Remembering a local Victoria Cross hero

Today marks the 77^th anniversary of a dramatic World War II assault that resulted in a Leighton man receiving the Victoria Cross.

Captain Stephen Halden Beattie from, a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the St. Nazaire Raid which took place on March 28, 1942. 

Beattie was in command of the destroyer HMS Campbeltown which, under intense fire, he deliberately rammed into the dock gates of the Normandie dry dock. The ship had been packed with timed explosives which took the dock out of action, forcing German warships to return to home waters for repairs.

Known as ‘Sam’ Beattie, he was born in the Vicarage, Leighton, to Rev. Prebendary Ernest Halden Beattie, MC and Ethel Knowles. He was educated at Abberley Hall School in Worcester and joined the Royal Navy in 1925 as a Special Entry Cadet.

He was 33 when he was awarded his VC for “great gallantry and determination in the attack on St. Nazaire in command of HMS Campbeltown”.

His VC tribute continues: “Under intense fire directed at the bridge from point blank range, and in the face of the blinding glare of many searchlights, he steamed her into the lock-gates and beached and scuttled her in the correct position.

“This Victoria Cross is awarded to Lieutenant-Commander Beattie in recognition not only of his own valour but also of that of the unnamed officers and men of a very gallant ship's company, many of whom have not returned.”

After grounding the ship, Beattie was taken prisoner of war by the Germans and held until 1945. He was presented the medal following his release by King George VI at Buckingham Palace and two years later he received the French Légion d'honneur. He later achieved the rank of captain, and a posting in 1965 as naval adviser to the Ethiopian government.

He died in Mullion, Cornwall in 1975, aged 67, and is buried at Ruan Minor Churchyard in Helston, Cornwall.

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

There is a stone of remembrance on the Prince of Wales pier in Falmouth, from where his mission, Operation Chariot, set off.

The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

More information on this incredible war hero can be found here.