Name
Richard Beasley (DCM)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
30/10/1917
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
12930
Bedfordshire Regiment
4th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Benskin's Brewery Memorial, Watford,
Northchurch Village Memorial,
St Mary’s Church Window, Northchurch
Pre War
Richard was born 1893 in West Hagbourn, Berks, the son of Vincent Beasley, Housepainter and Elizabeth Ann (nee Bishop). He had 4 Brothers and 1 sister. By the 1901 Census the family residing in Northchurch. On the 1911 Census Richard was now working, aged 18, as a Butcher.
His parents married 8 February 1880 in Blewberry, Berks. Vincent died 1914 in the Hemel Hempstead, Herts, district aged 58; Elizabeth died 1931 in the Berkhamsted, Herts, district aged 71.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Hertford as private 12930 in the Bedfordshire Regt. His entry to France was 30 Jul 1915 which indicates he was in the 6th Battalion at that time. He was promoted to Lance Corporal and also transferred to 4th Battalion at some time.
Richard was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 18 Jul 1917. His citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and Devotion to duty. He volunteered to attack a machine gun placed out in the open, which was holding up all progress. He crossed the open under heavy fire, bombed the crew, but was wounded while trying to fire the gun on the enemy. 18 Jul 1917. "
Richard was killed in action on 30 Oct 1917 during a partially successful attack across the Paddebeek stream near Passchendaele. His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £14 10s and arrears of £29 11s 4d paid to his Mother Elizabeth.
There is a brief article about Richard in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 11 August 1917.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, www.dacorumheritage.org.uk/first-world-war-database, Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
