Ernest Frederick Beal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Frederick Beal
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| Born | 27 January 1883 Brighton, Sussex, England |
| Died | 22 March 1918 (aged 35) St-Léger, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit |
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| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Ernest Frederick Beal was a very brave English soldier. He lived from 1883 to 1918. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery. This special award is given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Ernest was born in Brighton, England. His parents were John and Jane Beal. They lived at 55 East Street in Brighton.
A Hero in World War I
Ernest Beal was 35 years old during World War I. He was a temporary second lieutenant in the British Army. He belonged to the 13th Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own).
He earned the Victoria Cross for his amazing bravery. This happened on March 21 and 22, 1918. It took place in St-Léger, France.
What He Did
Ernest Beal was in charge of a group of soldiers. Their job was to take over a trench section. When they got there, they found a big gap. This gap was about 400 yards wide. The enemy was strongly holding this area.
It was super important to clear this gap. But no other soldiers were available right then. So, Ernest Beal quickly gathered a small group. He had less than a dozen men with him.
He led them straight towards the enemy. They found an enemy machine gun. Second Lieutenant Beal immediately rushed forward. He used his revolver to kill the enemy gun team. He then captured their machine gun.
He kept going along the trench. He found another machine gun and dealt with it the same way. In total, he captured four enemy guns. He also caused many casualties to the enemy.
Later that evening, a wounded soldier was left in the open. Heavy enemy fire was all around. Ernest Beal didn't care about the danger. He walked close to an enemy machine gun. He then carried the wounded man back on his shoulders.
Sadly, Second Lieutenant Beal was killed the next morning. He died from a shell explosion.
Remembering Ernest Beal
Ernest Beal is remembered on the Arras Memorial in France. His Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.
Two buses in Brighton & Hove have been named after him. He is also honored at the Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College. His name is on panels there. These panels remember students who fought and died in World War I.
In December 2021, his great-nephew appeared on Antiques Roadshow. He showed a gold locket. It had Beal's picture inside. The locket was decorated with a Victoria Cross emblem.
