b. 1919 Wallasey, Cheshire. d. 10/11/1942 North Africa.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 10/11/1942 North Africa.
George W Beeching AM
George was born in 1919 in Wallasey, the son of George and Rebecca Beeching (nee Ireland). At the onset of World War II, George was a member of Birkenhead Division St John’s Ambulance, then the Wallasey Division. After his death, the Albert Medal in Gold was presented to his parents. The George Beeching Prize for Compassion is awarded annually to the RN, RM or RFA healthcare worker or team who has displayed outstanding kindness, care or thoughtfulness to a patient or group of patients during the course of their normal duties. The award winner must demonstrate a clear awareness of the needs of the patient and the demands of the situation. (Courtesy of Terry Hissey).
AM CITATION:
Sick Berth Attendant Beeching was between decks when H.M.S. Ibis was hit. The explosion caused serious damage and the ship took a list to starboard of about 15°. The Emergency Lighting partly failed and the Mess Decks were deep in oil fuel. Sick Berth Attendant Beeching showed great courage and presence of mind. He helped those who came forward with wounds, among them one man very badly burned about the face and hands. Sick Berth Attendant Beeching took him to the Sick Bay and gave him morphia. When the ship began to heel over, and it was apparent that she would capsize, he helped the man to the deck, gave him a life belt, and got him into the water before abandoning ship himself. Sick Berth Attendant Beeching was not seen again.
BURIAL LOCATION: LOST AT SEA. NAMED ON CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: STOLEN IN 1992 FROM MUSEUM OF ST JOHN, CLERKENWELL
Acknowledgement:
Ian Logan – Images of Beeching AM on Chatham Naval Memorial and of the crew of the HMS Ibis.