8th October when the Battalion was passing through Beaurevoir village towards their assembly point, the enemy opened up a heavy barrage which lasted two hours, inflicting heavy casualties on ‘B’ Company. During this bombardment he was to be seen where the shelling was thickest carrying the wounded through heavy shell fire to places of safety in cellars, regardless of all personal safety. He displayed great courage and set a splendid example to his fellow stretcher bearers.’
Paddock died on 14th October 1918 whilst serving with 4th Battalion, South African Infantry and is now buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Roeun. He is noted as the son of Mrs. G.J. Bower of 15 Tennyson Street, East London, Cape Province
