Mr Hawkins joined the Army in March 1941, initially into the “Royal Army Ordnance Corps” (RAOC), however later that year he was transferred to the “Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers” (REME), attached to the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) of the 87th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
His unit sailed from Greenock in December 1941 for duties in Iraq at Basrah where they were held in reserve for the North Africa campaign, as well as the fear of a German push through the Caucusus to the oilfields in that region.
With the fear of a further push and the German invasion of Persia (Iran) to capture the oilfields in that country, Arthur’s unit became part of the 8th Army known as “Persia and Iraq Force” (PAIF) which subsequently pushed into Persia before the war’s end.
When peace was declared in 1945, troops were due to return to the UK. However, Arthur’s unit, along with a number of others, was held back to keep the peace in Palestine where conflict between Palestinian and Jewish refugee forces was intensifying. Israel eventually became an independent state in 1948.
Commenting on the presentation, Mark said:
“Arthur has been entitled to this medal and clasp for many years, without knowing it. I am heartened that this has now finally been put right and it was an honor to present him with his award, with members of his family looking on.”