Stephen Beattie

Captain Stephen Halden Beattie VC (29 March 1908 – 20 April 1975) ‘Sam’ Beattie was born at Leighton, Montgomery and educated at Rugby. He joined the Royal Navy in 1925. Beattie 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
Beattie was 33 years old, and a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed at the St. Nazaire Raid took place whilst in command of HMS Campbeltown for which he was awarded the VC: "For great gallantry and determination in the attack on St. Nazaire in command of H.M.S. Campbeltown. Under intense fire directed at the bridge from point blank range of about 100 yards, 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."

He later achieved the rank of captain. He was born in Montgomeryshire and died at Mullion, Cornwall.

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