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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment
Pte. Alfred James Beck
British Army 2nd Btn East Kent Regiment
from:Ramsgate Kent
(d.28 Sep 1915)
Alfred Beck is commemorated at Loos-en-Gohelle, in France
Pte. Edgar Beck
British Army 24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Willington
(d.1st July 1916)
Dvr. Frank Beck
British Army 2nd/1st (North Midland) Field Coy Royal Engineers
from:26 Hill Top Road, Warley, Oldbury, Worcs
(d.18th Feb 1917)
Pte. Frederick Charles Beck
British Army 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
from:Stoke St Gregory
Frederick Beck was my grandfather. He and three of his brothers John Samuel, the eldest born 1882, Charles and George. All enlisted together in Taunton on the 23rd September 1914. The four brothers were assigned to the newly formed 7/SLI.
On the 24th July 1916, the Battalion moved by train from Amesbury to Southampton, sailing for Boulogne that evening. Of the four brothers on board the ship, all assigned to the Battalion's B Company, one would be killed within two months.
On the evening of Monday 12th of September, the Battalion held the front line just east of Cordonnerie Farm, close to the hamlet of Petillon, and about five miles south west of Armentieres. This was the very first occasion on which 7/SLI held the line in its own right. The Germans exploded two closely spaced mines directly under the men of B Company, creating a forty yard crater. Five men were killed and seventeen injured. Intense shelling and mortar fire continued for the next three days, on 14th of September George Beck was killed. He was 29, and is buried in the Rue Petillon Military Cemetery, just a mile or so from where he fell.
Frederick Beck was wounded in action on 1st of October, on which date 7/SLI made a daring advance at Le Transloy (Somme area). According to his medical record, Frederick was buried by a shell, suffering injuries to his wrist and knee, after long spells in hospital, Frederick was graded as 'C3' meaning no longer considered fit for active service overseas. He then served with Agricultural Companies of the Labour Corps, firstly with No. 449 Company. Then No. 445 Company.
I don't know much about his brothers Charles and John Samuel, as their records were destroyed by fire. They both returned home to Somerset after the war. Frederick returned home to his wife and eight children. He passed away in 1974 age 91
At the time his brothers sailed to France, Harry Beck their younger brother, still only sixteen, perhaps a wilful attempt to prove himself the equal of his brothers, had already enlisted himself. Drafted to join 8/SLI on 4 October. Amongst a contingent of 248 NCOs and men as that Batallion refitted in the French town of Borre. Surely reflecting on the wisdom of his decision to enlist. Knowing as he would have done of his brothers death. His father wrote a letter: I have a son in France, his age being sixteen. Perhaps you may kindly consider the case as all my sons(five) has been sent to the front, one being killed in France. Army bureaucracy meant that Harry was not finally discharged until 25th of February 1916.
2Lt. Herbert Charles Beck
British Army 152nd Brigade, A Battery Royal Field Artillery
from:Liverpool
(d.25th October 1918)
Herbert Beck, my grandfather, was born in Manchester or Birmingham but was taken with his parents to Boston, Massachusetts when his father, a finisher of brass, was recruited there. Herbert grew up in Massachusetts, married a local girl, a descendant of numerous Revolutionary War Soldiers, and was posted to Liverpool in 1911 as a cotton broker for the Bush Company.
With three children, two born in Liverpool, he was called up or volunteered in 1917 and became a 2nd Lt. with the Royal Field Artillery. On 8th of October 1918, he and a fellow officer named Edwards were sent to explore a new route to bring ammunition to the front, as the current road at that time was being heavily shelled. Much to his surprise and amusement, The Bosche lobbed some shells from their big guns at the two officers, and as they were returning with their new route, a shell exploded near them. Lt. Beck was wounded in the head and back, and was helped back to headquarters by Edwards and some pioneers who were nearby.
He wrote a six page letter detailing his experiences to his wife from a Red Cross Hospital the next day, describing his wounds as superficial and predicting that he would be back in service within a week or so. His main concern other than setting his family's minds at ease was that he would need some new kit. Sadly, infection set in and he died in a hospital in Boulogne on 20th of October. He is buried at the British Cemetery at Terlincthun.
We have in our family a wonderful portrait of him in uniform, plus a very nice portrait of one of his fellow officers, whose initials seem to be J.B.L. Would love to get in contact with any family of this officer.
Pte. James Beck
British Army 11th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles
from:Lisburn
(d.8th Aug 1917)
We are currently researching Rifleman James Beck having visited the Somme and found him on the Menin Gate. He was killed in action at Ypres age 19. Our family name is Beck and we are told he is my husband's great great uncle.
