Stephen Beattie

Stephen Halden Beattie
Born 29 March 1908
Leighton, Montgomeryshire
Died 20 April 1975 (aged 67)
Mullion, Cornwall
Buried at Ruan Minor Churchyard
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  Royal Navy
Years of service 1927-1960
Rank Captain
Commands held HMS Campbeltown
Battles/wars World War II
Awards
Other work Naval Adviser to the Ethiopian Government (1965)

Captain Stephen Halden Beattie VC (29 March 1908 – 20 April 1975) was a Wales-born recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

‘Sam’ Beattie was born at Leighton, Montgomeryshire and educated at Abberley Hall School in Worcester. He joined the Royal Navy in 1925.

Details

Beattie was 33 years old, and a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed at the St. Nazaire Raid took place whilst in command of HMS Campbeltown for which he was awarded the VC:

For great gallantry and determination in the attack on St. Nazaire in command of HMS Campbeltown. Under intense fire directed at the bridge from point blank range of about 100 yards, and in the face of the blinding glare of many searchlights, he steamed her into the lock-gates and beached and scuttled her in the correct position.

This Victoria Cross is awarded to Lieutenant-Commander Beattie in recognition not only of his own valour but also of that of the unnamed officers and men of a very gallant ship's company, many of whom have not returned.[1]

After grounding the ship, Beattie was taken prisoner of war by the Germans and held until 1945. In 1947 Beattie received the French Légion d'honneur.[2] He later achieved the rank of captain, and a posting in 1965 as naval adviser to the Ethiopian government.

He died at Mullion, Cornwall. Buried in Heston, Cornwall

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum, London, England.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 35566. p. 2225. 19 May 1942. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Royal Navy (RN) Officers 1939-1945". World War II Unit Histories and Officers. Retrieved 24 March 2007.
  3. ↑ "Victoria Crosses held by the IWM". VictoriaCross.org. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
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