Daniel Beak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Beak
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King George V presents the VC to Commander Daniel Beak at Valenciennes, 6 December 1918.
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| Born | 27 January 1891 South Stoneham, Southampton, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 3 May 1967 (aged 76) Swindon, Wiltshire, England |
| Buried |
Brookwood Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy (1915–19) British Army (1921–45) |
| Years of service | 1915–1919 1921–1945 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 15892 |
| Unit | Royal Scots Fusiliers King's Regiment (Liverpool) South Lancashire Regiment |
| Commands held | 151st Infantry Brigade (1942–43) Malta Command (1942) 12th Infantry Brigade (1940–41) 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (1938–40) Drake Battalion (1918–19) Howe Battalion (1917–18) |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Military Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches (3) |
Major General Daniel Marcus William Beak (27 January 1891 – 3 May 1967) was a brave British Army officer. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage in battle for British and Commonwealth soldiers. He also earned the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Military Cross (MC) with a Bar.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Daniel Beak was born in Southampton, England, on January 27, 1891. He went to school at Taunton's School.
Serving in the First World War
Daniel Beak joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in February 1915. Soon after, he became a temporary sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Division. He was sent to France in May 1916.
He quickly showed great leadership skills. He became the adjutant (a senior assistant) of the Drake Battalion. Later, he even commanded his battalion as an acting commander.
Awards for Bravery (1917)
Beak earned the Military Cross (MC) in January 1917. This award recognized his outstanding bravery. He led his men in an attack with great courage. His actions helped capture an enemy line. He was a fantastic example to everyone.
He received a Bar to his MC in July 1917. This means he earned the award a second time. During another operation, he kept moving forward under heavy fire. He bravely reorganized his men and led them through enemy attacks.
Later in 1917, he attended a special course for senior officers. By the end of the year, he was promoted to temporary commander. He then became the commanding officer of the Howe Battalion.
Heroic Actions in 1918
In 1918, Commander Beak continued to lead his men with courage. He commanded different battalions, including the Drake Battalion. He was recognized for his service in May.
In July 1918, he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This award was for his amazing leadership during a night attack. When his division's side was in danger, he quickly formed a new defense line. He then helped two brigades (large groups of soldiers) retreat safely. His quick thinking saved many lives.
The Victoria Cross (VC) Actions
Between August 21 and 25, 1918, and again on September 4, at Logeast Wood, France, Commander Beak showed incredible bravery. He led his men to capture four enemy positions. They faced very heavy enemy fire.
A few days later, he was hit and dazed by a shell fragment. Even so, he took charge when his brigade commander was absent. He reorganized the entire brigade under intense gunfire. He then led his men to their goal.
When an attack stopped, he rushed forward with only one helper. He managed to destroy a group of enemy machine guns. He even captured nine or ten prisoners himself. His fearless example gave his men courage and confidence. They quickly continued their advance because of his leadership.
For these incredible acts, Daniel Beak was awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery. His leadership helped his own unit and a nearby unit advance. It also greatly helped the success of the Naval Division.
He received another mention for his service in December 1918. After the war ended, he returned home in May 1919. He left the military in June.
Between the World Wars
In 1921, Daniel Beak joined the regular army as a captain. He served with the Royal Scots Fusiliers. During this time, he was in Ireland. He helped with official investigations in place of inquests.
He was promoted to major in 1929. In 1932, he became a major officially when he moved to the King's Regiment (Liverpool). He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1935. In 1938, he officially became a lieutenant colonel. He then transferred to the South Lancashire Regiment.
Serving in the Second World War
Leading Battalions and Brigades
At the start of the Second World War, Daniel Beak was the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. This battalion fought in the Battle of France.
In June 1940, he became the commander of the 12th Brigade. He also commanded the Malta Command and the 151st Infantry Brigade. He led the 151st Infantry Brigade during Operation Pugilist in the Tunisian campaign.
He was promoted to temporary major general in January 1942. He retired from the army in February 1945. He kept the honorary rank of major general.
Legacy and Memorials
Daniel Beak's Victoria Cross is on display. You can see it in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London.
He is buried in an unmarked grave at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey. However, a special plaque was placed in Cheltenham, England, where he had ties. The Mayor of Cheltenham dedicated this plaque on September 27, 2006.