Pte. Jocelyn Beck
British Army Border Regiment
from:Kendal
Our GG Uncle Jocelyn Beck was from Kendal (then Westmorland) and served in the Border Regiment. He was severely injured and was sent to the Norfolk War Hospital. Researching our family history we have just come across this newspaper article. Unfortunately there is no date on the article.
Pte. Thomas Beck
British Army 13th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Hebburn
(d.18th Oct 1916)
Thomas Beck died on 18th October 1916 at the age of 18 whilst serving with the 13th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Born in Hebburn he was the son of Thomas and Margaret Jane Beck (nee Sheppherd). On the 1911 census he is listed as: Thomas Beck age 13 at School is with his parents Thomas and Margaret Jane Beck and family at 84 McIntyre Street, Hebburn. He enlisted in Cramlington.
Thomas is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery and is commemorated on the Palmer Cenotaph (south face) Jarrow.
L/Cpl. Moses Beckerwick
British Army 4th Btn. Middlesex Regiment
(d.15th October 1914)
Lance Corporal Moses Beckerwick, son of Joseph and Rebecca Inskip of Arthur Street, Ampthill was born in Middlesex. He served with the 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. He was killed in action on 15th of October 1914 in France and Flanders and is buried in Arras Road Cemetery, France. He is remembered on The War Memorial, St. Andrews Church, Ampthill. Information courtesy of www.roll-of-honour.com
Pte. E. Becket
British Army 24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
E Becket was wounded in March 1916
L/Cpl. Francis Xavier Beckett
British Army Bed. A Signal Depot Corps of Royal Engineers
from:West Gorton, Manchester
(d.7th Nov 1918)
Francis Beckett was formerly No. 300176, Manchester Regiment. Born in Dublin, he was the son of Charles and Mary Beckett, of 15, Buxton St., West Gorton, Manchester. He died of wounds at home age 21 and is buried in Kempston Cemetery, Bedfordshire
Update: Lance Corporal Francis Xavier Beckett was born in Dublin c. 1897 and had moved to Manchester by the time of the 1901 census. In the 1911 census he was a Butcher's assistant. He enlisted at Manchester in 1913 at the age of 17 and joined the Manchester Regiment. By then he was an iron turner. He died at the military hospital, Bedford from bronchial pneumonia following influenza at 4.30 am.
Spr. George Beckett
British Army 298th Railway Company Royal Engineers
from:Wickham, Hants
(d.9th July 1918)
George Beckett was my grandfather, his name was never mentioned in family circles. It was only on my mother's death that it was discovered from marriage and birth certificates, that by chance, the name of George which had been given to her son in 1976 was that of her own grandfather.
George Beckett was 46 when he died. An experienced railway plate layer, his use to 298th Railway Company was obvious. He left home, no doubt assuring his wife and with 5 young daughters that he would not be working anywhere near the front line. Buried in France, his cause of death is still unknown.
2nd.Lt. Hubert Edge Beckett
British Army 1st/4th (Hallamshire) Btn. D Coy. York and Lancaster Regiment
(d.23rd July 1917)
Hubert Beckett served with D Company. 1st/4th (Hallamshire) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment.
Pte. James Beckett
British Army 9th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
from:Manchester
(d.6th October 1915)
Pte Pizarro William Beckett
British Army 2nd Btn. York and Lancs Regiment
from:Sheffield
My Grandfather, Bill Beckett was not one of the officers or heroes as such, but he was one of the millions who did what had to be done, and I have a free life because of them. He is a hero in my eyes. From research that I have done, (and do not have too much of his story I might add), he left Sheffield with the 2nd York and Lancs regiment and went to the Somme in France. He was transferred on 1.6.1918 to the 861st Coy, ASC. I have read The Long Long Trail documents of others and the life they lived and I also have a few copies of his file from the "Burnt Documents" and that is all I know of his life during the Great War.
Pte. Stanley Beckett
British Army 6th Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment
(d.14th June 1917)
Stanley Beckett served with the 6th Btn York and Lancaster Regiment. At the Battle of Messines, Stanley was killed in action. He is buried at Derry House Cemetery No. 2, Belgium.
Pte. Walter Beardshall Beckett
British Army A Company 28th Division
from:Sheffield
This is my great uncle. I do not know much about him or what happened in his life.
After the War he did emmigrate to Western Australia in 1923 to Northcliffe. It was a group settlement scheme that was attractive to ex- soldeirs to start a new life.
