Daniel Marcus William Beak
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2008-06-27T08:42:18Z
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Quick-adding category "Burials at Brookwood Cemetery" (using [[WP:HOTCAT|HotCat]])
Major General '''Daniel Marcus William Beak''' [[Victoria Cross|VC]], [[Distinguished Service Order|DSO]], [[Military Cross|MC]] & [[Medal bar|Bar]] ([[27 July]] [[1891]]-[[3 May]] [[1967]]), was an [[England|English]] recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]], the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] forces.
==World War I service==
===1915–1917===
He initially joined the [[Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve]] as a [[naval rating|rating]] on [[2 February]] [[1915]], but before seeing action was commissioned as a temporary [[sub-lieutenant]] in the [[Royal Naval Division]] in May 1915.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7531751&queryType=1&resultcount=2|title=Documents online: Image details (Service record as rating of Daniel Marcus William Beak)|publisher=[[The National Archives]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=29171|startpage=5007|date=[[25 May]] [[1915]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> He was posted to the [[Mediterranean Expeditionary Force]], but it is not clear from his service record if he saw action in that theatre. He arrived in France in May 1916, and after being appointed [[adjutant]] of the Drake Battalion on [[2 March]] [[1917]], he ended up commanding his battalion as an acting [[commander]] between [[19 March]] [[1917]] and [[3 April]] [[1917]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7548773&queryType=1&resultcount=2|title=Documents online: Image details (Service record as officer of Daniel Marcus William Beak)|publisher=[[The National Archives]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> He was promoted to temporary [[lieutenant-commander]] on relinquishing command, and attached to headquarters.<ref name=officerrecord>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7548773&queryType=1&resultcount=2|title=Documents online: Image details (Service record as officer of Daniel Marcus William Beak)|publisher=[[The National Archives]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=30303|startpage=9878|date=[[25 September]] [[1917]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
He was awarded the [[Military Cross]] (MC) in January 1917, and a [[Medal bar|Bar]] to his MC on [[18 July]] [[1917]]. The citations read:<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=29921|supp=yes|startpage=1016|date=[[26 January]] [[1917]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=30188|supp=yes|startpage=7216|date=[[17 July]] [[1917]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
{{quote|[[George V of the United Kingdom|His Majesty the KING]] has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers, in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field :—
[...]
Temp. Sub-Lt. Daniel Marcus William Beak, R.N.V.R.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and initiative and materially assisted in the capture of the enemy line. He set a fine example throughout.}}
{{quote|His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award a Bar to the Military Cross to the undermentioned Officers:—
[...]
Temp. Sub. Lieut, (actg. Lieut.-Comdr.) Daniel Marcus William Beak, M.C., R.N.V.R.
For conspicuous gallantry during operations, when he continually dashed forward, under heavy fire, to reorganize the men, and led them on with great bravery through the enemy barrage and machine-gun fire.}}
He attended the Senior Officers' Course in [[Aldershot Garrison|Aldershot]] in late 1917 and on [[31 December]] was promoted temporary commander, and appointed as [[commanding officer]] of the Howe Battalion.<ref name=officerrecord /><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=30527|supp=yes|startpage=2071|date=[[15 February]] [[1918]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
===1918===
He initially remained in command of the Howe Battalion, then briefly commanded the Anson Battalion in the first week of March 1918, and then transferred back to the Drake Battalion on [[13 March]] [[1918]].<ref name=officerrecord /> He was [[Mentioned in Despatches]] on [[20 May]],<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=30691|supp=yes|startpage=5941|endpage=5942|date=[[17 May]] [[1918]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> and awarded the [[Distinguished Service Order]] (DSO) on [[26 July]] [[1918]], the citation read:<ref name=officerrecord /><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=30813|supp=yes|startpage=8741|endpage=8742|date=[[23 July]] [[1918]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
{{quote|AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER.
[...]
T./Comdr. Daniel Marcus William Beak, M.C., R.N.D., R.N.V.R.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night attack by the enemy the right flank of his division was left in a dangerous position. He arranged for a flank to be formed in that direction, and subsequently covered the retirement of two brigades with a composite rear-guard which he organised and commanded. His initiative and presence of mind greatly assisted in extricating these brigades from a very difficult situation. Throughout, the skilful handling of his battalion was particularly noticeable.}}
He was sick for four days with the [[Spanish flu|flu]] in July 1918, and was granted a period of home leave in August, returning on [[10 August]].<ref name=officerrecord /> During the period 21/25 August and on [[4 September]] [[1918]] at [[Logeast Wood]], [[France]], Commander Beak led his men and captured four enemy positions under heavy fire. Four days later, although 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 to their objective. When an attack was held up, accompanied by only one runner he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine-guns, personally bringing in nine or ten prisoners. His initiative and the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, contributed very materially to the success of these operations. The full citation was published in a supplement to the ''London Gazette'' of [[12 November]] [[1918]] (dated [[15 November]] [[1918]]):<ref name=officerrecord /><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=31012|supp=yes|startpage=13471|endpage=13472|date=[[12 November]] [[1918]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=31259|supp=yes|startpage=4154|date=[[28 March]] [[1919]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
{{quote|''War Office, 15th November, 1918.''
