220041 Pte. Robert Matthew Beatham VC.Australian Imperial Forces 8th Btn. (d.11th Aug 1918) Robert Beatham was killed in action, on the 11th of August 1918, aged 24. He is buried in the Heath Cemetery in France.
He was the son of Elizabeth Beatham, of Glassonby, Kirkoswald, Cumberland, England, and the late John Beatham.
An extract from "The London Gazette" dated 13th Dec., 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the attack north of Rosieres, east of Amiens, on 9th Aug., 1918. When the advance was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Pte. Beatham dashed forward, and, assisted by one man, bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing ten of them and capturing ten others, thus facilitating the advance and saving many casualties. When the final objective was reached, although previously wounded, he again dashed forward and bombed a machine gun, being riddled with bullets and killed in doing so. The valour displayed by this gallant soldier inspired all ranks in a wonderful manner."
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