Rfn William Beckett
British Army 2nd Btn Kings Royal Rifle Corps
from:High Wycombe
(d.30th Mar 1918)
2nd Lt. John Edgar Beckingsale
British Army 6th Duke Of Cornwalls Light Infantry
from:Ontario
(d.23rd Aug 1917)
Pte Harry Beckitt
British Army 1st Battalion South Wales Borderers
from:Wragby
(d.5th October 1918)
Pte. Albert Beckwith
British Army 7th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment
(d.19th August 1915)
Private Emmerson Beckwith
British Army 8th. Battalion Durham Light Infantry
from:13 Palmer Street, South Moor, Stanley Co. Durham
(d.29th. April 1917)
Emmerson (Emmy) was my father's step brother (aged 25) was killed in the Second Battle of Arras just 6 days after my father's brother in law, Lance Corporal Robert Lightburn (Aged 29) was killed, serving with 11th. Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, in the same battle, but different sectors. The two families lived within 1 mile of each other in the same mining village in North West Durham
Gnr, James Moffat "Moff" Beckwith
British Army 71st Brigade, 225th Battery Royal Field Artillery
from:Percy Main, Northumberland
My Grandfather, James Beckwith, went to France in July 1915 aged 33 years. He served in Northern France and Belgium and returned home in 1918.
Col.Sgt. Jacques Jean Charles Becquet CdeG & 2Palms.
Belgian Army Bataillon 1. Company 3 1st Line Regiment
from:Ixelles, Brabant
My grandfather was born in Brussels 5th August 1894. He joined the Belgian Army as a front line infantry man on 4th April 1911, joining the first Line Regiment. Promoted to Corporal 1st June 1911, to Platoon Sergeant 20th April 1913, to Company Sergeant 5th July 1914, to Sergeant Major 22nd August 1914 and to Colour Sergeant 19th February 1915. Finishing the great War as a Lieutenant in the 21st Line Regiment.
He had two citations for the Great War: "For the Courage and devotion which he showed during his long period at the front"
"An Officer of a calm and cool gallantry, a leader of the highest order, at the front from the beginning of hostilities and outstanding for his imperturbable sangfroid. On 30th September 1918 after a most difficult approach march across soaking, and in some cases flooded, ground and under sustained machine gun fire and artillery fire, he rallied his men and with a superb dash, with himself at their head. rushed an enemy trench; Thus showing the greatest contempt of danger."
He did once recall that he was once buried alive by a shell burst and was most impressed that his men actually came back to dig him out - he reckoned that not too many officers would have been so lucky!!
When Germany invaded Belgium on 10th May 1940 he was called up to defend his country. When Leopold surrendered in an act of capitulation on 28th May 1940, my grandfather refused to capitulate and carried on fighting as part of the Underground Belgian Army hoping to give the BEF more to time to evacuate (Dunkirk 26th May 1940 to 4th June 1940). He managed to destroy two German tanks before being captured by the Germans on 19th June 1940. Branded a trouble maker he was immediately sent to Colditz Castle POW camp. As Colditz filled up with other nationalities the Belgians were moved to Oflag VII B at Eichstatt, and then to Oflag XD at Hamburg. He retired as a Capitaine Commandant of Reserve (equivalent to Major in the British Army)
Cpl. Sidney John Arthur Beddall
British Army 5th Btn. Bedfordshire Regiment
from:Patk Road, Kempston, Bedfordshire
Sidney Beddall was reported missing on 27th of April 1917. His mother wrote in June 1917 to the Army to confirm she had received a postcard from him confirming he was a prisoner of war at Limberg. It was subsequently confirmed and reported on 8th of July 1917. He also appears to have been imprisoned at Friedrichsfeld. He chose to be demobilised following his Released Prisoner of War two months furlough.
Sgt. Alfred Edward Beddis
British Army 150th Heavy Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery
Lt.Col Arthur Beddoe
British Army 4th Btn. Welsh Regiment
I remember my Uncle Arthur Beddoe who served with 4th Welsh during the First World War. I stayed with him in Pembroke and recall that he still had his horse, Nelson. I think which he kept it in a paddock behind my grandparent's home in Pembroke. He was very much a military man.
Pte. John Thomas Beddows
British Army 1/8th Batallion West Yorkshire Regiment
from:Bilston
(d.26th May 1918)
I have always been fascinated with the Great War, and have visited many battlefields in France and Belgium, but have only just found out that I have a relative who was killed in action. John Thomas Beddows was my grandfather's uncle. He is buried in Bienevillers Cemetery, I have noticed a few others in the same cemetery died within a few days but cannot research anywhere what happened in that area on the 26/05/1918. I would be very grateful if anyone could help me with any research.
Pte. Joseph Beddows MM.
British Army 10th Btn. Gloucestershire Regiment
from:Coventry
Pte. Arthur Bedford
British Army 2nd Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment
from:Smethwick
(d.3rd Nov 1914)
Arthur Bedford was my great uncle. All I know is he was born in 1883 and died 3 November 1914. He has no known grave but his name is inscribed at Ypres on the Menin Gate.
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