Daniel Marcus William Beak VC

Name: Daniel Marcus William Beak

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: November 15, 1918

Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve

Place/date of birth: Southampton, Hampshire/July 27, 1891

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Temporary Commander (later Major General)

Date of bravery: August 21-5, 1918 and September 4, 1918

London Gazette citation:

T./Comdr. Daniel Marcus William Beak, D.S.O., M.C., R.N.V .R.

For most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty during a prolonged period of operations.

He led his men in attack, and, despite heavy machine-gun fire, four enemy positions were captured. His skilful and fearless leadership resulted in the complete success of this operation and enabled other battalions to reach their objectives.

Four days later, though dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire and led his men with splendid courage to their objective.

An attack having been held up he rushed forward, accompanied by only one runner, and succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing back nine or ten prisoners. His fearless example instilled courage and confidence in his men, who then quickly resumed the advance under his leadership.

On a subsequent occasion he displayed great courage and powers of leadership in attack, and his initiative, coupled with the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, not only enabled his own and a neighbouring unit to advance, but contributed very materially to the success of the Naval Division in these operations

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Other decorations: DSO, MC & Bar

Place/date of death: Swindon, Wiltshire/May 3, 1967

Grave/memorials: Brookwood Cemetery, Surrey

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Spink, London, 2003

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum