Stephen Halden Beattie (VC, Croix de Guerre avec Palmes and Legion d'Honneur (France)) (29 March 1908 – 20 April 1975) was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 33 years old, and a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 March 1942, in the attack on St. Nazaire, France, Lieutenant-Commander Beattie was in command of HMS Campbeltown. Under intense fire directed on the bridge from a range of about 100 yards, and in the full blinding glare of many searchlights, the lieutenant-commander steamed Campbeltown into the lock gates, as instructed, and beached and scuttled her in the correct position.

The Victoria Cross was awarded not only in recognition of Lieutenant-Commander Beattie's own valour, but also of the unnamed officers and men of the ship's company, many of whom did not survive. He later achieved the rank of Captain.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum (London, England).

Reference

• British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (Cornwall)
• HMS Campbeltown and the Raid on St. Nazaire (detailed description of the action)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.