World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Southampton, England, he served as Commander in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. At Logest Wood, France, on the dates of August 21, 25 and September 4, 1918, Commander Beak led his men and captured four enemy positions under heavy fire. Four days later, although dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he re-organized the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire and led his men to their objective. When an attack was held up, accompanied by only one runner he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine-guns, personally bringing in nine or ten prisoners. For most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Valenciennes, France, on December 6, 1918. He later achieved the rank of Major General in the British Army and was Commanding Officer at Malta in 1942. He died at age 75 in the Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon, Wiltshire, following a long illness.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Southampton, England, he served as Commander in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. At Logest Wood, France, on the dates of August 21, 25 and September 4, 1918, Commander Beak led his men and captured four enemy positions under heavy fire. Four days later, although dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he re-organized the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire and led his men to their objective. When an attack was held up, accompanied by only one runner he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine-guns, personally bringing in nine or ten prisoners. For most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Valenciennes, France, on December 6, 1918. He later achieved the rank of Major General in the British Army and was Commanding Officer at Malta in 1942. He died at age 75 in the Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon, Wiltshire, following a long illness.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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