World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Openshaw, Manchester, he served as a Rifleman in Company A, 1st Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps, British Army. On November 21, 1941, at North Africa, the King's Royal Rifle Corps were ordered to seize the high ground overlooking the Sidi Rezegh airfield. Going across 2,000 yards of open ground, Rifleman Beeley's company was pinned down by heavy enemy fire at point-blank range. Most of the officers and men were either killed or wounded, when Rifleman Beeley got to his feet carrying a Bren gun and ran forward towards a strong enemy post containing an anti-tank gun. He managed to destroy the post which enabled the advance, but was found dead across his gun. For courage in the face of the enemy and self-sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross presented to his widow by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on October 20, 1942.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Openshaw, Manchester, he served as a Rifleman in Company A, 1st Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps, British Army. On November 21, 1941, at North Africa, the King's Royal Rifle Corps were ordered to seize the high ground overlooking the Sidi Rezegh airfield. Going across 2,000 yards of open ground, Rifleman Beeley's company was pinned down by heavy enemy fire at point-blank range. Most of the officers and men were either killed or wounded, when Rifleman Beeley got to his feet carrying a Bren gun and ran forward towards a strong enemy post containing an anti-tank gun. He managed to destroy the post which enabled the advance, but was found dead across his gun. For courage in the face of the enemy and self-sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross presented to his widow by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on October 20, 1942.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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