News Archive

Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria - 5 November 2003

Arguably the most important Victoria Cross group for the Great War ever to appear at auction will be included in the sale on November 5. The group to Commander (later Major-General) D.M.W. Beak, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, includes the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross and Second Award Bar, all awarded for gallantry while commanding the Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division.

The Exceptional Great War Victoria Cross, D.S.O., M.C. and Bar Group of Twelve to Major General D.M.W. Beak, Commander, First Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, Late Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Commander, Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division.

(a) Victoria Cross (T/Comn. D. M. W. Beak. D.S.O. M.C. Drake Bn. R.N.V.R; 21st & 25th Aug. & 4th Sep. 1918)

(b) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., reverse of suspension bar engraved 'Temp. Commdr. D.M.W. Beak M.C. Drake Bn. R.N.V.R. March 21st-25th 1918'

(c) Military Cross, reverse engraved 'T/Sub Lt D.W.M. Beak Drake Bn. R.N.V.R. Nov.13th.1916, and Second Award Bar, the reverse engraved 'A/Lieut Commdr D.M.W. Beak Drake Bn. R.N.V.R. Apr 23rd.1917'

(d) 1914-15 Star (S. Lt.)

(e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Commr.)

(g) 1939-45 Star (Maj. Gen.)

(h) Africa Star, with 8th Army Bar (Maj. Gen.)

(i) War Medal, M.I.D. Oakleaf (Maj. Gen.)

(j) Jubilee 1935 (Major)

(k) Coronation 1937 (Lt. Colonel)

(l) Coronation 1953 (Maj. Gen.), good very fine, the group mounted as worn (12)

V.C. London Gazette 15.11.1918 T/Commander D.M.W. Beak, D.S.O., M.C., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve: 'For most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty during a prolonged period of operations. He led his men in attack, and, despite heavy machine-gun fire, four enemy positions were captured. His skilful and fearless leadership resulted in the complete success of this operation and enabled other battalions to reach their objectives. Four days later, though dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganized the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire, and led his men with splendid courage to their objective. An attack having been held up, he rushed forward, accompanied by only one runner, and succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing back nine or ten prisoners. His fearless example instilled courage and confidence into his men, who then quickly resumed the advance under his leadership. On a subsequent occasion he displayed great courage and powers of leadership in attack, and his initiative, coupled with the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, not only enabled his own and a neighbouring unit to advance, but contributed very materially to the success of the Naval Division in these operations.'

D.S.O. London Gazette 26.07.1918 D.M.W. Beak M.C., Temporary Commander, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night attack by the enemy the right flank of his division was left in a dangerous position. He arranged for a flank to be formed in that direction, and subsequently covered the retirement of two brigades with a composite rear-guard which he organized and commanded. His initiative and presence of mind greatly assisted in extricating these brigades from a very difficult situation. Throughout, the skilful handling of his battalion was particularly noticeable.'

M.C. London Gazette 26.1.1917. Temp. Sub-Lt. Daniel Marcus Beak, R.N.V.R. 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and initiative and materially assisted in the capture of the enemy line. He set a fine example throughout.'

M.C. Second Award London Gazette 18.7.1917. Temp. Sub. Lieut. (actg. Lieut-Comdr.) Daniel Marcus William Beak, M.C., R.N.V.R. 'For conspicuous gallantry during operations, when he continually dashed forward, under heavy fire, to reorganize the men, and led them on with great bravery through the enemy barrage and machine-gun fire.’

Please contact Richard Bishop or John Hayward with any pre-sale enquiries on 020 7563 4000. Richard can also be contacted by email on rbishop@spink.com. To order your copy of the auction catalogue, please contact Client Services via catalogues@spink.com.