{{short description|Recipient of the Victoria Cross}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Use British English|date=October 2013}} {{Infobox military person |honorific_prefix = Major-General |name= Daniel Beak |honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|VC|DSO|MC*}} |image= Daniel Beak VC and George V IWM Q 9759.jpg |image_size= 325px |alt= |caption= King George V presents the VC to Commander Daniel Beak at Valenciennes, 6 December 1918. |nickname= |birth_date= {{birth date|1891|01|27|df=yes}} |birth_place= South Stoneham, Southampton, Hampshire, England |death_date= {{death date and age|1967|05|03|1891|01|27|df=yes}} |death_place= Swindon, Wiltshire, England |burial_place= Brookwood Cemetery |allegiance= United Kingdom |branch= Royal Navy (1915–1919)<br/>British Army (1921–1945) |service_years= 1915–1919<br/>1921–1945 |service_number= 15892 |rank= Major-General |unit= Royal Scots Fusiliers<br/>King's Regiment (Liverpool)<br/>South Lancashire Regiment |commands= 151st Infantry Brigade (1942–1943)<br/>Malta Command (1942)<br/>12th Infantry Brigade (1940–1941)<br/>1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (1938–1940)<br/>Drake Battalion (1918–1919)<br/>Howe Battalion (1917–1918) |battles= First World War * Western Front ** Hundred Days Offensive Second World War * North African campaign ** Tunisian campaign *** Battle of the Mareth Line |awards= Victoria Cross<br/>Distinguished Service Order<br/>Military Cross & Bar<br/>Mentioned in Despatches (3) |relations= |other_work= }} Major-General '''Daniel Marcus William Beak''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|sep=,|VC|DSO|MC1}} (27 January 1891 – 3 May 1967) was a British Army officer and an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
==Early life== Beak was born in Southampton, Hampshire on 27 Jan 1891 and educated at Taunton's School.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/heritage/hampshire100/100historical/1488404.jack-mantle-vc/|title=Jack Mantle VC|website=Daily Echo}}</ref>
==First World War== ===1915–1917=== Beak joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a rating on 2 February 1915, but before seeing action was commissioned as a temporary sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Division in May 1915.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7531751&queryType=1&resultcount=2|title=Documents online: Image details (Service record as rating of Daniel Marcus William Beak)|publisher=The National Archives|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29171|page=5007|date=25 May 1915}}</ref> He was posted to the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, but it is not clear from his service record if he saw action in that theatre. He arrived in France in May 1916, and after being appointed adjutant of Drake Battalion on 2 March 1917, he ended up commanding his battalion as an acting commander between 19 March 1917 and 3 April 1917.<ref name="officerrecord"/> He was promoted to temporary lieutenant commander on relinquishing command, and attached to headquarters.<ref name=officerrecord>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7548773&queryType=1&resultcount=2|title=Documents online: Image details (Service record as officer of Daniel Marcus William Beak)|publisher=The National Archives|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30303|page=9878|date=25 September 1917}}</ref>
He was awarded the Military Cross (MC) in January 1917, and a Bar to his MC on 18 July 1917. The citations read:<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=29921|supp=y|page=1016|date=26 January 1917}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30188|supp=y|page=7216|date=17 July 1917}}</ref>
{{quote|His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers, in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field :—
[...]
Temp. Sub-Lt. Daniel Marcus William 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.}}
{{quote|His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award a Bar to the Military Cross to the undermentioned Officers:—
[...]
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.}}
He attended the Senior Officers' Course in Aldershot in late 1917 and on 31 December was promoted temporary commander, and appointed as commanding officer of the Howe Battalion.<ref name=officerrecord /><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30527|supp=y|page=2071|date=15 February 1918}}</ref>
===1918=== Beak remained in command of the Howe Battalion, then briefly commanded the Anson Battalion in the first week of March 1918, and then transferred back to the Drake Battalion on 13 March 1918.<ref name=officerrecord /> He was Mentioned in Despatches on 20 May,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30691|supp=y|pages=5941–5942|date=17 May 1918}}</ref> and awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 26 July 1918, the citation read:<ref name=officerrecord /><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=30813|supp=y|pages=8741–8742|date=23 July 1918}}</ref>
{{quote|Awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
[...]
T./Comdr. Daniel Marcus William Beak, M.C., R.N.D., R.N.V.R.
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 organised 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.}}
He was sick for four days with the flu in July 1918, and was granted a period of home leave in August, returning on 10 August.<ref name=officerrecord /> During the period 21/25 August and on 4 September 1918 at Logeast Wood, France, Commander Beak led his men and captured four enemy positions under heavy fire. Four days later, although dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire and led his men to their objective. When an attack was held up, accompanied by only one runner he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine-guns, personally bringing in nine or ten prisoners. His initiative and the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, contributed very materially to the success of these operations. In recognition of his efforts, Beak was awarded the Victoria Cross. The full citation was published in a supplement to the ''London Gazette'' of 12 November 1918 (dated 15 November 1918):<ref name=officerrecord /><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=31012|supp=y|pages=13471–13472|date=12 November 1918}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=31259|supp=y|page=4154|date=28 March 1919}}</ref>
{{quote|''War Office, 15th November, 1918.''
