Sergeant Walter Beales

spad · 26 February 2011, 08:24 AM

I have worked for a long time alongside the granddaughter of this airman. He won the DCM in WW1 flying with 48 Squadron. Regrettably a family argument led to his medals being sold off, and the family now have very little information about him. Does anyone have details of his service? He was a successful air gunner although I am not sure just how many victories he was credited with. All my sources indicate shared victories with his pilots but to get the DCM I am sure he must have done more than just be a good shot with a Lewis Gun.

regards

Spad

Froggy · 26 February 2011, 09:08 AM

Hello Spad

As a beginning , look here

Walter Beales

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Beales

Bruno

spad · 26 February 2011, 09:12 AM

Cheers Bruno,

I hadn't seen the citation before. I will tell my friend on Monday.

salut

Raineranton · 26 February 2011, 11:39 AM

Hi Spad,

from Above The War Fronts:

Sergeant Walter Beales, 48 Sqdn:

From Grimsby, Beales was the son of Alderman W.S. Beales of the town's Borough Council. Joined the RFC as a despatch rider in December 1914. He received the 1914-15 Star. He then flew with 48 Squadron as an observer. Wounded in the hand on 28 March 1918, while a Corporal flying with Captain W.L. Wells in C4701, he nevertheless claimed one German out of control and drove off others. Awarded the DMC in April 1918, gazettet 26 June, for this action and for assisting in bringing down two other machines sometimes later. His Bristol was also shot-up twice; on 23 March he and Wells claimed two victories, and he claimed three on 09 May, when a Seregeant and flying with Captain C.G.D. Napier. Came down on this latter date, possibly after a combat with Jasta 46. After the war he became an undertaker at Weelsby Grove, Grimsby, and in WW2 was commissioned in the RAFVR, commanding a gliding school. Later he commanded the local Air Training Corps unit. He retired to Goxhill where he died in 1962 aged 68.

Regards

Rainer

Graeme · 26 February 2011, 02:03 PM

Spad

The citation for Beales' DCM appeared in the Second Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 25 June 1918, published on Wednesday 26 June 1918:

War Office,
26th June, 1918.

His Majesty the KING has been pleased to award the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned for gallantry and distinguished service in the Field:—

2565 Cpl. W. Beales, R.A.F. (Grimsby).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Whilst returning alone from a reconnaissance he was attacked by three enemy machines. Though he was wounded in the hand he drove down one of them out of control, and drove off the others in a running fight lasting ten minutes. On a later occasion he ably assisted his pilot in bringing down two enemy machines, one of which went down in flames. He performed excellent work during recent operations in engaging ground targets, often flying at very low altitudes under heavy fire. His keenness and determination have been a great incentive to the other N.C.O.s. in his squadron.

Graeme