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Noncommissioned Officers and Men: —
[...]
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.}}
He received a second Mention in Despatches on [[20 December]] [[1918]].<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=31077|supp=yes|startpage=14921|endpage=14922|date=[[17 December]] [[1918]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> With the war now over he was granted several periods of home leave, returned home permanently in May 1919, and was demobilised in June.<ref name=officerrecord />
==Inter-war service==
In 1921, he was granted a regular army commission with the [[Royal Scots Fusiliers]] as a [[captain (OF-2)|captain]].<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=32255|supp=yes|startpage=2067|endpage=2068|date=[[11 March]] [[1921]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> Beak was in Ireland with his regiment during the [[Irish War of Independence]]. In the situation, following the [[Irish War of Independence#Collapse of the British administration|collapse of the British civilian administration]], his duties included membership of the ''Courts of Enquiry in lieu of Inquests.'' In July 1921 he is documented as a member of the enquiry into the shooting of [[Killings at Coolacrease|Richard and Abraham Pearson]]<ref>[http://docs.indymedia.org/pub/Main/CoolaCrease/V_British_Military_Courts_of_Enquiry.pdf NAUK (British Public Records Office), WO 35/57A Court of Enquiry]</ref> by the South [[Offaly]] No. 2 Brigade [[Irish Republican Army|IRA]].<ref>[http://www.offalyhistory.com/attachments/1_philip_mcconway_pearsons_coolacrease_1.pdf Philip McConway. "The Pearsons of Coolacrease, pt. 1", Tullamore Tribune, 7 November 2007]</ref>
He was given a [[brevet (military)|brevet]] promotion to [[major (United Kingdom)|major]] in 1929,<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=33454|startpage=153|date=[[4 January]] [[1929]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> and substantive promotion in 1932, on transfer to the [[King's Regiment]].<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=33799|startpage=1050|date=[[16 February]] [[1932]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> He was promoted brevet [[Lieutenant-Colonel (United Kingdom)|lieutenant-colonel]] in 1935.<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=34176|startpage=4259|date=[[2 July]] [[1935]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> The substantive promotion followed in 1938, transferring again, this time to the [[South Lancashire Regiment]].<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=34584|startpage=4259|date=[[2 July]] [[1935]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
==World War II service==
During [[World War II]] Beak was commander of [[12th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|12th Brigade]], [[General Officer Commanding|GOC]] [[Malta]] and [[151st Infantry Brigade]], which he led during [[Operation Pugilist]]. [[Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein|Montgomery]] dismissed him from this post after that battle and he never held another command.
He was an acting [[brigadier]] by [[2 August]] [[1940]] when his promotion to [[colonel (United Kingdom)|colonel]] was gazetted.<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=34911|supp=yes|startpage=4729|date=[[30 July]] [[1940]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> A Mention in Despatches was gazetted on [[20 December]] [[1940]], for services between March and June of that year.<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=35020|supp=yes|startpage=7174|endpage=7189|date=[[20 December]] [[1940]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> He was promoted temporary [[Major-General (United Kingdom)|major-general]] in January 1942.<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=35406|supp=yes|startpage=129|date=[[2 January]] [[1942]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> He retired from the army on [[19 February]] [[1945]], retaining the honorary rank of major-general.<ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=36944|supp=yes|startpage=975|date=[[16 February]] [[1945]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{LondonGazette|issue=38538|supp=yes|startpage=809|date=[[15 February]] [[1949]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/brookwoo.htm Burial location of Daniel Beak] "Brookwood Cemetery"
*[http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbbeak.htm News item] "Daniel Beak's Victoria Cross sold at auction"
*[http://www.tbcs.org.uk/vcs.htm The Brookwood Cemetery Society] ''(Known Holders of the Victoria Cross Commemorated in Brookwood Cemetery)''
{{DEFAULTSORT:Beak, Daniel Marcus William}}
[[Category:1891 births]]
[[Category:1967 deaths]]
[[Category:British World War I Victoria Cross recipients]]
[[Category:Royal Navy personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:British Army World War II generals]]
[[Category:Companions of the Distinguished Service Order]]
[[Category:People from Southampton]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Military Cross]]
[[Category:British military personnel of the Irish War of Independence]]
[[Category:Royal Scots Fusiliers officers]]
[[Category:King's Regiment (Liverpool) officers]]
[[Category:South Lancashire Regiment officers]]
[[Category:Burials at Brookwood Cemetery]]