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Noncommissioned Officers and Men: —
[...]
T./Comdr. Daniel Marcus William Beak, D.S.O., M.C., R.N.V.R.
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 reorganised 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 in 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.}}
He received a second Mention in Despatches on 20 December 1918.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=31077|supp=y|pages=14921–14922|date=17 December 1918}}</ref> With the war now over he was granted several periods of home leave, returned home permanently in May 1919, and was demobilised in June.<ref name=officerrecord />
==Inter-war service== In 1921, he was granted a regular army commission with the Royal Scots Fusiliers as a captain.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=32255|supp=y|pages=2067–2068|date=11 March 1921}}</ref> Beak was in Ireland with his regiment during the Irish War of Independence. In the situation, following the collapse of the British civilian administration, his duties included membership of the ''Courts of Enquiry in lieu of Inquests.'' In July 1921 he is documented as a member of the enquiry into the shooting of Richard and Abraham Pearson<ref>[http://docs.indymedia.org/pub/Main/CoolaCrease/V_British_Military_Courts_of_Enquiry.pdf NAUK (British Public Records Office), WO 35/57A Court of Enquiry]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> by the South Offaly No. 2 Brigade IRA.<ref>[http://www.offalyhistory.com/attachments/1_philip_mcconway_pearsons_coolacrease_1.pdf Philip McConway. "The Pearsons of Coolacrease, pt. 1", Tullamore Tribune, 7 November 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716105330/http://www.offalyhistory.com/attachments/1_philip_mcconway_pearsons_coolacrease_1.pdf |date=16 July 2011 }}</ref>
He was given a brevet promotion to major in 1929,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33454|page=153|date=4 January 1929}}</ref> and substantive promotion in 1932, on transfer to the King's Regiment (Liverpool).<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=33799|page=1050|date=16 February 1932}}</ref> He was promoted brevet lieutenant colonel in 1935.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34176|page=4259|date=2 July 1935}}</ref> The substantive promotion followed in 1938, transferring again, this time to the South Lancashire Regiment.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34584|page=4259|date=2 July 1935}}</ref>
==Second World War== During the Second World War, Beak was initially the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment which fought in the Battle of France. In June 1940 he was made commander of 12th Brigade, GOC Malta Command and 151st Infantry Brigade, part of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, which he led during Operation Pugilist. General Sir Bernard Montgomery dismissed him from this post after that battle and he never held another command.
He was an acting brigadier by 2 August 1940 when his promotion to colonel was gazetted.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=34911|supp=y|page=4729|date=30 July 1940}}</ref> A Mention in Despatches was gazetted on 20 December 1940, for services between March and June of that year.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=35020|supp=y|pages=7174–7189|date=20 December 1940}}</ref> He was promoted temporary major general in January 1942.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=35406|supp=y|page=129|date=2 January 1942}}</ref> He retired from the army on 19 February 1945, retaining the honorary rank of major general.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=36944|supp=y|page=975|date=16 February 1945}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=38538|supp=y|page=809|date=15 February 1949}}</ref>
His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.
He is buried in an unmarked grave at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey but in recognition of his close ties to Cheltenham, where he served as Acting Secretary of Cheltenham YMCA in 1913, they, together with ''This England'' magazine, erected a commemorative plaque by the main war memorial in the Promenade, which was dedicated by the Mayor of Cheltenham on 27 September 2006.
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Bibliography== *{{cite book| first=Nick| last=Smart| title=Biographical Dictionary of British Generals of the Second World War| isbn=1844150496| year=2005| location=Barnesley| publisher=Pen & Sword}} *{{cite book|last=Gliddon|first=Gerald|title=Road to Victory 1918|series=VCs of the First World War|year=2014|orig-date=2002|publisher=The History Press|isbn=978-0750953610}}
==External links== *[https://generals.dk/general/Beak/Daniel_Marcus_William/Great_Britain.html Generals of World War II] *[http://www.vconline.org.uk/daniel-m-w-beak-vc/4585965314 Biography of Major-General Daniel Beak] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908041838/http://www.vconline.org.uk/daniel-m-w-beak-vc/4585965314 |date=8 September 2021 }}
{{s-start}} {{s-mil}} {{s-bef|before=John Scobell}} {{s-ttl|title=GOC Malta Command|years=January–July 1942}} {{s-aft|after=Ronald Scobie}} {{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Beak, Daniel}} Category:1891 births Category:1967 deaths Category:British World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross Category:Royal Navy personnel of World War I Category:Royal Navy officers of World War I Category:63rd (Royal Naval) Division soldiers Category:British Army generals of World War II Category:Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Category:British military personnel of the Irish War of Independence Category:Royal Scots Fusiliers officers Category:King's Regiment (Liverpool) officers Category:South Lancashire Regiment officers Category:Burials at Brookwood Cemetery Category:Royal Navy recipients of the Victoria Cross Category:Recipients of the Military Cross Category:People from South Stoneham Category:People educated at Taunton School Category:Military personnel from Southampton Category:British Army major generals