Post by BereniceUK on Apr 12, 2017 7:14:49 GMT
2742 Private Robert Matthew Beatham V.C., 8th Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Killed in action on 11th August 1918, aged 24. Son of John and Elizabeth Beatham, of Glassonby, Kirkoswald. His brothers I A Beatham, John Wilfred Beatham and Frederick William Beatham also fell. 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, Private 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."
