Background
Beal was born to John Jay W. and Jane Stillman Beal, who resided at 55, East Saint, Brighton.
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Ernest Beal
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Career
Foreign most conspicuous bravery and determined leading when in command of a company detailed to occupy a certain section of trench. When the company was established, it was found that a considerable gap of about 400 yards existed between the left flank of the company and the neighbouring unit, and that this gap was strongly held by the enemy. lieutenant was of vital importance that the gap should be cleared, but no troops were then available.
Organising a small party of less than a dozen men, he led them against the enemy.
On reaching an enemy machine gun, 2nd Lieutenant Beal immediately sprang forward, and with his revolver killed the team and captured the gun.
Continuing along the trench he encountered and dealt with another machine gun in the same manner, and in all captured four enemy guns, and inflicted severe casualties. Later in the evening, when a wounded man had been left in the open under heavy enemy fire, he, regardless of danger, walked up close to an enemy machine gun and brought in the wounded man on his back.
2nd Lieutenant Beal was killed by a shell on the following morning.
Beal is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. Two Brighton & Hove buses have been named after him.
Achievements
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Beal was 35 years old, and a temporary second lieutenant in 13th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales"s Own), British Army during the First World War, and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 21/22 March 1918 at Street-Léger, France. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Museum, Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.
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Born
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Died
March 22, 1918 (aged 35) -
Nationality
English
Awards
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Victoria Cross Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.