Background
BEETHAM, Marshal of the R.A.F. Michael James was born on May 17, 1923 in London. Son of Major G. C. Beetham.
BEETHAM, Marshal of the R.A.F. Michael James was born on May 17, 1923 in London. Son of Major G. C. Beetham.
Saint Marylebone Grammar School, London.
Joined Royal Air Force 1941. Served 35, 50, 57 Squadrons, Bomber Command 1943-1946. Headquarters Staff 1947-1949; 82 (RECCE) Squadron, East. Africa 1949-1951.
Staff College 1952.
Directorate of Operational Requirements, Air Ministry 1953-1956. Commanding Officer 214 (Valiant) Squadron, Royal Air Force Marham 1958-1960. Group Captain, Operations, Headquarters Bomber Command 1962-1964.
Commanding Officer Royal Air Force Khormaksar, Aden 1964-1966.
Imperial Defence College 1967. Ministry of Defence Director of Operations (Royal Air Force) 1968-1970.
Commdt. Royal Air Force Staff College 1970-1972.
Assistant Chief of Staff (Plans and Policy) Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe 1972-1975. Deputy Commander in Chief Strike Command 1975-1976.
C. -in-C. Royal Air Force Germany and Commander 2nd Allied Tactical Air Force 1976-1977. Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force 1977-1982.
Air Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty the Queen 1977-1982.
Deputy Lieutenant Norfolk since 1989. Director Brixton Estate Public Limited Company 1983, General Electric Company Avionics Limited. since 1984, (Chairman 1986-1990). Chairman Trustees Royal Air Force Museum 1983-: Honorary Liveryman, Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators since 1984.
Married Patricia East. Lane in 1956.