BEATTIE, James Simpson
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Rank:
Corporal (later Second Lieutenant)
Unit / Base:
1 Commando
Prior Police Service:
Edinburgh City Police
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Scots
Service:
Army
Number:
14241854 and 314128
Honours & Awards:
Corporal James Beattie was awarded the Military Medal in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1].
Recommendation [1a]
"On 4th March 1943 at the battle of the Mine near Sedjenane the above mentioned N.C.O. was instrumental in saving the lives of a great number of his comrades.
At about 1500hrs he observed a German patrol equipped with M.G. 34 moving to a position where the could bring fire to bear on his Troop.
His Troop were unaware of the danger. Seeing this Cpl. Beattie took up a fire position with his rifle and accounted for six of the Germans including the machine gun team. During the whole time Cpl. Beattie was under heavy mortar fire.
By this action Cpl. Beattie undoubtedly saved the lives of a great number of his comrades. During the remainder of the battle this N.C.O. constantly showed great powers of leadership and throughout his determination and devotion to duty were an example to all who saw him".
- July 1942 volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 2nd Police Intake [5].
- 1 April 1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant from O.C.T.U. [2].
- 1967 Chief Superintendent, Edinburgh City Police, awarded the Q.P.M. [3].
- 1978 Deputy Chief Constable, Lothian and Borders Police appointed O.B.E. [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35987, page 1846.
[1a] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/1/148.
[2] London Gazette 36540, page 2524.
[3] London Gazette 44210, page 32.
[4] London Gazette 47723, page 9.
[Image above] Edinburgh Evening News, 23rd April 1943, p4.
[Image below] The Scotsman newspaper 24 April 1943.
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