No.12844, Corporal, William Robert BEETON
Aged 24
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William Robert Beeton was born in Soham on 22nd October 1891 (Newmarket Q4-1891 3B:536), baptised in Soham on 25th November 1891, son of William and
Sophia BEETON (née PLEASANCE).
1901 census...Aged 9, he was at East Fen, Soham with his father William BEETON [37] farm labourer; his mother Sophia [31]; brothers Sidney H [4] and Ernest J [3 months]. All were born in Soham. 1911 census...Aged 19, a farm labourer, he was still at East Fen, Soham, with his parents; brothers Sidney (farm labourer), Ernest and Albert [2]; his sisters Maud [7] and Eva [4]. The new siblings were all born in Soham. The pension card has them at East Fen Common still |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. At the end of April 1916 the 2nd Suffolks were in the trenches and shelters at Kemmel. They suffered some gassing but only lost 2 men so far in May. As ever, when a man dies of his wounds it is difficult in the absence of his Army records to ascertain exactly where or when he was wounded. In this case however the report in the local press is quite informative. Initially treated at Field Ambulances and then Casualty Clearing stations just behind the line, the more serious cases would have been taken to hospitals further back and eventually back to UK. Localpress report :- SOHAM SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION Soham has added another of its heroes to the list of men who have died for King and Country. Information was received by Mr.and Mrs. Wm Beeton, of East Fen Common, on Tuesday of the death of their eldest son, Corpl.W.Beeton, of the 2nd Suffolk Regt., which occurred on May 9th. The late Corpl.Beeton enlisted almost at the outbreak of war, and was drafted out with his regiment in January 1915. Six months later he was wounded in the head, and being subsequently brought to England he spent several weeks in a hospital in Birmingham, following which he went to a convalescent home. He was granted a week's leave in September which he spent with his parents, afterwards leaving for Felixstowe, where he was engaged in drill instruction. He came home prior to his departure for the front in March, so he had been back only a very short time before he met his death. The sad news was conveyed to the parents in a letter from the Captain who wrote :- "I much regret to have to send you the very sad news that your son died from wounds received in action on Tuesday, May 9th. A shell exploded at the mouth of the dug-out, and your son was the most wounded of the casualties, and died during the day. He was extra-ordinarily plucky over his wound, and we all admired him for it, but I could see there was little hope for him, as his right leg had to be amputated. I had only known your son for a short time, but had regarded him as a valuable and first rate N.C.O., and will miss him greatly. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss. He is one of thousands who have given their lives so nobly for their King and Country in this great war, which the Allies are slowly but surely winning". A letter has also been received from the Chaplain, the Rev. H.C.Stanley,late Rector of Walpole,near Wisbech. He relates how the death occurred,and adds that he buried the deceased in a military graveyard just behind the lines. Continuing he says:-"I send you two pansies for remembrance, which I picked as I left his grave. A nice cross has been placed over his grave. Pray accept my deepest sympathy with you in your grief. He was a good soldier and a brave man. How proud you must be of him. You will always cherish his memory as one who gave his life for King, Country and you." Corpl.Beeton was 23 years of age.He has a brother engaged in a mine-sweeping vessel.
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