Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Headquarters, Eighth Army, British Army

Awarded on:

September 2nd, 1942

"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November, 1941, to April, 1942."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1st Royal Tank Regiment, 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

July 22nd, 1943

"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East."
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This officer was commanding his Regiment on 8 April 1943 during the pursuit to SFAX from the AKARIT position. The Regiment was instrumental in cutting off a column of enemy MET in the arwa SI MOHAMED EN NOUIERS Z.2293 and inflicting considerable casualties on them in personnel and vehicles. Towards evening the Regiment carried out an out-flanking movement against an enemy rearguard of tanks and Anti-Tank guns in the area U-3602 and succeeded in turning the enemy's flank in spite of difficult ground.

On 9 April 1943 in the EL AGAREB area U.6131, the Regiment was ordered to cut off a mixed column of enemy MET, guns and tanks which towards evening was approaching EL AGAREB from the WEST. Lt. Col. BELGHEM handled his Regiment with great vigour and determination by-passed some enemy tanks which opened fire on his Right flank during the advance and closed within 1000 yards of the enemy column, which was then most successfully engaged. 8 enemy tanks which attempted to interfere were held off by the skillful positioning of one squadron. Some 30 lorries and half tracked vehicles and one Mk III tank, besides guns and much equipment were found on the battlefield next day. There is no doubt that severe casualties were inflicted on this column, which was thrown into complete confusion. The country on 9 April was very difficult owing to continuous olive groves in the line of the advance; and had it not been for the drive and tactical ability of Lt.Col. BELGHEM, the enemy might well have got clean away.

Altogether the "bag" of this Regiment between the Wadi AKARIT and SFAX was 5 or 6 tanks, 16 guns, 11 half tracks, 45 wheeled vehicles, 749 PWs and many enemy dead. The greatest credit for this profitable operation must go to the commanding officer, whose skilful handling of his Regiment in difficult circumstances was largely responsible for its success.

I recommend Lt. Col. BELCHEM for the Immediate award of the D.S.O.

On these dates this officer rendered very distinguished service and I most warmly recommend the award.
(G.W.E.J.E.)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

June 29th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

"In recognition of distinguished services in connection with the operations in Normandy."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

March 15th, 1945

"In recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

November 8th, 1945

"Brigadier BELCHAM has served as BGS (Ops) on 21 Army Group Headquarters with great distinction throughout the campaign in North West Europe.

This officer has made a great contribution to the liberation of HOLLAND by his outstanding services."

With swords

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1946

"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

May 14th, 1948

"In recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

May 14th, 1948

"In recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies."